DUBOIS — A new recreational venture is set to open its doors next month at the DuBois Mall, bringing an indoor pickleball facility to the area.
The Pickleball Bank, owned by Nicole and Patrick Bankovich, is scheduled to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, April 4, from noon to 6 p.m. The facility will offer local players a dedicated indoor space to enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Nicole Bankovich said the idea for the business grew out of a desire for a new challenge. After working part-time in legal research and writing for 30 years, she and her husband — now empty nesters — decided to pursue entrepreneurship.
“We love to play pickleball, and decided to bring an indoor facility to this area,” she said. “The sport is growing rapidly, and we want to offer more opportunities to local players.”
Renovations began during the first week of January in the former Shoe Dept. and Christopher & Banks storefronts. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of March.
The main entrance to The Pickleball Bank will be located in the mall parking lot behind Old Navy, in the back corner next to The Garbage Pit. A secondary entrance will also be accessible from inside the mall.
The facility will feature four courts, a lounge area, a pro shop and two locker rooms. Each locker room includes a shower to accommodate early-morning players and visitors traveling for special events.
In addition to open play and court reservations, the couple plan to offer leagues, clinics, tournaments and special events beginning in May. Programming will be geared toward all age groups, including adult social events and youth activities.
During the month of April, the facility will offer open play and court reservations as operations ramp up. Regular hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Pickleball Bank will offer both membership and non-member pricing options. All players will be required to register through the Court Reserve app, with a registration link to be provided on the business’s upcoming Facebook page. Once registered, players can sign up for open play, reserve courts, and register for clinics and special events.
With renovations nearing completion, the owners say they look forward to welcoming the community to the courts this spring.
