WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A former industrial building in Weaverville is getting a new life, starting with 12 indoor pickleball courts.
Ballcrank Pickleball Club will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 24, at 115 Reems Creek Road, with a free event featuring pickleball, music and food trucks.
The celebration runs from noon to 9 p.m. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the club’s bar and café.
The facility occupies more than 30,000 square feet of the former Balcrank Corporation headquarters and features 12 cushioned indoor courts. Club officials say the courts are the first of their kind in Western North Carolina.
The club’s website also describes two pro-sized courts and video-capture technology on six courts, allowing players to review their games.
Keith Davis, the club’s CEO and owner of the building, said the goal is to create more than a place to play pickleball.
“We look forward to becoming a true ‘third place’ for pickleball players of all skill levels,” Davis said in the grand opening announcement.
“Community is central,” he said. “Our programming will emphasize how we, as residents of the area, value connection, friendships and a shared culture around the sport.”
Davis said Ballcrank is locally owned, with four founding partners who live in Buncombe County. It is not part of a franchise or private equity group.
Players won’t have to become members to use the facility. The club will offer annual memberships and pay-as-you-play options, along with lessons, clinics, special events and other activities for players of all ages and skill levels.
The club’s website also lists a pro shop, showers and gathering spaces among its amenities.
The pickleball facility is part of a larger redevelopment of the former industrial property. As 828newsNOW previously reported, plans for the site, known as Ballcrank Arcade & Fairgrounds, include additional recreational, cultural and hospitality businesses.
For the Oct. 24 celebration, visitors are invited to check out the facility and experience the courts. Anyone planning to play should bring clean, nonmarking court shoes.
For more information, visit ballcrank.com, call 828-209-8944 or email info@ballcrank.com.