Portside Pickleball coming to downtown Pensacola

Warehouse 4 Sports Launches First Phase of Construction With Portside Pickle

The development team converting a Port of Pensacola warehouse into a sports facility is announcing the first phase of its development. Once final plans are approved by the City of Pensacola, construction will begin on Portside Pickle, an outdoor pickleball destination along Commendencia Slip. The first phase is expected to be completed within three to four months after construction starts.

Rob Fabbro, the project developer, said that the outdoor pickleball courts are the first part of a multi-phased project to renovate the underutilized Warehouse 4 and activate the waterfront along the western side of the Port.

“We have two goals with the Portside Pickle concept. First, we want to meet the demand for quality pickleball space. This is the fastest growing sport in the country and cities everywhere, including here in Pensacola, are trying to accommodate that need,” said Fabbro. “This is the fastest way and best way for us to put more pickleball courts into the community, and build a quality experience for players.”

The concept will feature eight tournament-size outdoor pickleball courts, a space for outdoor games like cornhole or giant checkers, and a waterfront concessions area with seating and views of Pensacola Bay.

Fabbro said the second goal is to activate the waterfront along Commendencia Slip and showcase the maritime activity at the Port of Pensacola.

“This can be a genuine experiential destination that showcases our waterfront and some of the great things happening at the Port. Whether you’re playing pickleball or grabbing a drink or bite to eat, you can enjoy the view, watch one of the big ships come in, or catch the American Magic flying across the Bay,” said Fabbro. “That’s a pretty cool experience.”

Players will be able to reserve court space online or walk up and rent courts by the hour. Memberships will also be available, which allow discounted rental rates and advance reservations.

More information on reservations, memberships, and special events will be available soon. In the meantime, visit www.PortsidePickle.com to sign up for email updates on the project.