The Robbinsville Pickle House — the largest pickleball facility in the Northeast — is set to break ground in town this spring.
The location is at the Robbinsville Fieldhouse — the former home of the Bob Smith Soccer Academy, which left the facility effective March 31. In a letter to customers, the academy said that its programs and staff will be relocating to a new location that is yet to be determined.
“The maintenance required to continue our soccer programs safely at the Robbinsville Fieldhouse, unfortunately, will not be completed at this time therefore causing our move,” stated the letter as the reason for leaving.
The Pickle House “is set to revolutionize the pickleball scene in New Jersey beginning this fall with over 20 state-of-the-art courts, making it the largest pickleball facility in the Northeast,” said a township news release. It “promises an unparalleled experience for players and spectators alike. The indoor arena will offer a world-renowned venue equipped with cutting-edge amenities.”
Key features of the Pickle House include:
A 60,000 square-foot facility with over 20 indoor commercial pickleball courts designed for optimal game play through a collaboration with USA Pickleball;An in-house restaurant and bar cafe;State-of-the-art lighting for optimal gameplay; andYear-round temperature control with air conditioning, radiant heat and heated courts.
“USA Pickleball is excited to collaborate with the leadership team of the Robbinsville Pickle House to deliver a facility of this scale in one of the largest markets of the United States.” stated Carl Schmits, USA Pickleball managing director of facilities development/equipment standards.
“As we continue to see an explosion in demand for pickleball courts and facilities across the country, it is great to see the Robbinsville project come to life and provide local communities with a phenomenal place to play,” Schmits said.
“The Pickle House is all about fostering a community of players,” said the township release. “From league tournaments to classes and private court rentals, the Pickle House will offer opportunities for players to hone their skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts.”
The facility is the brainchild of Christopher Vernon, founder of Mercer Management. Vernon said all involved are “thrilled” to unveil the Pickle House later this year, adding that it’s “a culmination of our dedication to providing top-tier facilities for athletes of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Pickle House welcomes you to experience pickleball like never before.”
The Robbinsville Hampton Inn and Suites is attached to the complex, in addition to partner hotels Homewood Suites by Hilton or Hilton Garden Inn being nearby to provide accommodations for league events and overnight visits.
Once open, visitors will be able to purchase annual membership to the Pickle House or stop by for hourly rentals.
“We are thrilled to help accommodate one of the fastest growing sports in America, if not the world,” Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried said. “This iconic fieldhouse has been the source of so many wonderful memories over the years, and thanks to the vision of Chris and his Mercer Management team, you can be sure more lasting memories are in store.”
Fried added: “Whether it is first-class hotels, wedding facilities, athletic venues or car washes, every project Chris puts out to the masses is always meticulously planned and of the highest quality, so we couldn’t be prouder to play a small part in ushering in this new era of Pickleball with Mercer Management.”
The Pickle House is looking to hire professionals to manage the facilities and support members. Applicants can apply at robbinsvillepicklehouse.com.
