The weekend of December 16 & 17, nearly 650 pickleballers from 11 states competed against each other in the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events. This was the largest pickleball tournament by about 200 players to be held in Macon-Bibb.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better proof of concept weekend for the viability of Rhythm and Rally. The fact that the weather outside was frightful brought an added bonus: showing why an indoor facility is so vital to tournament play,” said Rhythm and Rally General Manager John Roberts. “The response from players was overwhelmingly positive, with the only negative being that people lived too far away to enjoy it regularly.”

“We have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people, whether they are local and wanting to learn how to play or are visiting here for a tournament,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This past weekend, it was great to see so many people at the Macon Mall, indicating that it and the surrounding area can be brought back with the right investment and with our community’s support.”

The state-of-the-art complex features 32 courts: 16 upstairs and 16 downstairs, with four pods of four courts on each level. The 150,000-square-foot pickleball facility offers climate-controlled courts, day-use lockers, showers, and a Pro Shop, all in a clean and fun playing environment. Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events provides an amazing game experience for local players while also attracting state, regional, and national tournaments.

Players already signing up for memberships began using the facility Monday, December 18, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. To sign up for a membership, visit www.rhythmandrally.com; the different levels are in the graphic below.

“We’ve had members coming every day this first week, and they are actively recruiting others to sign up and join them for matches,” says Roberts.

Rhythm and Rally will open to the public very soon, with an opening date being announced in the next week. Once open, people will be able to play for half a day for only $5.

“When we’re going to open to the public has been one of the biggest questions we’ve received, and I’m excited to say that will be happening very soon,” adds Roberts. “Our staff is ready to open our doors to them and to start adding programming for new players and children.”

To get updates and more information about the facility as its announced, visit the new facility’s website at www.rhythmandrally.com and sign up for their email list. People can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Macon Mall Rejuvenation Project

Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events is located inside the former 1.1 million square foot Macon Mall, which opened in 1975 and is now undergoing a major rejuvenation project. In addition to Rhythm and Rally, there is a new 10,000+ person outdoor amphitheater being built, and government offices are already moving into new, more customer-friendly spaces, including the Board of Elections, Planning & Zoning, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, library branch, Mayor’s Literacy Alliance, and more.

“We are actively working with businesses and organizations to focus their efforts and to work together on projects that will have years and decades of impact in this area of our county and ultimately the entire community,” says Mayor Miller.

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