Bangers Pickleball to bring premier entertainment destination to Southaven
Note: Photos are courtesy renderings from Bangers Pickleball and Renaissance Group
SOUTHAVEN, MS – The fastest-growing sport in America is getting a massive new home in DeSoto County. Bangers Pickleball, a sprawling indoor-outdoor “eat-ertainment” complex, is set to celebrate its grand opening in late January, transforming the local recreation landscape into a premier destination for athletes and social seekers alike.
Developed by SMJ Enterprise—a local firm led by Mary Ezell and Scott Gill following their success in the truck dealership industry—Bangers Pickleball is designed to be the “Topgolf of Pickleball.” Located within the Top of the Sipp development near Snowden Lane, the facility aims to bridge the gap between competitive sports and high-end leisure.
A Professional-Grade Experience
Unlike many local options that repurpose basketball or tennis courts, Bangers Pickleball offers 10 dedicated courts:
- Four Indoor Courts: Including a private court designed for lessons, corporate team-building, and birthday parties.
- Six Outdoor Courts: Featuring two “Championship Courts” that are covered to provide relief from the Mississippi sun.
- Luxury Cabanas: Every outdoor court comes equipped with its own cabana, featuring comfortable furniture and TVs.
“We aren’t just taping lines on a floor,” says Gill and Ezell. “This is a 100 percent dedicated pickleball facility. If you’re an advocate for the sport, this is where you want to play.”
More Than Just a Game
A slogan, “Please Dink Responsibly,” (a play on the soft “dink” shot in pickleball) will be tiled into the floor near the full-service bar and kitchen. The venue features a “one-stop-shop” design where players can transition from a match to a meal without leaving the building.
The second floor serves as a massive event space overlooking the indoor courts, perfect for corporate outings or tournament spectators. Outside, the recreational area extends beyond the courts to include cornhole turf, fire pits with Adirondack chairs, and an outdoor bar.
Investing in the Community
The project is a true homegrown effort. After realizing national franchises weren’t the right fit for the vision, the owners decided to build it themselves. The project has already created a buzz, with all 50 “Founding Memberships” selling out almost immediately.
Bangers Pickleball is expected to employ 40 to 50 people initially, with staffing needs likely to increase during the summer months. The facility will be open seven days a week, potentially opening as early as 7 a.m. to accommodate pre-work matches.
Key Points
- Facility Specs: 10 total courts (4 indoor, 6 outdoor), including a private lesson court and covered championship courts.
- Amenities: Full kitchen and bar, pro shop with equipment rentals, luxury cabanas with TVs, and fire pit lounge areas.
- Opening Timeline: Indoor facilities and soft openings are scheduled for late January, with outdoor court completion dependent on weather.
- Local Flavor: Features a mural by local artist Jessica Haas (who recently performed at Patrick Mahomes’ charity event).
- Membership Options: Three tiers—”The Big Dill” (Individual), “Pickled Pear” (Duo), and “The Whole Dill” (Family)—available at bangerspickleball.net.
