Chico, California, has welcomed a new sports facility, Chico Pickle and Pong, which opened its doors on November 22, 2025. Spanning an impressive 52,000 square feet, the venue features multiple sports options, including 11 pickleball courts, ping pong tables, and areas for volleyball and cornhole. The facility aims to serve as a community hub, catering to both individual players and organized teams.
Annie Yoder, who co-owns the facility with her husband, Darren, identified a gap in the market for a dedicated pickleball space in the region. While there are venues available in cities like Sacramento and Bend, Oregon, Yoder emphasized, “There’s nothing in between.” She noted the rapid growth of pickleball, with participation increasing 153% in the last year alone, suggesting that the sport is on the verge of becoming even more popular.
Yoder spent considerable time reviewing the community’s needs before launching the facility. She mentioned that while many players utilized a community park on East 20th Street, weather conditions often hindered play. “You deal with rain in Chico, you deal with the heat and the sap on the court,” she explained. The new facility aims to provide a comfortable environment with amenities like couches and viewing areas, enhancing the overall experience for players and spectators alike.
After relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, in 2004, Yoder and her husband returned to Chico in 2023 to be closer to family. Yoder’s passion for pickleball ignited during the Christmas of 2024, leading her to envision a space that would not only generate income but also foster community connections. “We realized, you know what, we need to pivot,” she said, highlighting her desire to create a welcoming space for residents.
The grand opening event attracted a diverse crowd, showcasing the facility’s potential as a vibrant community center. Kelly Shulman, a frequent player, expressed excitement about the indoor venue, noting that rainy weather often restricted outdoor play. “I think it’s so good for the community,” she stated, reinforcing the notion that the facility meets an essential need.
Chico Pickle and Pong will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, offering drop-in play for $12 for pickleball and $6 for ping pong. For those seeking unlimited access, a monthly pass is available for $80. To celebrate its opening, the facility offered free play to all attendees over the opening weekend.
The facility not only serves individual players but also aims to accommodate organized sporting events. Yoder noted that local teams, such as Butte Elite volleyball and Haggard Bags, are expected to use the space for practices and competitions. She described Chico Pickle and Pong as “a frenetic hub of pickleball, ping pong, cornhole, and volleyball,” emphasizing its role as a centerpiece for community activity.
Looking ahead, Yoder mentioned plans to introduce food and beverage services to enhance the visitor experience. For now, the focus remains on establishing the facility as a go-to destination for sports enthusiasts in Chico. As the popularity of pickleball continues to rise, Chico Pickle and Pong is poised to become a vital part of the community’s sporting landscape.