The Press Pickleball Club Serves up Indoor Courts in Downtown Spokane
Chris Allen of The Press Pickleball Club | Photo Nico Lopez
The Press Pickleball Club Serves up Indoor Courts in Downtown Spokane
BY NICO LOPEZSpokane offers a range of outdoor activities during its warmer months.
However, when colder weather arrives and snow falls, options for recreation tend to diminish for those who prefer sun-soaked pursuits. During winter, many residents turn to indoor alternatives such as movies, books and 12-ounce curls. In recent years, golfers have been able to hone their skills by taking advantage of indoor simulators that have popped up across the region like those found at Swing Lounge, Golf Island and Poole’s Public House South Hill location–there’s even Flatstick Pub for folks looking to improve their putt-putt game. I enjoy rock-climbing, so I spend the off-season at Wild Walls, downtown Spokane’s indoor climbing facility.
The popularity of Pickleball – Washington’s official state sport – has grown in recent years, with many local tennis courts being converted to satisfy growing demand. This surge has sparked demand for more indoor courts to keep people dinking and digging all year-round.
In downtown Spokane, The Press Pickleball Club opened last winter in the building formerly occupied by The Spokesman-Review’s print and distribution facility. The Press converted what had been loading docks into six courts, locker rooms, a pro shop and a ping-pong table for those seeking a change of pace.
Chris Allen, the facility’s manager, originally hails from Phoenix, Arizona, and discovered pickleball through a chance encounter with professional player Tyson McGuffin in 2019. Encouraged to try the sport, Allen quickly immersed himself, practicing extensively and developing his skills. His dedication and personable approach eventually led to his role as pickleball director at the Spokane Club before taking on leadership at The Press.
Allen explained that The Press serves more than just pickleball players; it also hosts a variety of events, including birthday parties, wedding celebrations, and corporate gatherings. In response to community feedback, plans are in place to expand seating areas, add a warm-up and cool-down section, and introduce a dedicated space for cornhole. The goal is to foster a sense of community and connection through shared experiences. “I’d like to create tournaments with teams from different facilities competing regularly, perhaps with a championship belt passed around,” Allen said. “More pickleball benefits everyone.”
The Press offers equipment rentals and a $20 two-hour guest court reservation option, making it accessible for first-time players without a major financial commitment. Monthly membership costs $70, providing unlimited court access, depending on availability. Whether in groups or individually, members can find opponents to play with at the facility. Beginner lessons are taught by Allen himself, while professional instruction is provided by player Ethan Violet.
To round out the experience, visitors can take advantage of a 20% discount at Dry Fly Distilling, located in the same building, before or after their court time.
Allen’s vision for The Press Pickleball Club extends beyond the sport itself; he is committed to promoting active lifestyles and building stronger community ties through pickleball in Spokane.
Visit presspickleball.com for more information.
THE PRESS PICKLEBALL CLUB
1000 W Sprague Ave, Spokane
