There are now eight pickleball courts at Five Flags Center

Dubuque, Iowa – Dubuque pickleball players now have a new location.

On Saturday, Five Flags Center hosted an open house where guests could test out its eight brand-new indoor courts.

Trish Kennedy, a pickleball player, stated that the sport has grown in popularity.

“Dubuque has seen tremendous expansion. There are many, many players, ranging from novices to experts,” Kennedy remarked.

However, as a result of this expansion, there are more players than courts available for play. There are a few parks in nearby Peosta as well as those in downtown Dubuque. Kennedy, however, believed it was insufficient.

Kennedy remarked, “At Vets [Veterans Memorial Park], we frequently have to wait for a court for even an hour. Cloie Park is always full now, and Peosta is too.”

However, players have few options when it becomes cold outside and they prefer to play inside.

Aaron Rainey, general manager of Five Flags Center, stated that he had an idea after hearing about the demand for additional pickleball courts from his family, the majority of whom play the sport.

They claimed that there isn’t much anywhere to play in Dubuque during the winter. Or, if there is, it is extremely restricted. According to Rainey, “I thought, ‘Well, I got a big empty space and it can roll with it pretty easy.'” That’s how it hatched, and here we are.

Consequently, Five Flags Center now has eight additional pickleball courts. There will be free pickleball play times available at Five Flags. Additionally, courts will be reserved for $25 per hour.

Kennedy expressed her excitement about having a regular venue to perform every week at last.

We will be able to schedule and plan weekly performances by groups. rather than relying solely on luck to see if we are granted a court,” Kennedy stated.