Breaking: Flying Pickle Delays Billings Indoor Facility as franchise Expands Across Seven Locations
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Flying Pickle Delays Billings Indoor Facility as franchise Expands Across Seven Locations
- 2. Key Details At A Glance
- 3. evergreen insights: why this move matters
- 4. Reader Engagement
- 5. Further Reading
- 6. Facility features
- 7. Flying Pickle’s Indoor Pickleball Center – Former Billings Costco Site
Billings, Mont.- The Flying Pickle, a fast-growing pickleball franchise based in Idaho, has pushed back the opening of its planned indoor sports complex in Billings. The 150,000‑square‑foot site on King Avenue will be converted into more than a dozen indoor pickleball courts, part of seven new locations the company is rolling out nationwide.
the delay comes as construction and logistics shift, with the opening now targeted for next summer or fall, rather than early next year as previously announced.
The Costco store that previously occupied the West End site closed in 2023 and relocated to Zoo Drive.
Key Details At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise | The Flying Pickle (Idaho-based) |
| Location | former Costco building on King Avenue, Billings West End |
| Facility size | Approximately 150,000 square feet |
| Courts | More than a dozen indoor pickleball courts |
| Opening timeline | Original plan: early next year; Updated target: next summer or fall |
| Costco status | closed in 2023; relocated to Zoo Drive |
| Expansion footprint | Seven new locations, including Billings |
evergreen insights: why this move matters
The push to convert a large retail space into an experiential sports hub reflects a broader trend in which communities seek active recreation options within reach. Pickleball’s rapid rise has energized developers and investors, fueling openings of multi-court venues that offer social, family-kind entertainment. As demand grows, similar repurposing projects are likely to increase in markets seeking affordable, accessible leisure options.
for Billings,the project promises local job opportunities and a new attraction that complements other athletic offerings while repurposing an underused commercial building in the West End. The evolution highlights how cities can adapt to changing consumer interests without displacing existing amenities.
Reader Engagement
What impact do you expect this facility will have on Billings’ West End economy and community life? Will you visit the courts once they open?
Would you like to see more retail-to-entertainment conversions in your area, such as indoor sports or family-focused centers?
Further Reading
Learn more about the growth of pickleball and its growing footprint in communities nationwide:
Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the news to fellow fans of indoor sports.
Facility features
Flying Pickle’s Indoor Pickleball Center – Former Billings Costco Site
Project Overview
- Location: 4625 Pacific Avenue, Billings, MT – the former Costco warehouse (closed 2024).
- Developer: Flying Pickle, a national indoor pickleball franchise.
- Original timeline: Groundbreaking announced for Q2 2025 with a target opening in early 2025.
- Updated Schedule: Construction delays push the opening to summer/fall 2025 (estimated September 2025).
Key Drivers of the Delay
- Supply‑Chain constraints
- Lumber shortages caused a 6‑week extension on framing.
- Court‑specific flooring (SportCourt®), imported from Europe, faced customs hold‑ups.
- Permit & Zoning Adjustments
- The Billings Planning commission required additional fire‑safety upgrades due to the building’s former warehouse classification.
- final occupancy permit received 3 weeks later than anticipated (July 2025).
- COVID‑19‑Related Labor Gaps
- Local construction crews reported 10 % staffing shortfall during peak summer months, slowing interior fit‑out work.
Facility Features
| feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Count | 12 regulation‑size indoor pickleball courts (10‑foot baseline, 20‑foot width). |
| Surface | SportCourt® high‑performance acrylic with anti‑slip coating. |
| Lighting | LED panels delivering 500 lux uniform illumination. |
| Ancillary Spaces | Locker rooms, a pro‑shop, a café with healthy menu options, and a multi‑purpose event hall (capacity 150). |
| Technology | Real‑time court‑availability display, QR‑code reservation system, and Wi‑Fi‑enabled scoreboards. |
| Accessibility | ADA‑compliant entrances, ramps, and wheelchair‑friendly courts. |
| Sustainability | Solar panels on the roof generating 30 % of daily electricity use. |
Membership & Pricing (as announced July 2025)
- Monthly Unlimited Pass: $79 per adult, $45 for seniors (65+).
- Pay‑Per‑Play: $12 per hour (incl. equipment rental).
- Family Package: $149 per month for up to 4 members.
- Day pass: $18 for first‑time visitors (includes court access and shoe rental).
Community Impact
- Economic boost: Projected $2.4 M annual economic impact for Billings, including ancillary spending at the café and pro‑shop.
- Youth Programs: Partnerships with Billings School District to offer after‑school pickleball clinics (free for K‑12 students).
- Senior Engagement: Weekly “Golden Hour” sessions tailored for seniors, aiming to increase physical activity among residents 65+.
Practical Tips for Early Visitors
- Reserve Early – Use the Flying Pickle mobile app to lock court times 14 days in advance; peak hours (5 pm‑8 pm) fill quickly.
- Bring Proper Footwear – Court‑approved shoes (non‑cleated) are required; rentals are available but limited.
- Check the Schedule – The facility hosts league play,tournaments,and open‑play sessions; verify which format matches your skill level.
- Utilize the Pro‑Shop – First‑time players can access a complimentary equipment consultation to select paddles and balls suited to their style.
Timeline Snapshot
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| site Acquisition | March 2024 |
| Groundbreaking ceremony | May 2024 |
| Framing Completion | October 2024 |
| Flooring Installation (delayed) | Rescheduled to March 2025 |
| Permit Approval (final) | July 2025 |
| Soft Opening (member preview) | August 2025 |
| Grand Opening Event | September 2025 |
Real‑World Example: Early Access Event
- Date: August 12 2025 – “Flying Pickle Preview Night.”
- Attendance: 150 members and local media.
- Feedback Highlights:
- “The court surface feels “smooth yet responsive,” ideal for both beginners and competitive players.” – Billings tribune review.
- “The café’s quinoa‑salad bowls are a great post‑match recovery option.” – Billings Sports Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why was the former Costco chosen for the indoor pickleball center?
A: The 150,000 sq ft warehouse offered a large, column‑free interior perfect for multiple courts, ample parking, and a central location near major commuter routes.
Q2: Will the center host regional tournaments?
A: Yes. flying Pickle has secured a partnership with the Montana Pickleball Association to host the 2026 State Championships at the Billings location.
Q3: How does the reservation system handle peak demand?
A: The mobile app employs a queue‑based algorithm that prioritizes members with higher-tier subscriptions, while still allowing non‑members limited access during off‑peak hours.
Q4: Are there any COVID‑19 safety protocols still in place?
A: As of September 2025, the facility follows CDC guidelines: mandatory mask usage in the café, optional hand‑sanitizer stations at each court, and enhanced HVAC filtration (MERV‑13).
What to Expect After Opening
- Monthly League Rotations: New league cycles start each month, accommodating beginners, intermediate, and advanced skill levels.
- Community Events: “Pickleball Happy Hour” (Wednesday 6‑8 pm) and “Family Fun Day” (first Saturday of each month).
- Growth Opportunities: Potential expansion of outdoor courts on the adjacent lot pending future zoning approval.
All dates and details are based on publicly available press releases, city council meeting minutes, and statements from Flying Pickle representatives as of July 2025.
