If you've spent any time in Williamson County lately, chances are you've heard the unmistakable pop of a pickleball paddle. From Franklin to Brentwood, courts have been filling up faster than they can be built, as Middle Tennessee tries to keep up with one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Enter Nashville and a new place to play. Dinkville, the pickleball concept anchored inside the Nashville Yards development downtown, is bringing the game to a whole new level, transforming what began as a backyard pastime into a full-blown destination experience in the heart of Music City. We caught up with Landon Hallam, Co-founder & CEO at Dinkville to talk all things pickleball.
Tell us about the new courts at Nashville Yards.
We’re really excited about what we built at Nashville Yards. The courts are called Dinkville UnderBroad, and they’re literally right under the Broadway bridge in downtown Nashville. It’s five pickleball courts with mini golf, an outdoor bar, TVs, music, and murals everywhere. It’s just a vibe. We wanted to create something that felt different than your typical rec center or park courts. It’s premium but still approachable. You can come play open play, reserve a court with friends, grab a drink, watch a game, or just hang out. Our whole goal was to make it the most epic place to play pickleball in Nashville, and the response so far has been awesome.
How has the culture around pickleball evolved since you first got involved with Dinkville?
When we first started Dinkville, pickleball was still kind of in that stage where people thought it was just a retirement sport. And honestly, the sport was growing fast, but the culture around it hadn’t caught up yet. Now it’s totally different. You’re seeing people in their 20s, 30s, families, athletes, former college players — everyone is playing. It’s become way more social and lifestyle-driven. People come out not just to compete, but to hang with friends, meet new people, have a drink, listen to music, and just be part of the community. That’s really the lane we tried to build with Dinkville, making pickleball fun, social, and something people want to be around.
What are some of the must-have pieces of gear for beginners just getting into pickleball?
For beginners, honestly, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. First thing is just a solid paddle. You don’t need the most expensive one on the market, but something with a decent carbon face and good control helps a lot when you’re learning. Second is court shoes. A lot of people show up in running shoes, but pickleball has a lot of lateral movement, so real court shoes help prevent injuries. And then obviously good pickleballs, because the difference between a cheap ball and a quality ball actually matters more than people realize. Outside of that, just bring a good attitude and jump in. That’s the beauty of the sport, it’s really easy to pick up.
For more seasoned players, what gear or equipment upgrades do you recommend to enhance performance?
Once players start getting more competitive, the paddle becomes a lot more important. Players usually start looking for things like carbon fiber faces, thermoformed paddles, and different core thicknesses depending on if they want more power or control. Grip upgrades are another big one. A lot of people start customizing their grips with overgrips to get the right feel and reduce vibration. And then the big thing is just finding the paddle that matches your style of play. Some players are bangers who want power, others are dink-and-reset players who want touch and control.
Are there any new paddle technologies or innovations that are changing the game this year?
The paddle technology is moving really fast right now. You’re seeing a lot more thermoformed paddles with carbon fiber surfaces, which create a bigger sweet spot and a lot more spin potential. Companies are also experimenting with foam-injected edges and different core constructions to increase stability without making paddles too heavy. The big trend right now is basically trying to find that perfect balance between power, control, and spin, which is why you see new paddle models coming out all the time.
How important is customization (paddle weight, grip size, materials) to finding the right fit for individual players?
Customization is actually really important once you start playing regularly. Little things like paddle weight, grip size, and balance can completely change how a paddle feels in your hand. Some players like lighter paddles for quicker hands at the net, while others prefer heavier paddles for power from the baseline. The biggest thing I tell people is try different paddles and see what feels natural, because the best paddle for one player might not work at all for someone else.
What trends do you see emerging in pickleball courts and facilities, both locally in Dinkville’s community and nationally?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is pickleball becoming more of an experience rather than just courts. Facilities are adding bars, food, music, lounges, and social areas, because people want to stay longer and make a night out of it. You’re also seeing more unique venues like rooftops, repurposed spaces, urban locations, things like what we’re doing at Nashville Yards. The sport is evolving from just a place to play into a social destination, which I think is really exciting.
Where do you see the sport heading in the next few years?
Honestly, I still think we’re early. Participation keeps growing, new facilities are popping up everywhere, and the professional side of the sport is gaining a lot more visibility. But the biggest growth will continue to be on the community side with leagues, local events, social play, and beginners getting introduced to the game. Pickleball is one of the few sports where you can have a 20-year-old and a 65-year-old playing together and both having fun, and that’s really special. I think over the next few years you’ll see pickleball become less of a trend and more of a permanent part of American sports culture.
Dinkville.com
Shop locally for pickleball gear at:
The Tennis Store
545 Cool Springs Boulevard, #140
Franklin
TheTennisStore.com