Pickleball players compete on courts laid out on a downtown street without traffic. Each court is full.
Picklers can hit the streets in the Gaslamp on Thursdays through Sept. 3 when part of Fifth Avenue will shut down for Gaslamp Urban Pickleball. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)
Leer este artículo en español

Gaslamp Urban Pickleball is back for the rest of the summer.

Picklers of all skill levels can go to the Gaslamp Quarter to play on what organizers call San Diego’s first-ever urban pickleball court every Thursday until Sept 3.

Play starts at 4 p.m. and ends at sunset.

Eight courts will sit on Fifth Avenue between Island Avenue and K Street each Thursday in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Participants are asked, though, to bring their own paddle (although limited rentals are available), athletic shoes, a water bottle and good vibes.

Players are separated based on their experience level, according to Michael Trimble, executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association. There are two sections: one for beginners and advanced beginners and the other for intermediate and advanced intermediate players.

“We don’t put beginners with advanced players,” Trimble said. “So, everyone gets to play within their comfort level.”

Trimble said that the players who win the most matches get a prize pack which could include a paddle or a pickleball bag.

Players also can win prizes at the “Wheel of Serves,” a pickleball-themed prize wheel with exclusive giveaways from local businesses and event sponsors.

A man grabs the ball on a busy downtown street where pickleball courts have been laid out in traffic lanes.
Gaslamp Urban Pickleball takes place in the shadow of the San Diego Convention Center. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)

A live DJ will spin as pickleball players rally. Paddle Hour Specials will be offered at nearby bars and restaurants after matches.

Trimble said that the event is a great social experience and also good for business.

“It’s a place-making activity that really drives people to do something different than what normally happens in the Gaslamp Quarter,” Trimble said.

Pickleball sellouts

Urban pickleball began in the Gaslamp last year. Trimble, who came up with the idea to bring pickleball downtown, said that every event that they did last year was a sellout.

“We’re looking to have a sellout again,” Trimble said.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the event. For first-time players, admission is $45, which includes court time, a T-shirt, access to the Game Day Market, a chance to spin the Wheel of Serves and exclusive Paddle Hour perks. Returning players pay $40 if they do not want a T-shirt.

Businesses line the street where two pickleball players share the court as one of them returns the ball to the other side of the court, laid out in a downtown street.
Businesses aim to benefit from Gaslamp Urban Pickleball, offering specials to attract players to stay after matches. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)