Huntsville is seeing a major surge in pickleball, ranking No. 2 among the fastest-growing pickleball cities in the country.
Huntsville sees a 70.6% increase in new players
The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating, or DUPR, analyzed 12 months of player data and found that Huntsville had a 70.6% increase in new users. Cleveland, Ohio, ranked first, finishing just 1% ahead of Huntsville.
DUPR is a global rating system that helps players track their skill levels and is also used in leagues and professional tournaments.
The growth reflects pickleball’s broad appeal. The sport is relatively easy for beginners to pick up while still offering opportunities to develop more advanced skills and strategy.
Huntsville continues to add places to play
The city now offers more than 30 opportunities each week for indoor pickleball through Huntsville Parks & Recreation facilities.
Residents can also use first-come, first-served outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, including 44 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts.
Private and fee-based facilities add even more options throughout the community.
Two major city facilities are the Sandra Moon Community Complex and the John Hunt Park Recreation Center pickleball complex. Sandra Moon has 12 lighted, regulation-size courts.
The John Hunt Park complex features 24 covered and lighted regulation courts, plus a championship court. Since opening in June 2026, the facility has recorded an estimated 27,500 visits and hosted 11 official tournaments.
Pickleball builds a growing local community
The expansion of courts has helped create more opportunities for players of different ages and experience levels to participate.
Huntsville Pickleball Club President Max Patin encourages newcomers to join games, introduce themselves as beginners and give themselves time to learn. He said many experienced players remember their own first games and are willing to help new players get started.
With more courts, regular play opportunities and growing player networks, Huntsville has become one of the country’s emerging pickleball markets. The city’s No. 2 ranking highlights how quickly the sport is taking hold across the community.
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