Mega Pickleball Facility Planned For Stamford Mall

STAMFORD, CT — Pickleball, anyone?

Pickleball America will become one of the largest indoor pickleball venues in the world as it takes over an 80,000 square foot anchor space in the Stamford Town Center mall at 140 Atlantic St.

The venue will house 28 indoor pickleball courts, lockers, showers, a lounge, café and area for childcare, and will partner with a number of professional associations, leagues and clubs, as well as the USA Pickleball Ambassadors and coaches in the tri-state area to offer private and group instruction and facilitate league play.

The courts will be rolled out in two phases in the space formerly occupied by Saks Off 5th, which closed in 2021.

Phase 1 will begin immediately in 43,000 square feet on the first floor. The second floor, encompassing 37,000 square feet, will open in the coming months, a news release from Pickleball America said.

Created by local Stamford professionals Jay Waldner, Joseph Schipani, Mia Schipani and Jay Ross, the four joined forces to launch a "sports-tainment" center focused on pickleball, which is billed as the fastest growing sport in the world.

According to a recent report from the Association of Pickleball Professionals, more than 36.5 million people played pickleball at least once from August 2021 to August 2022.

"Stamford will now be a nationwide destination as a result of this exciting new downtown Pickleball venue," said Loren Nadres, director of economic development for Stamford, in a news release.

In addition to pickleball, the venue will become a multi-use flex space for tournaments, exhibitions, live music and events. It will be open seven days per week to accommodate all desired hours of play for kids to seniors.

"Sports-tainment, a sports-first experience appeals to not only avid players but to people who may want to try something new," said Waldner in a news release. "We are hoping to inspire and encourage the community to join a healthy and fun form of socializing."

Pickleball America’s mission is to unite all levels of players and to create a facility for all skill levels to enjoy sports, not just the enthusiasts.

"We are thrilled to be the catalyst that fosters growth in Stamford by building a larger player community like Pickleball America," added Ross.

Alexander Yaraghi, owner of Stamford Town Center, said the mall has been focused on health and wellness, and Pickleball America "works perfectly" with that strategy, especially as an anchor tenant.

"Since purchasing the mall in 2020, it has been our goal to create a community-driven entertainment destination that serves Fairfield County and beyond," Yaraghi said in a news release.

Pickleball America plans to open late spring. People may sign up for membership and subscribe to receive more information here.