Big Orange Pickleball Opens Its Doors in Knoxville! 🎉
Knoxville, get ready to serve, smash, and have a blast! Big Orange Pickleball (BOP) has officially opened its doors with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1st. Located at 7729 Strawberry Plains Pike, this fantastic facility is set to become a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages!
The Journey of BOP
Wayne and Kim Hodge, the visionary duo behind BOP, shared their journey with attendees during the event. Wayne reminisced about his pickleball days in West Knoxville, where he often drove 45 minutes just to get a game in at the Pavillion of Pickleball (POP). Finding opponents at his skill level became a challenge, which sparked a brilliant idea in Wayne’s mind: “I’m going to build my own pickleball facility!”
With the support of POP’s owner, Lee Martin, the Hodges purchased the property back in February 2022. After some bumps in the road, including a delayed timeline, the ground was finally broken in October 2023.
A Community Celebration
The atmosphere during the ribbon-cutting was filled with excitement and joy. Many enthusiastic members of BOP, some who had participated in a soft opening just two weeks prior, were present to celebrate this milestone. Wayne expressed how vital this facility is for the community, stating, “There’s not a pickleball court in East Knoxville. Not an indoor one. So, I think this is something our community needed.”
Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay, who joined the festivities, echoed Wayne’s sentiments. He emphasized how BOP marks an exciting moment for East Knoxville, stating, “Cedar Bluff, 30 years ago, was farmland. Strawberry Plains, I promise you, in the next 30 years will grow into a rich and vibrant community.”
Facilities and Features
Now, let’s talk about what makes BOP truly special! This state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar facility is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing pickleball community. Here are some of the amazing features:
- Six SportMaster cushioned courts with six layers of rubber, ensuring longer, more comfortable play with less stress on your body.
- A climate-controlled environment maintained between 68°-71°, guaranteeing a pleasant playing experience—no more worrying about wind, rain, or sun!
- Customized LED uplighting reflects off the ceiling, creating an even glow to optimize ball tracking and reduce glare.
- 8-foot nets between courts designed to keep games separate and interference-free.
Meet the Team!
To add to the excitement, BOP is not just about its impressive facilities, but it’s also creating jobs! Ashleigh Christian, the director of customer development with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, shared her enthusiasm not only for the facility but also for the four jobs BOP is generating.
Cassie Quast is one of the talented individuals who will be managing and teaching at BOP. With a wealth of experience playing with top pros and teaching both tennis and pickleball, Cassie can’t wait to share her passion for the game with everyone. Adding to the expertise, Wayne has also obtained his PPR Associate Coach certification, ensuring top-notch training for all members.
A Dream Come True
As Wayne Hodge cut the ribbon, his pride and gratitude were evident. He thanked his wife Kim, emphasizing the journey they’ve taken to turn their dreams into reality. “Dreams come true. Kim and I had a dream to build Big Orange Pickleball, and it has been a journey,” he said, his excitement palpable.
With all the elements coming together, BOP is ready to serve up fun and fitness to Knoxville. So, whether you’re an experienced player or a newbie eager to learn, there’s a place for you at Big Orange Pickleball.
