This top-notch facility is one of only two of its kind in Alabama.
By Sherri Blevins
[email protected]
RAINSVILLE, ALA. – Pickleball, anyone? I remember the first time I heard that term, I almost laughed at the picture that came to mind. The actual sport, however, is not what I pictured but something much, much, better. I would describe it as similar to tennis but with a shorter court. Rainsville is now home to one of only two indoor pickleball clubs in Alabama.
On July 26, 2024, Topspin Pickleball Club cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art facility surrounded by a crowd of family, friends, sports enthusiasts, Rainsville Chamber of Commerce members, and City officials. Marketing and Events Director Kaelin Butts Hagler, along with her mom, Traci Butts, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to witness the beginning of the new family adventure. Topspin is owned and operated by Tony and Rickey Butts and their families.
Hagler explained how the business came to be. She said, “Eli, Madison, Cindel, and myself became obsessed with pickleball a year ago this month. If it was thirteen months ago, and I rode around and saw a new pickleball facility, I would have said, ‘What is pickleball?’ So, for us to be at this place one year later is so, so crazy and so cool. We had a vision and a dream of what this (building) could be. For a lot of people, it was hard to see when we said, ‘We are going to buy the skating rink and turn it into a pickleball facility.’ People would ask, ‘Can you do that?’ I would say, ‘I don’t know. I hope we can. We are going to try!’ We are really, really, proud of how it turned out.”
The former skating rink has been transformed into a space with sixteen cushioned pickleball courts, a seating area with tables for parties, and a pro shop. The week before the opening, the family hosted a soft opening to work out solutions for any potential problems they might face. Hagler said, “We have already had top-notch former junior pro players coming up from Huntsville to play. Some who are ranked in the top ten in the nation even came and had an awesome time.”
The club is not just for hardcore athletes; it is also a place for beginners, offering classes for those who have never picked up a paddle. Several different packages are available, and there is also a drop-in rate for those who choose not to have a monthly membership. Some of the plans are shown below:
Drop-In/ No Fee
Reserve one court/day up to 3 days in advance (1.5 hours of court time)
Doubles: $10/person
Singles: $20/person
Solo w/ Ball Machine: $40
Open Play: $12
Rent a Demo Paddle: $10/session
Individuals
Basic
$49/month*
12 credits per month to use for court reservations and open play
Reserve up to two courts/day up to 7 days in advance (3 hours of court time)
Doubles: $8/person (1 credit)
Singles: $16/person (2 credits)
Solo w/ Ball Machine: $32/person (4 credits)
Open Play: $10 (2 credits)
10% off League Play
Elite
$89/month
*Save $120 a year by purchasing this membership in the first 3 months of Topspin’s opening!
24 credits per month to use for court reservations and open play
Reserve up to three courts/day up to 14 days in advance (4.5 hours of court time)
Doubles: $8/person (1 credit)
Singles: $16/person (2 credits)
Solo w/ Ball Machine: $32/person (4 credits)
Open Play: $10 (2 credits)
10% off League Play
10% off Pro Shop
Family and Couples
Basic
$99/month
Up to 4 people directly related within your household
36 Credits to divide and use as you wish each month
Reserve up to two courts/day up to 7 days in advance (3 hours of court time)
Doubles: $8/person (1 credit)
Singles: $16/person (2 credits)
Drill with Ball Machine: $32 (4 credits)
Open Play: $10 (2 credits)
Rent a Demo Paddle: $5
10% off League Play
Elite
$159/month
Up to 4 people directly related within your household
72 Credits to divide and use as you wish each month
Reserve up to three courts/day up to 14 days in advance (4.5 hours of court time)
Doubles: $8/person (1 credit)
Singles: $16/person (2 credits)
Drill with Ball Machine: $32 (4 credits)
Open Play: $10 (2 credits)
Rent a Demo Paddle: FREE
10% off League Play
10% off Pro Shop
Topspin is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To see more plans and information on the club, visit https://www.topspinpb.club/.
