Pickleball craze comes to Tulane as Goldring Tennis Center opens courts to the community

The fastest-growing sport in America has a new home at Tulane University, and players of all skill levels are welcome to join in on the fun by reserving pickleball courts at the new Goldring Tennis Center.

The Goldring Tennis Center, located at 200 Broadway St. at Tulane's University Square, opened in February 2026 as the home of the Green Wave men's and women's tennis programs. It features six NCAA-regulation tennis courts and four outdoor pickleball courts. Court reservations officially opened July 1, expanding the center's mission beyond collegiate athletics to serve the broader New Orleans community.

Community members can reserve the Goldring Tennis Center's pickleball courts online for $22 per hour, plus applicable fees and taxes. Reservations are required and can be made through the facility's online booking system. Players are encouraged to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their reservation.

While the center will ultimately offer both tennis and pickleball courts for community use, rentals will be limited to pickleball courts only through the end of the summer as work continues to enhance the new tennis courts. Once those enhancements are complete, the tennis courts will also be available for community use outside of Tulane men's and women's tennis practice and competition schedules.

Proceeds from court rentals will help maintain and improve the facility while supporting a premier playing experience for students and community members alike.

"We're proud to introduce the new Goldring Tennis Center, a premier facility that will elevate our community's access to top-tier tennis and pickleball courts," said David Harris, Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair. "This is more than just a sports complex - it's a great resource for bringing people together, promoting active lifestyles and strengthening our uptown neighborhood. We're excited to see our community thrive on these courts and look forward to welcoming players of all levels."

The center's community focus comes at a time when pickleball's popularity continues to soar. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, more than 24 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, making it the nation's fastest-growing sport for the fifth consecutive year. Pickleball has become popular with older and younger adults, as well as families and recreational athletes looking for a fun, social way to stay active.

Invented in 1965, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Played on a court about one-quarter the size of a tennis court, the game is easy to learn, fast-paced and typically played in doubles, making it as much a social activity as a competitive one.

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