Newport Pickleball Club, the largest indoor pickleball facility in Rhode Island, is opening its doors on December 26.
Located at 866 West Main Road in Middletown (formerly Island Cinemas 10), the complex offers 11 state-of-the-art indoor courts, a restaurant and bar, lounge area, and dedicated space for private events.
The club, spearheaded by entrepreneurs John Theberge and Charles Irving, aims to be a game-changer for the region. Theberge, a Middletown resident, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“Newport Pickleball Club is a place for people to gather for a shared experience and a place to be entertained, active and connected to a community,” Theberge said in a statement included within a press release. “We want people of all ages to come, hang out, experience pickleball, enjoy our friendly vibe and spend several hours with us having fun.”
The facility is designed to cater to both competitive enthusiasts and recreational players. Daily pickleball programming is available, along with social event programming to make the club a repeat destination for visitors.
In a statement, Irving emphasized the club’s multifaceted appeal. “Stay for a game or hours of pickleball and social fun. Our combination of great food and drink, along with world-class courts for a sport that’s hugely popular with people of all ages, together create a uniquely engaging environment we believe will be a great success,” he said.
While the courts are ready for play on December 26, the restaurant is slated to open in February 2025. The dining establishment will operate under the leadership of Chris Jones. According to the press release, the restaurant will feature a variety of American cuisine, customer favorites, and shareables made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
The club offers both membership options and amenities for non-members. This flexibility allows for a range of experiences, from casual visits to regular play.
According to the company in a press release, its tagline, “Built by Friends for Friends for Fun,” reflects the longstanding friendship between the two college co-founders and the spirit they hope to foster at the club.
“Our goal is to amplify all the things that have made pickleball capture the hearts and minds of people of all ages and abilities,” Theberge said. “It’s fun. It’s active. It’s social. It opens doors to a new community and enhances established ones. We sincerely hope this will be a treasured addition to the greater-Newport residents and visitors.”
Beyond pickleball, the facility includes a game area with ping-pong, shuffleboard, and big-screen TVs. This diverse offering aims to create a space where families, friends, and groups can connect and share engaging experiences.
For more information about Newport Pickleball Club, including membership details and programming, visit their website at Newportpickleball.com.
