Page 46 - Clemson NCG 2026

Nettles Park Pickleball Courts

picks up in Clemson

Ready to play the fastest growing

sport in the country?

By: Lydia Cobb

What’s all this fun we are hearing about? Well, anyone can jerseys, hats, water bottles and gear in local stores,
play pickleball – a paddle sport commonly referred to as a such as Tiger Town Graphics, Judge Keller’s, Tiger
mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton. A smaller court Sports Shop, Alumni Hall and via the Official Clemson/
size, lighter paddles and ball speed allow for rapid rallies full Fanatics store online.
of fun adrenaline moments.
The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity
While the National Collegiate Athletic Association within community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities and
does not yet sanction pickleball as a Varsity sport, retirement communities. According to USA Pickleball,
Clemson has a vibrant program of more than 1,000 more than $300 million was invested nationwide into new
members. Look up @ClemsonPickleball on Instagram. facilities in the last couple of years. Let’s play pickleball in
The Clemson Athletic Department now offers a line of the Clemson area!
official Clemson pickleball gear due to the sport’s rising
popularity on campus and in the community. Nettles Park Nets It
Grab your paddles and head over to Nettles Park, where
Any pickleball player can support the Clemson University eight lighted pickleball courts (games end by 11 pm) were
Pickleball Club by purchasing branded paddles, shirts, restriped and expanded in summer 2025 thanks to a

42 Pickleball