Pickleball’s boom in CNY

Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) –  Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with over 5 million new players in the past year. That growth is apparent here in Central New York. Originally played mostly by senior citizens, pickleball — a hybrid of tennis and pingpong — has exploded in popularity nationwide, especially among young adults in major cities.

GROWTH IN CNY: INDOOR FACILITIES

Pickleball is a game that was created to be played outside, which isn’t ideal for Syracuse. From early November all the way through late March, it’s nearly impossible to play pickleball outdoors due to the temperature and snow.

Here in Central New York, indoor facilities are popping up around the area, including the Erie Canal Pickleball Center, which opened in 2025. A membership costs $99 per month or $79 for students.

J.B. Riffle, an Erie Canal Pickleball member, has seen the growth firsthand.

“In my short time, playing at a place like this has established itself, it was like the first really dedicated pickleball space in Central New York,” Riffle said.

These indoor facilities are valuable, especially here in Central New York, where they allow the game to be played in the winter months.
“So with this space, you know, it’s open year-round, we can definitely find games throughout the year,” Riffle said.

A GAME FOR EVERYONE

For those who don’t want to pay membership fees to play pickleball, there are outdoor courts at Onondaga Lake Park. The set of courts is free to the public.

Weather permitting, SU student Evan Friedman is a regular at the court.

“I think that creates a stronger connection within the community. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences interacting with people, whether that’s with my doubles partner or the group on the next court,” Friedman said.

Free access to the courts makes it easy for people to pick up games and make new friends. Even Riffle got his start there.
“We were playing for free and just kind of casually. And then, you know, when a place like [Erie Canal Pickleball] opens up, as many courts as it has, we can kind of regularly find games here,” Riffle said.

PICKLEBALL ON CAMPUS

While most Syracuse residents will pay for membership fees at indoor facilities in the area, or students with cars will drive to Onondaga Lake Park, there are also on-campus options. The Barnes Center can convert some of the basketball courts to pickleball and hosts a pickleball tournament once a semester.

For Friedman, the campus has often been the easiest. “Playing pickleball on campus has been huge in giving me the mental break I need throughout the school year. Growing up always playing sports, pickleball keeps me active while having a good time with friends,” Friedman said.

For students at Syracuse, the Barnes Center offers a pickleball tournament once a semester. The next tournament is coming up on Nov. 1.