City Pickleball leagues host what is called “open play,” where anyone can show up and participate in a game with strangers. There is usually at least one court reserved for beginner players, with the rest divided between intermediate and advanced. Some places charge a small fee for open play; in some places it is free. Most open play settings will have a pickleball “ambassador” on site to answer questions and help you find the right court.
Mike Koss is one of those ambassadors. He is a certified coach on the Professional Pickleball Registry and runs Westchester Pickleball, Los Angeles. The Westchester League hosts open games six days a week for $7 per player at the Westchester Recreation Center. The courts are designated by player level and coaches walk around giving advice and making sure everyone is in the right place and having a good time. The league limits the number of players that can be on the court, so it's a good idea register online in advance. If you're eager to socialize off the court, Koss said open-play players usually head to a local bar like Cinco, the June Hotel or even the nearby Elks Lodge after Friday night sessions.
Marshall Pura is a pickleball ambassador at Pacific Park in Glendale. He started playing the sport 13 years ago (“I got hooked within 15 minutes”) and says it has changed a lot since then. Pickleball “used to be just a grandpa and grandma kind of sport at the senior community center,” he said. “In recent years, the average age has dropped to about 38.”
In open game in glendale, loaner paddles and balls are available for anyone who needs them. Technically, residents need a Glendale Parks Department activity card to play ($25 for ages 18 to 59, $10 for ages 60 and older) and city visitors pay a $2 fee, but Pura He says he likes to let people try the sport and the place first. Glendale has open games on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Pickle Pop in Santa Monica The hosts open play several days a week. Pickle Pop co-owner and CEO Stephanie McCaffrey said she sees new solo players all the time. The schedule varies, but there are generally options for beginner play and $5 open play for all levels. Pickle Pop has paddles available to rent for $6. You do not need to become a Pickle Pop member to register for open play.
Also in Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pickleball Club offers open play seven days a week at Memorial Park. It's free and you don't need to register beforehand. At more popular times, like weekend nights, it's so popular that it's possible to have four players on a court and eight more waiting to play, says club president Lynn Soodik.
