Starting later this month, community members can pop by the Inner Harbor for a six-week pickleball pop-up.
The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and PNC Bank are launching a temporary pickleball court at shade stations at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater.
Running from July 17 through Aug. 28, the pop-up will offer community members the opportunity to play a sport that is quickly growing in popularity.
“Our goal is to ensure every resident and visitor feels connected to Baltimore’s greatest natural asset,” said Dan Taylor, president of Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, in a statement. “Recreation like swimming, boating and playing along the waterfront invites people to experience the Inner Harbor in new and engaging ways. This pickleball pop-up is another way to bring people together and show that the waterfront is a place to gather, play and enjoy Baltimore.”
Residents and visitors can reserve court time, and either bring their own equipment or rent paddles and balls on site for $5 an hour through the event management company Toss and Spin.
On July 21 at 10 a.m., a friendly pickleball match between representatives from PNC Bank, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, and Downtown Partnership of Baltimore will celebrate the pop-up’s launch. There will also be public lessons and open play beginning at 11 a.m.
“Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the city’s most iconic gathering places, and this pickleball pop-up is an exciting way to bring new energy and activity to the waterfront,” said Laura Gamble, PNC regional president for Greater Maryland, in a statement. “Through our relationship with Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, PNC is proud to support innovative community experiences that encourage connection, promote wellness and showcase the vibrancy of our city.”
Toss and Spin is partnering with SOS Pickleball to support the pickleball programming, including clinics for beginners, open play for community members, and small tournaments for more competitive players.
“We are building on everything the Inner Harbor already offers by giving people yet another reason to gather here,” said Chris Clark, founder and CEO of Toss and Spin, in a statemnet. “That’s the part we love most, creating a pop-up moment for individuals that turns into a community.”
There will be additional clinics and small tournaments at local SOS Pickleball courts.
