With the recent explosion in the popularity of pickleball, it seemed as though it would be only a matter of time before a dedicated year-round pickleball facility would open locally.
That time has come, with the opening of SPORTIME Pickleball’s newest facility at 112 Business Park Drive in Armonk. The 25,000-square-foot club that celebrated its grand opening on March 15, features 11 oversized pro-cushion courts with 30-foot ceilings, state-of-the-art lighting and climate-controlled playing conditions year-round.
Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, SPORTIME Pickleball Armonk offers the sport’s enthusiasts, and future players, ample opportunities to rent court time, take private or semi-private lessons, participate in instructional programs, including programs for adult and junior beginners, enjoy social and level-rated open play sessions and compete in tournaments and special events.
SPORTIME’s decision to open its fifth pickleball-exclusive location in the tri-state area – and the second in Westchester – highlights its commitment to being the leading pickleball club provider in the region. It has also operated tennis facilities since 1994.
SPORTIME Pickleball Armonk reflects the high demand and levels of participation in the market. The company’s Armonk opening comes six months after the debut of its dedicated pickleball facility in Yorktown. SPORTIME is also the longtime operator of clubs in Eastchester and Mamaroneck that now feature both pickleball and tennis.
“Armonk is a great community with a large group of pickleball enthusiasts who have not had access to a convenient, high-quality, indoor facility to enjoy until now,” said Joe Siegel, senior vice president and managing director of SPORTIME pickleball. “Our new facilities in Armonk and in Yorktown are providing enthusiastic Westchester players of all ages and levels with the high-quality, year-round playing and learning opportunities for which they have been waiting.”
The Armonk facility was custom-built for SPORTIME and took more than 18 months to construct. With spacious courts, bright, comfortable, playing conditions and welcoming social and viewing areas at courtside and on a second-floor mezzanine, the facility promises to be a popular destination for pickleball players. The club also features a pro shop offering balls, paddles, pickleball apparel and accessories, and two private party rooms that members and visitors can reserve for parties and special events.
“In our first week in business, we booked a Bar Mitzvah,” shared Kylene Murray, general manager of the Armonk location.
Attractive to the Masses
Murray said what has helped make pickleball so popular is the relatively short learning curve.
“It is the ease with which most people can pick up the game that has fueled the growth of pickleball,” Murray said. “A pickleball court is about one-third the size of a tennis court, so it’s a little easier to get to where you need to be. The paddle is smaller and closer to your hand than a tennis racket, so it is easier to contact and control the ball, which is lighter than a tennis ball and travels more slowly. These differences allow nearly anyone, from children to older adults, to learn and enjoy pickleball quickly, and to reap the physical and social benefits of the sport.”
Murray explained that singles and doubles can be played on a pickleball court, but that most enjoy doubles. Players often organize their own groups, and the club also offers open play sessions spread across many courts. In these situations, players can come on and off the courts, play a variety of matches, meet new partners and friends and socialize with players from other courts.
“Pickleball is a naturally social sport, and players feel that sense of community right away, as soon as they come to a club and get on a court,” said Murray, a former collegiate and professional tennis player who previously worked at SPORTIME’s Randall’s Island location. “Pickleball is also relatively inexpensive, and many new players can enjoy friendly competition starting the very first time they step on a court. We host events for groups of players with zero racket sports experience. We give those players a quick 101 introductory session that lasts 20 to 30 minutes, just to show them the basics, and by the end of the first session they are playing pickleball.”
Siegel explained that the social interaction is, for many, as important as the game itself. “I think that the social aspect of the game has been instrumental in its explosive growth,” he said. “People of all levels, backgrounds, ages and walks of life are able to enjoy playing and spending time together.”
Playing the Game at SPORTIME
While many nearby municipalities have converted some of their public tennis courts or playground spaces to outdoor pickleball courts, being able to play year-round in the Northeast requires indoor courts. The conditions at SPORTIME are the same regardless of frigid cold, blistering heat, rain, snow or wind outside. A reserved court, program or coach are always ready as scheduled.
Programming at SPORTIME Pickleball Armonk offers three main categories of activity: instruction, social play and competition. Murray said that adult and junior players can choose from a variety of clinics based upon their level and interest. Those wanting personalized instruction can take advantage of private and semi-private lessons with certified, experienced coaches.
For intermediate level players and above, the club offers level-based open play sessions, advanced clinics and special events. And for players wanting to compete in a more structured way, there are leagues and tournaments, and SPORTIME Adult Team Pickleball (ATP), through which club-based teams compete against teams from other SPORTIME clubs.
Siegel said that SPORTIME Pickleball Yorktown hosted the inaugural Westchester Pickleball Championships on March 14, attracting 80 teams that competed in 11 different divisions. Next year, Siegel hopes that the Armonk location will co-host that growing annual event, allowing it to accommodate an additional 75 teams.
The original plan was for Armonk to be open for most of the 2025-26 indoor season, Siegel explained, but that construction delays pushed the opening to mid-March. Despite the wait, the local community has been very supportive and excited about the opening.
“Local players are thrilled that we are finally open,” Siegel said. “We look forward to hosting busy spring and summer seasons, offering a variety of great programs that we know our players will love, and then having a packed club starting in the fall of 2026.”
Those interested in playing at SPORTIME Armonk are encouraged to check-out the club’s online program menu, or to visit or call the club at any time. The facility also offers a virtual help desk, through which player assistance can be received by call or text.
SPORTIME Armonk’s membership fee is $20 a month and members receive discounted court-time fees, complimentary monthly member benefits, and priority member access and advance reservation privileges. SPORTIME Pickleball membership includes access and benefits at all SPORTIME pickleball clubs and facilities across the tristate area, including two New Jersey locations, multiple Long Island locations and the four Westchester locations.
Otherwise, court rentals are $50 an hour before 5 p.m. and $60 after 5 p.m. on weekdays while on weekends, courts cost $60 an hour before 5 p.m. and $45 an hour after that time.
“We expect the club to be quite busy, so it’s always best to make a reservation if you want to play with friends or partners, or to join an open play session or a clinic if you want to meet some new friends and partners,” said Murray.
Armonk’s location, close to Connecticut and off of I-684, is easily accessible to players from Westchester and Fairfield counties.
For more information on the clubs and its available offerings, visit sportimepickleball.com.
