Houston’s bountiful food halls are known to pack a diverse collection of options under one roof, but Downtown’s Lyric Market is raising the bar when it comes to its offerings. The sprawling food hall, located on the street level of Lyric Tower in the Theater District, is now home to Pickle Mania, Downtown’s first dedicated indoor destination for pickle ball.
The concept is the product of Houston husband-and-wife team TK and LaTonia Kent, avid pickle ball players who chose Lyric Market as the site of the sporting complex because of its community-driven atmosphere and central location.
“We love the idea of combining ‘dink and drink’—enjoying great pickleball and socializing over drinks and food,” TK said in a press release. “Lyric Market’s wide-ranging food offerings and the Lyric Bar make it the perfect home for Pickle Mania. Since we are in the heart of Downtown Houston, we felt this location would be an unmatched place to pickle during a lunch break or to blow off steam after a long day at work.”
Pickle Mania boasts seven climate-controlled, indoor courts designed for both beginner and expert players. While casual drop-in play is welcomed and encouraged, the concept is also a place where visitors can take advantage of pro-led clinics and participate in competitive leagues and more involved tournaments. Access to Lyric Market’s numerous restaurant stalls and full bar further heighten the experience for players and spectators alike.
While its indoor pickleball courts are the main draw, Pickle Mania gives Downtown office dwellers plenty of other reasons to venture in during or after the workday. The complex has treadmills and exercise bikes, popular two-person games like cornhole and ping pong, plus a lounge with free Wi-Fi, making it easy to shift from work to play, and back if needed. A pro shop that will stock Pickle Mania paddles, gear, and merchandise is set to open soon.
With its extended hours, open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pickle Mania joins gaming destinations like Puttshack and Cidercade in diversifying the Downtown neighborhood, which has seen smaller crowds in the evenings and on weekends since the pandemic.
In its opening phase, Pickle Mania is offering its Founders Pickle Membership for $99 per month, which includes benefits like complimentary court reservations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., four complimentary booking passes, one complimentary drill clinic, and Pickle Mania swag.
As Houston’s dog days of summer drag on, Pickle Mania will no doubt serve as a worthy escape for local pickleball players looking to pick up a game, and
Pickle Mania, 411 Smith St., Unit 411B, Houston, TX 77002, www.picklemanias.com
