In the ever-evolving world of dining and entertainment, there’s a new kid on the block that’s making waves, and it’s none other than Smash Park.
This unique destination, blending the best of food, drinks, and games with the increasingly popular sport of pickleball at its heart, is set to open a new location in Westerville in 2025.
The upcoming Smash Park spot promises nearly 50,000 square feet of pure enjoyment.
Slated to start construction in the summer of 2024, it’s not just another entertainment venue; it’s a community hub where fun meets competitive spirit, wrapped up in a welcoming atmosphere.
Monty Lockyear, the CEO of Smash Park, has expressed his enthusiasm for bringing their unique concept to the Columbus metro area, a place they see as a perfect fit for their dynamic mix of offerings.
“We carefully consider each new location, and the Columbus metro is a diverse and active community, perfectly suited for the booming sport of pickleball and our other social offerings.” says Smash Park CEO Monty Lockyear. “The community has been so welcoming, and we can’t wait to bring our unique mix of food, drinks, entertainment and recreation to Westerville and the surrounding area.”
What sets the Westerville location apart?
Smash Park will offer over 30,000 square feet of indoor space dedicated to not just pickleball, but also a full-service restaurant with crafty food and drink, an adults-only area featuring axe-throwing and duckpin bowling, private karaoke suites for unleashing your inner superstar, and over 100 HDTVs to catch every moment of the big game.
“Westerville has one of the nation’s most recognized and awarded parks and recreation systems, and demand for pickleball continues to grow. Westerville and our neighbors will enthusiastically embrace Smash Park to complement the range of active recreational offerings available in our community,” said Jason Bechtold, Westerville Assistant City Manager.
But the fun doesn’t stop there.
The venue’s outdoor area, stretching over 15,000 square feet, invites you to enjoy more pickleball (because, let’s face it, you can’t get enough), shuffleboard, bocce ball, and a variety of yard games.
There’s even a rooftop bar for those nights you just want to relax under the stars. And for the pet parents among us, you’ll be thrilled to find a dedicated space for your furry friends right next to a dog-friendly patio.
Smash Park also plans to become the go-to spot for leagues and social events.
They’ll be offering weekly gatherings for pickleball, cornhole, darts, duckpin bowling, and axe-throwing.
Imagine lighting up the night with glow-in-the-dark pickleball or dodgeball, or challenging your friends to themed tournaments and trivia nights. And for those who love a good brunch (who doesn’t?), their Brunch Bingo is set to become a weekend staple.
The anticipation is building as Smash Park aims to hire more than 100 employees and expects to draw over 500,000 visitors annually.
“Westerville is proud to welcome Smash Park to Westar Place,” said Rachel Ray, City of Westerville Economic Development Director. “Westerville is home to a number of corporate headquarters, and this is exactly the type of amenity those businesses have requested and that we’ve envisioned for this prominent site. With its event spaces and team-focused games, we’re confident that Smash Park will become a go-to destination for employees of Westar business and visitors from across the region.”
With pickleball’s popularity on a meteoric rise and Westerville’s vibrant community eager for new experiences, Smash Park’s latest expansion is poised to hit the sweet spot.
It’s the kind of place where you can show off your competitive edge, unwind with friends, or just enjoy a night out, making it a game-changer for the Columbus area’s social scene. Get ready, Westerville; the fun is just beginning.
To learn more about Smash Park or to follow along for updates, you can visit smashpark.com.
