Two new San Antonio pickleball venues will soon allow locals to escape the blistering Texas heat while scoring a net positive for the environment. Veteran-owned Texas Pickle Hall will open two sustainable facilities, one in Live Oak and the other in Southtown, by the end of the year.

According to a press release, Texas Pickle Hall at 201 Shin Oak Dr. in Live Oak will open in late June with a 30,000-square-foot court facility, all indoor and climate controlled. It is designed to meet the International Passive House Institute standards for energy efficiency. These can significantly reduce the heating and cooling costs of structures, a crucial factor in Texas, where air conditioning demands routinely strain the deregulated power grid.

In addition to twelve courts, Texas Pickle Hall will have an outdoor recreation space patterned after Texas's famous ice houses.

Another, even bigger location will open at an undisclosed address in Southtown later this year. The 36,000-square-foot facility will include 8,000 square feet of programmable event space, making it perfect for tournaments and leagues. Members are given top priority for bookings, but membership is not required.

Texas Pickle Hall is the latest company to capitalize on the meteoric rise of pickleball in the United States. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many people sought a new community sport with a low entry threshold. Previously popular mostly with retirees, pickleball has become a national phenomenon with over a million players.

Texas especially has embraced pickleball, thanks to small courts making it an easy-entry indoor sport. Austin has already been named the America's Pickleball Capital, and at least four massive new facilities have been opened or announced in Houston. As the sport grows, more companies look for ways to stand out. Texas Pickle Hall appears to be the first to tackle the environmental impact of the growing crowds.

"As a Navy veteran, I've seen firsthand how strong communities are built on shared experiences and forward-thinking leadership," said Texas Pickle Hall COO Zander Komet in a press release. "Texas Pickle Hall is my way of giving back: building places where people can compete, connect, and create a better tomorrow together."

Membership rates range from $797 to $899 annually with discounts available for students. The Live Oak location is open from 7 am-11 pm daily with facilities available for private events and corporate retreats.