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'This venue will help bring people from all over to Macon': New pickleball facility name announced

It is the world's largest indoor pickleball facility, featuring 32 climate controlled courts.

MACON, Ga. — The city of Macon is 'serving' up some big news - the name of the up-and-coming largest indoor pickleball facility set to open in a few weeks.

The facility will be named "Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events." It will feature 32 climate-controlled courts: 16 upstairs and 16 downstairs, with four pods of four courts on each level. There will also be day-use lockers, showers, and a Pro Shop where you can stock up on equipment.

The courts also have a new website and social media pages so that folks can follow live updates on the facility and when it's set to open. 

"We began booking events in this new facility long before construction was complete," said Gary Wheat, CEO of Visit Macon. "Macon continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination – which is evident by it being named one of the best destinations to visit in 2024 by Travel+Leisure Magazine. The sports (and especially pickleball) market is excited, and we look forward to attracting many new groups, events, and regional tournaments to this state-of-the-art sports complex with so many amenities! These events will contribute millions of dollars to the Macon economy."

Macon-Bibb & Visit Macon selected 'The Sports Facilities Companies' (SFC) to oversee the management and operation of Rhythm and Rally. SFC is the industry leader in sports, recreation, and entertainment venue management, managing over 50 facilities in over 20 states.

Along with SFC, longtime Macon resident John Roberts was selected to manage the facility. The release says he "served as the Director of Finance and Operations at Historic Macon after a 15-year tenure as the Senior Associate Commissioner for Operations and Chief Financial Officer at the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). Roberts has been organizing tournaments across the southeastern United States since 2019."

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to manage this world-class facility. I'm delighted to use my experience in athletics and help strengthen and grow pickleball here," said Roberts. "I'm passionate about pickleball and know first-hand what it means to this community. This venue will help bring people from all over to Macon for tournaments, conventions, and many other events. I'm excited to have a key role in enhancing and revitalizing the Eisenhower Business Improvement District and helping Macon build a happier and healthier community."

Mayor Lester Miller, also a strong champion for the project, says it will bring the community together. 

"We have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people, whether they are local and wanting to learn how to play or are visiting here for a tournament," said Mayor Lester Miller. "With Rhythm and Rally, I see that community growing even larger, stronger, and closer together, all while attracting larger tournaments. And that's why I'm proud of who we're working with to make sure it is an overwhelming success."

Just over a week ago, the facility was tested for use by Macon Pickleball members to ensure it was ready to go before it opened.

Related: Macon Pickleball group tests new indoor pickleball facility before it's set to open 

They were there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in addition to testing the equipment and space, it was also to help staff get comfortable with 150 people playing all at once.

Folks there say they had a great time trying out the courts and are excited for the facility to open.

Additionally, they also announced a pickleball championship heading to the facility.

Related: Macon-Bibb County set to announce pickleball championship heading to Macon Mall courts

"Even before we're fully open, we're attracting regional and national tournaments," Mayor Lester Miller said. "I'm excited for people locally and from all over the southeast to compete here this next month and to fully open to the public in the next few weeks."

On the Southern Pickleball Team League's website, they have scheduled a two-day tournament at the Macon Indoor Pickleball Center from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21.

Rhythm and Rally is part of a larger Macon Mall rejuvenation project led by Mayor Lester Miller. In addition to Rhythm and Rally, there is a new 10,000+ person amphitheater being built, and government offices are already moving into new, more customer-friendly spaces, including the Board of Elections, Planning & Zoning, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, library branch, Mayor's Literacy Alliance, and more.

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