Full Breakdown
CityPickle to Open New Indoor Pickleball Venue in Times Square
2/13/2026, 12:54:59 AM
Major Opening in a Historic Location
CityPickle, a growing pickleball venue operator, is set to launch its first all-indoor location in Times Square on February 20, 2026. Situated in the Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway, this facility will occupy the entire eighth floor of the historic structure, which was once home to the Paramount Theater until its closure in 1966. The new venue will feature seven playing courts, a cafe, a bar, private event spaces, and serve as CityPickle's corporate headquarters.
Facility Features and Design
The 37,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate the increasing popularity of pickleball, which is recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the United States. CityPickle founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai emphasized the challenges of finding a suitable location with the necessary architectural features, such as large, column-free layouts. Desai noted, “We toured countless properties,” while Cannon remarked on the venue's original structure, stating, “The moment we stepped in, we knew we had found it.”
The facility will also incorporate modern technology, including video cameras that allow players to keep score and review their gameplay on personal devices. CityPickle plans to offer 120 memberships that will provide priority access and additional benefits, although the venue will remain open to the general public.
Broader Trends in Real Estate
The opening of CityPickle's indoor venue aligns with a broader trend in real estate, where property owners are seeking innovative uses for former office spaces. The Paramount Building, which has undergone a $50 million capital improvement program, is currently over 80% leased to various tenants, including the Martha Graham Dance Company. The building's landlords, Rosemark Management and Levin Management, have signed a 10-year lease with CityPickle, reflecting the growing interest in recreational spaces in urban environments.
Official Statements & Responses
CityPickle's expansion into Times Square is part of a larger strategy to capitalize on the sport's popularity. The company has also recently secured a 20-year city license to operate Central Park’s Wollman Rink in partnership with Related Companies. Ryan Alexander, head of a CBRE leasing team, highlighted the importance of pickleball in attracting tenants to revitalized locations, noting its appeal as a recreational activity.
Criticism & Opposition
While the opening of CityPickle's venue is largely seen as a positive development for urban recreation, some critics may question the allocation of prime real estate in Times Square for sports facilities rather than traditional retail or cultural uses. However, the trend towards multifunctional spaces continues to gain traction among property owners and developers.
What's Next
As CityPickle prepares for its grand opening, the company aims to establish itself as a key player in New York City's recreational landscape. The success of this venue may influence future developments in urban sports facilities and the ongoing transformation of historic buildings into modern spaces.
