DESIGNWORKS 2023

Rally Pickleball

Charlotte, NC

Redline Design Group

Rally Pickleball, an urban pickleball oasis set to transform how active people socialize, and social people move. Get your fix of food, cocktails, coffee, and pickleball all in one vibrant destination. They’re redefining recreation.

Rally Pickleball, an urban pickleball oasis set to transform how active people socialize, and social people move. No longer do you need to go to four different destinations to get your fix of food, cocktails, coffee, and pickleball. The space includes four indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts across the 28,700 square feet, as well as a full-service restaurant, café with specialty coffee and a wood-fired pizza oven, multiple bars (indoor and outdoor), ping pong wing, integrated seating (indoor and outdoor) and players lounges at each pickleball court.

The biggest challenge of the project was combining an existing pre-engineered metal building, an existing multi-generation brewery/cidery building, and surrounding outdoor spaces to create a comprehensive pickleball and leisure destination. The grade difference between the buildings presented the opportunity to maximize the viewing experience, with the pickleball courts being the center of attention. The design team elevated the floors around the indoor courts and strategically elevated booth seating in the Annex restaurant for optimal site lines through the operable awning windows at the Annex bar. Drink rails and bar seating along the perimeters of the indoor and outdoor courts allow people to enjoy craft cocktails and global street food while viewing pickleball matches. Energetic floor and wall finishes, vivid court colors, built in planters, murals, and rattan lighting elements were incorporated to transform the previously industrial-style metal building into a vibrant and upscale hospitality experience. Special consideration to acoustics were also considered, as those pickleball “dinks” aren’t exactly quiet. A variety of acoustic baffles line the perimeters of the indoor courts, not only bringing the scale of the metal building down over curated lounge and gathering areas, but also dampening the recreational noise levels. Warm and cozy elements including exposed brick, barrel vault ceilings, an art deco inspired bar, terracotta breezeblock, and tufted upholstered seating were incorporated into the Annex building, setting the scene for the upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant with an open kitchen. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner after a pickleball match or enjoy a cozy date night.
Intermingling the varios types of spaces encourages folks to graze, sip, play and cultivate connections in this dynamic combination of spaces, proving that socializing doesn’t have to be sedentary.

Rally redefines the recreational experience, by combining curated culinary offerings, craft cocktails, and ample opportunities to connect with new and old friends through pickleball. Rally pickleball is in the business of creating thoughtful experiences and environments that bring people together in authentic connections, for an active social life.