America’s fastest-growing sport just scored a major win on Suffolk’s North Shore.
Pickleball fever is officially indoors on Long Island.
Fast-growing national pickleball chain The Picklr is opening its first-ever Long Island location in Centereach, bringing a massive, all-weather pickleball facility to the heart of Suffolk County. The club officially opens Saturday, Dec. 20, inside the former Big Lots space at 231 Centereach Mall—and it’s already generating serious buzz among local players.
Spanning 33,900 square feet, The Picklr Centereach is designed for year-round play, no matter what the Long Island weather throws our way. The facility includes:
11 indoor pickleball courts with sound-reducing matrix systems
Professional-grade lighting for tournament-level play
Pro shop stocked with gear and apparel
Café and lounge for post-game hangouts
Locker rooms for convenience and comfort
The club is owned and operated by Arete Sports Group, the regional franchisee for The Picklr across Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of New Jersey.
One of the biggest draws is The Picklr’s unlimited play membership model, something that’s still relatively new to the Long Island pickleball scene.
Membership perks include:
Unlimited open play
Free leagues and tournaments
Four clinics per month
Four guest passes per month
Access to all Picklr locations nationwide
To celebrate the grand opening, The Picklr is offering a Founder Membership rate of $149 per month during opening week. Annual members receive two free months, bringing the effective monthly cost down to $125.
According to Tom Neale, founder of Arete Sports Group and Pickleball Long Island, the goal is to deliver a premium, community-driven experience:
“While unlimited membership is new for Long Island, we’re confident players will embrace the first-class facilities, professional-level conditions, and welcoming community we are building at The Picklr Centereach.”
Centereach is just the beginning.
A second Long Island Picklr location is already in the works for East Northport, slated to open next year in the former Best Buy space at 3124 Jericho Turnpike. That facility will be even larger, clocking in at 47,800 square feet.
Nationwide, The Picklr has exploded since launching in 2021. The Utah-based brand began franchising in 2023 and already has 50+ locations open, with many more planned. The all-in investment to open a Picklr franchise ranges from roughly $610,000 to $1.25 million, according to franchise industry data.
The Picklr is rolling out the red carpet for its Centereach debut with several community-focused events:
Ribbon Cutting:
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 4–7 p.m.
Hero Day (Free Play):
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 4–7 p.m.
Open to first responders, military, healthcare workers, public service employees, and other community heroes
Grand Opening Open House:
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Featuring open play, clinics, membership specials, pro-shop discounts, drinks, and food from Chubs Meats
The club will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it easy for commuters, retirees, and everyone in between to get their game on.
For local homeowners, buyers, and investors, amenities like this matter. Indoor sports facilities boost neighborhood appeal, drive foot traffic to shopping centers, and reflect the growing demand for active, community-focused lifestyles—especially in places like Centereach that continue to evolve.
Whether you’re a serious pickleball player or just pickleball-curious, The Picklr’s arrival is another sign that Long Island is embracing modern recreation in a big way.
Where is The Picklr Centereach located?
The club is located at 231 Centereach Mall, Centereach, NY, in the former Big Lots space.
When does The Picklr Centereach open?
The official opening is Saturday, Dec. 20, with special events throughout the week leading up to it.
How many courts does The Picklr Centereach have?
The facility features 11 indoor pickleball courts.
What does a Picklr membership include?
Unlimited play, free leagues and tournaments, monthly clinics, guest passes, and access to Picklr locations nationwide.
Is another Picklr location coming to Long Island?
Yes. A second location is planned for East Northport in 2025 at the former Best Buy on Jericho Turnpike.
What are the club hours?
The Picklr Centereach will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.