CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The pickleball craze that has swept the nation will now have an indoor home in Charlottesville. Cville Smash, set to open in September, will give the city its first dedicated indoor pickleball facility, delivering a new level of community, competition, and comfort to Central Virginia.

Opening in early September in the renovated Seminole Square Shopping Center, Cville Smash will transform the former Marshalls space into a 33,000-square-foot pickleball facility, complete with nine dedicated indoor courts, event spaces, lounges and a food and beverage area.

“We’re not just building courts,” said co-founder Lauren Carbo. “We’re building a community hub. A place where people can play, compete and connect.”

While Charlottesville has a growing pickleball scene, most indoor options have been converted from other sports. Cville Smash breaks new ground by offering courts designed from scratch for pickleball, featuring cushioned surfaces, 25-foot ceilings and professional-grade lighting that minimizes shadows and glare.

“We’ve invested heavily in the surfaces, fencing, and lighting to make sure players have the best possible experience,” said Carbo. “This isn’t a repurposed gym. This is a facility that understands what pickleball players want and need.”

Director of Pickleball, Bryce Baxter, echoed that vision.

“We want to be the home base for all players, from beginners to elite competitors,” he said. “Whether you’re just looking to socialize or you’re training for tournaments, there’s a space for you here.”

Cville Smash isn’t just about the sport. According to co-founder and former college lacrosse coach turned pickleball entrepreneur, Colleen Shearer, it’s about social connection and community building.

“The facility features lounging areas with cozy couches, private event spaces and a personal training area focused on pickleball-specific fitness,” she said. “The vibe is equal parts high-performance athletic club and Charlottesville living room.”

For social players like Carbo, “It is about creating a space where people connect. A place where friendships grow as much as skill levels.”

Cville Smash is already forming deep ties with the community. The UVA Club Pickleball Team, national champions in its category, has named Cville Smash their official indoor training facility and their top players will practice and compete there regularly.

Anyone who plays outdoor pickleball knows the frustration of weather cancellations. Rain, wind, and Virginia’s summer heat have long been obstacles for local players.

“You can’t play in the wind, and you definitely can’t play in the rain,” said Shearer. “At Cville Smash, you can finally plan your game three days out and know it’ll happen. That reliability changes everything.”

The facility’s climate-controlled environment will offer daily open play, instruction, leagues, tournaments, and clinics. With membership and drop-in options, it’s built to be accessible to casual players, families, and competitive athletes alike.

The idea for Cville Smash was born out of a shared passion for pickleball and entrepreneurship. Carbo and Shearer, who met through their daughters’ lacrosse team, began dreaming up the concept during the pandemic.

“It started as an idea and turned into a mission,” said Shearer. “Charlottesville didn’t have an indoor pickleball facility, and we knew if we didn’t do it, someone else would. We traveled, studied other facilities, and took the best of everything we saw and then made it our own, with a Charlottesville flair.”

After nearly two years of planning, partnerships and construction and working closely with Donaldson Construction, Cville Smash is on track for a September opening. Finishing touches are being finalized, paint is going up and membership sales are launching at the end of July.

Whether you’re a UVA student looking for a fun weekend activity, a retiree seeking a new social outlet, or a seasoned athlete wanting to push your skills, Cville Smash aims to be your home court.

“I tell people, just try pickleball,” said Baxter. “It’s fun, social, competitive if you want it to be, and easy to start. And once you’re hooked, we’ll be here.”

Cville Smash is now accepting event bookings for fall and winter, including birthday parties, corporate team-building and private events. Memberships, including discounted Founders Memberships, go on sale next week.

To learn more and get updates on the grand opening, follow Cville Smash on social media or visit cvillesmash.com.