Where to play pickleball when it's cold AF outside

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Happy Tuesday, Capital Region! Today, we’re taking you to Latham where you can play America’s hottest sport—pickleball—without braving the elements. As always, we’ve got your music listings and more for the whole week!

Grab your paddle, friends 🦫

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Where to play pickleball when it’s cold AF outside

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. We’re definitely seeing that trend here in the Capital District, where its popularity has lately outpaced the availability of courts.

Court space is especially precious when the weather turns frigid, and outdoor play is no longer an option—unless you’re some kind of weird, paddle-wielding polar bear 🐻‍❄️ 

But winter pickleballers can rejoice: more and more indoor courts are opening up. Pickleball518, which is the best source for all things pickleball in the Capital District, has a handy list of all the indoor facilities in the area. They also have an interactive map showing both indoor and outdoor courts.

On an appropriately snowy day, we recently paid a visit to True Pickleball Club in Latham, which was ranked by Pickleball518 as the top indoor venue in the Capital Region.

Located inside the former Kmart shopping complex at 195 Troy Schenectady Road, next to Hudson Boulders and Vent Fitness, the courts at True Pickleball are a pickleballer’s dream.

Inspired by the private tennis clubs that co-owner Michael Bibbo used to visit with his grandmother, the 20,000 square-foot facility features five USAP-approved cushioned courts, plus a “championship court” with an attached club room. There are wooden cabanas at each court, and a large lounge area in front. The ceilings are high, so your lobs won’t stop short, and it’s all very pristine and well-lit.

Since opening in October 2023, the club’s membership has quickly grown to more than 5,000 players who come for daily round-robin style matches (what’s known as “open play”), league games, tournaments, and special events, like a recent Glow Night. Thanks to its liquor license, the club can host private parties with adult beverages.

“We had a 50th birthday party here that was 80s themed,” recalls Kate Sweet, True Pickleball’s event coordinator. “They rented the whole club, and everybody dressed up. It was a crazy surprise.”

New to pickleball? You can book a clinic for a reasonably priced $30 per hour. Or you can book a private lesson with one of their pros.

The deets: True Pickleball Club. Rates: $12.50 per hour per player. Championship court reservation is $15 per hour. You don’t need to be a member to reserve court time. Pro tip: Mention that The 518 sent you and newbie players can rent paddles for free!

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🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

Note: Our full weekend roundup publishes on Thursday! Keep an eye on your inbox.

🤖 On Wednesday morning, Overit Media is hosting Uncharted Creativity, AI in Action, a free 2.5 hour session on AI-powered artistry, from 8:30—11am. Check it out in person or online!

🐶 On Thursday, Nine Pin in Albany invites you to paint a portrait of your pet at their Craft Night. But don’t bring your actual pup—portraits will be pre-sketched from photos! Also tix are going fast for Nine Pin’s Tarot Reading on Saturday.

🧘‍♂️ On Saturday morning, bring your mat to a free yoga class at lululemon Crossgates Mall with brand ambassador Karli Taylor.

🧸 A new flea market is starting up in Schenectady on Saturday, at Via Port Rotterdam.

🥟 Also Saturday, learn to make Chinese pork belly buns and more with Kian Lam Kho, a food writer and cooking teacher specializing in Chinese cuisine.

🤘 On Saturday night, Empire Live presents the Extreme Music Awards, celebrating all things metal, punk and hardcore in the Capital Region.

🎭️ Also Saturday night, Proctors Theatre in Schenectady raises the curtain on its new musical production, the Tony Award-winning “Parade.”

🎥 On Sunday afternoon, bring the kids to the Glove Theatre in Gloversville for a free screening of the cult classic, “Spirited Away.”

💃 On Sunday night, Troy’s No Fun puts on the first of their special dance series. First up, it’s Swing Night with a live band and lessons for all you newbies.

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