WHITEHALL, Pa. – A new “premier pickleball destination” in the Lehigh Valley will welcome individuals looking to participate in the fast-growing sport later this year.
A location of Pickleball Kingdom, a chain of indoor pickleball facilities, is coming soon to 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
The state-of-the-art facility, which will span 55,000 square feet and feature 14 professional-grade indoor courts, is expected to open in October, according to a news release.
A location of Pickleball Kingdom is coming soon to 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township. It will occupy a Whitehall Square space that is being vacated by Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses.
It will occupy a Whitehall Square space that is being vacated by Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses.
The new Pickleball Kingdom location, led by franchisees Chris and BethAnn Monteith, will be a “premier pickleball destination” in the region, the release states.
“Pickleball’s explosive growth across the country is undeniable, and Pennsylvania’s passion for the sport is at an all-time high,” said Ace Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom.
“We are thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Lehigh Valley and create a welcoming space where players of all skill levels can connect, compete, and elevate their game.”
The Lehigh Valley facility will offer:
- State-of-the-art indoor courts: Engineered to provide the best playing conditions, combining outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits for year-round play;
- Professional coaching and clinics: Programs designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players;
- Youth programs: Inspiring the next generation to embrace and enjoy the sport;
- Leagues and tournaments: Organized for players seeking both casual and competitive play opportunities; and
- Community and corporate events: Building local connections through engaging pickleball events.
“Pickleball has taken the Lehigh Valley by storm, but many enthusiasts share a common frustration — the shortage of high-quality courts available year-round,” franchisee Chris Monteith said. “That’s where Pickleball Kingdom comes in. We offer a thriving community of pickleball players and a safe, well-maintained space to play, no matter the weather or time of day.”
Pictured are Pickleball Kingdom franchisees Chris and BethAnn Monteith.
“Our club will serve as a hub for pickleball enthusiasts and a vibrant space for the entire community,” BethAnn Monteith added. “With a state-of-the-art facility designed for both pickleball and community events, we aim to inspire connection, fun, and top-notch experiences for all.”
The first Pickleball Kingdom location opened to much fanfare in May 2022 in Chandler, Arizona, according to the business’ website.
Founder Ace Rodrigues got the idea for Pickleball Kingdom as he loved the sport, especially the spirit of it, but he wanted to eliminate the downsides of playing outdoors.
“Have you ever said or thought, ‘I love everything about pickleball! Well, except the sun, the wind, the rain, the heat, the cold, and the waiting?’” a message on the business’ website reads.
After a year of operations and perfecting the system, Pickleball Kingdom was ready to expand nationally through franchising.
The leadership team started reviewing franchise applications in May 2023, and the response was enormous. Six months later, about 100 franchise clubs had been awarded, with that number growing weekly.
Four other regional Pickleball Kingdom facilities are coming soon to Allentown, Warrington, King of Prussia and Philadelphia, but exact locations for those areas are to-be-determined, according to the business’ website.
A location of Pickleball Kingdom is coming soon to 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Chris and BethAnn Monteith, whose passion for pickleball and dedication to building strong community ties are truly inspiring,” said Rob Streett, president and chief global officer of Pickleball Kingdom. “Their commitment to creating inclusive spaces where people can connect, enjoy, and grow will play a pivotal role in the success of this location and will leave a lasting impact on the community.”
The Monteiths bring a wealth of business experience to Pickleball Kingdom. Chris had a successful career with Coca-Cola before launching numerous entrepreneurial ventures with BethAnn, his wife of 34 years, who has had a distinguished career as an accountant.
Among their business successes is LightSpeed Logistics, Inc., a thriving Amazon Delivery Service Partner delivering over 4,000 packages daily.
Interior of Pickleball Kingdom Chandler