With nine regulation pickleball courts, a restaurant and bar, and other amusements like a bocce court, corn hole games and ping pong, Box Pickleball, the massive new indoor pickleball club on Old Country Road in Riverhead has something for everyone.
The pickleball club had a soft opening just before Christmas and the reception it’s gotten in the weeks that followed has been great, Box Pickleball owner Peter Bachmore said today.
Bachmore snipped the ceremonial blue ribbon outside the front entrance of the club this afternoon, as town officials, members of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce and club associates looked on.
Then Bachmore led a tour of the 31,000-square-foot club, where players ranging in age from teens to senior citizens were hard at play.
The Box Container Bar and Kitchen, features high-top tables and a full menu offering soups, salads, starters, smash burgers and sandwiches. It even serves Sunday brunch. See the menu and hours here. The bar offers a variety of tap beers, wines and cocktails.
“We want people to know that everyone is welcome to stop by for lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks,” Bachmore said, “whether they play pickleball or not.”
The club plans nights with DJs and live entertainment. People can book private parties and special events there, too.
The climate-controlled club allows for year-round play, regardless of weather.
Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard told Bachmore the Town Board is very happy to have Box Pickleball in Riverhead. He said the facility is beautiful and a great addition to the community — where pickleball has had a growing fan base since it was first introduced in Riverhead in 2013.
“It’s not pickleball. It’s a whole experience,” Council Member Joann Waski said.
Memberships are available for $120 a year. Memberships entitle players to discounted court fees and 21-day advance reservations.
But you don’t have to be a member to play. Non-members can book a court for $60 per hour during “prime time” — that’s Friday evening from 5 to 11 p.m. and all day and evening Saturday and Sunday. Up to six players can share the court. Days and times that are not prime time are less expensive. For example, Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. is $35 per hour, Bachmore said.
Box Pickleball offers open play for every skill level. It also offers private lessons and group clinics for those learning to play or for the experienced player looking to improve their skills and level up their game.
Box Pickleball is located at 605 Old Country Road in Riverhead. (Tel. 631-591-0269). Club hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information or to reserve court time, visit Box Pickleball’s website.
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