Lisa Cardona has a grandiose idea. She’s opening the Palace of Pickleball, an indoor pickleball complex in Virginia Beach with year-round play for all ages and skill levels.

Cardona said she wanted to turn her love of the sport into a business. While brainstorming business ideas over coffee, her best friend casually suggested opening an indoor pickleball court.

“My eyes lit up. There wasn’t a single true indoor pickleball facility in the area,” Cardona said. “The idea instantly reminded me of my dad’s pioneering bingo spirit.”

The name is an homage to her dad’s business, Bingo Palace, which opened in the 1980s and was among the first bingo halls in Virginia Beach.

Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed, Cardona said, and there are not enough indoor courts.

“The few courts that are available indoors are inside basketball courts with too many confusing markings,” she said. “They don’t provide the experience players deserve. I want to create a place where players can improve their game, build friendships and enjoy the sport year-round in comfort and style.”

The 18,000-square-foot facility at 4239 Holland Road in the Timberlake area will feature seven courts, two locker rooms, a conference room for corporate events, vending machines and a retail shop. The interior will be decorated with a coastal theme.

The Palace of Pickleball plans to host clinics, leagues, tournaments, lessons, open play sessions, camps and social events. Open play for nonmembers will be $15, and a variety of annual memberships will be offered.

Lisa Cardona plans to open the Palace of Pickleball, an indoor pickleball complex, in Virginia Beach by early next year. (Lisa Cardona)

The business is offering sponsorships for court naming rights, tournaments and leagues. The goal is to open in January. A non-rated “Dink or Treat Tournament” is planned for Saturday at Lynnhaven Park (next to Lynnhaven Middle School) to raise awareness for the coming facility with costume contests, raffles and friendly pickleball competition.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

If you go

What: “Dink or Treat Tournament”

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Lynnhaven Park, 1246 Bayne Drive, Virginia Beach

Cost: $49

Details: palaceofpickleball.com/halloween

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/10/24/palace-of-pickleball-va-beach/