Athletes competing at Pickleball Kingdom when it opens in Waukegan late this year will not have to worry about keeping score, or being concerned whether a close shot landed inside or outside the line.
Sheehan Lake, the president of Pickleball X, the company bringing Pickleball Kingdom to Illinois and seven other states across the country, said those two tasks will be done for the players through new technology.
“There will be TV screens at every court keeping score,” Lake said. “There will be a television camera at every court, and it can do an instant replay. You’ll be able to see where the ball landed. It’s at midcourt at every court.”
Pickleball Kingdom plans to open its first facility in Illinois at 699 Lakehurst Road in Waukegan near the American Place Casino, offering people 14 indoor courts with free instructions for beginners and tournament competition at different levels of expertise.
With three clubs open and seven in the pipeline — including Waukegan and North Aurora in Illinois — Lake said Pickleball X has a contract with Pickleball Kingdom to also operate its clubs in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida.
With a planned spot near the casino, Lake said the Lakehurst area of Waukegan is both growing and drawing a lot of potential pickleball players. Since the casino opened, restaurants, two hotels and other businesses have opened nearby.
“We’ve done our studies,” he said. “It can be very cold there (during the winter), and with 14 courts, you can have year-round pickleball.”
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said in an email he is glad to see Pickleball Kingdom coming to the city and bringing a “fun, fast-growing sport to our community.” It also fills a long-vacant building.
“Investments like this bring fresh energy, attract visitors, strengthen our local economy and spark new opportunities for nearby businesses, while giving residents and visitors another great reason to enjoy and be proud of our city,” he said.
David Motley, the city’s public relations director, said 10 new businesses sprouted in the area since American Place opened in 2023. It has become an economic engine, with a permanent resort and casino still a few years away.
Julie Ivic, American Place’s communications director, said in an email that the casino has become a cornerstone of economic and community growth in Waukegan. More than 75% of its employees live in Lake County.
Emphasizing Pickleball Kingdom intends to offer benefits to players at all levels of the game including youths, people who have just started to play the game and seasoned athletes, Lake said there is a free offer to beginners.
“We offer an invitation for a free lesson for someone who has not played before and a path to pickleball proficiency,” he said.
Covering more than 36,000 square feet, Lake said the 14 courts offer sufficient flexibility for a variety of activities at once. Several can be reserved for a private gathering, while a sufficient number will remain open for individual use and lessons.
Along with the 14 courts, he said there will be two community rooms for “birthday parties, corporate events and any number of celebrations.”
Both monthly and annual memberships will be available. Lake said the price structure is being developed, but memberships will entitle people to unlimited play. Non-members are welcome as well. They can call or just arrive and pay for a court. Reservations can be made in advance,
There will be changing rooms if people need them, and lockers outside the dressing area in full view. Lake said there will be a mezzanine with seating so spectators can watch the action on the courts. There will be snacks and beverages available.
The Waukegan Park District offers outdoor pickleball courts at several locations, with the main one at Bevier Park. There are indoor courts at the Fieldhouse Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center.
Lake said Pickleball Kingdom plans to open its second facility in Illinois at 1700 Orchard Gateway Blvd. in North Aurora shortly after the Waukegan facility is done. It will have 10 courts and more than 35,000 square feet.
