More than 400 people spent the first day of the new year playing pickleball at the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility. They wasted no time right after Rhythm and Rally held its official ribbon cutting ceremony and pickleball drop.  

“What do we do on New Year’s? We drop a ball. So it’s only appropriate we drop a pickleball,” said Mayor Lester Miller as everyone counted down while a giant pickleball dropped from the ceiling.  

“This is such an amazing addition to our community and entire county, and it’s only one part of our work in this area,” said District 9 Commissioner Al Tillman. “Macon-Bibb is becoming a leader in pickleball, and that will greatly benefit everyone who lives or works in this area.” 

People were able to play all day until 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Day, check out local pickleball vendors, and enjoy from a couple of food trucks. 

“This is the place you wanted to be to start the New Year off right,” said Rhythm and Rally General Manager John Roberts.

January 1 marked the opening day for people to come play at the facility for just $5 for half a day. Members began playing in the facility Monday, December 18. Registration for membership can be done at the facility or at www.rhythmandrally.com. The facility is open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

“We have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people,” said Mayor Miller. “It’s been amazing to see the level of interest in our new facility, especially the number of people that traveled here from around the country for the recent Candy Cane Classic tournament.” 

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 already provides an amazing game experience for local players while also attracting state, regional, and national tournaments. 

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. 

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.