Macon-Bibb to open world’s largest indoor Pickleball facility at Macon Mall, first tournament set for December

Macon-Bibb County is set to unveil what leaders say is the largest indoor Pickleball facility in the world. The two-story facility at Macon Mall, which opens to the public next month, is also getting set to host the Candy Cane Classic Tournament on December 16 and 17.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon-Bibb County is set to open what leaders say is the largest indoor Pickleball facility in the world.

The two-story facility at Macon Mall, which opens to the public next month, is also getting set to host the Candy Cane Classic Tournament on December 16 and 17.

The tournament, organized by Visit Macon and the Southern Pickleball Association, is part of a broader vision for community engagement and economic growth in Middle Georgia.

“The leadership here in our local government has bought into Pickleball, because they’ve seen what it’s done for our community here, and it makes you a happier and healthier community,” Paul Midkiff, the co-founder of Southern Pickleball Association, said. “Macon is going to reap the benefits of that for a long time.”

The new facility features 32 courts distributed across two floors, but it’s not just the size that’s making headlines.

“We’re only just opening now, and we’re already talking millions of dollars of economic impact coming to our community,” Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller said. “And what people don’t know is that helps everybody in our community. Every single person will have a part to play in this right here, but it helps our community across the board, whether you’re a new restaurant or a facility in retail that you get new business from, or you’re a hotel, whether you’re someone looking for a job.”

With an entry fee of $5 for five hours and various membership options, leaders expect the courts to become a new hub for recreational activity in Macon.

Registration for the Candy Cane Classic remains open until December 1. If you’re interested, click here.