NUNN ON THE RUN

SPF hits the Chi

Fri. February 23, 2024 12:00 AM
by Jerry Nunn

Chicago's largest indoor pickleball facility SPF opened in January of 2024 with an official ribbon cutting on Feb. 22 at its first location 2121 North Clybourn Avenue Building 1.

SPF is an acronym for Social Pickleball Fun, as well as Sun Protection Factor, and you can save your skin from those solar rays by playing indoors inside a massive building. The 42,000 square foot space gives room to stretch out and explore.

Start with a Club SPF Membership that will save on the overall cost of some of the services such as early court reservations and retail discounts.

Besides the eight pickleball courts, there are shuffleboard opportunities on the second floor that can be rented as a private event space with a dynamic birds-eye view.

A cornhole setup with bean bags and bocce ball games transforms one area into a separate adult playground. Big developments are on the way with possible interactive gameplay, movie parties and family-friendly events on the turf.

To quench one's thirst head to the cafe with offerings from Kenyan Kitwetu Coffee Company. The bar for happy hour offers spirited beverages on the menu or alcohol-free drinks that taste just like the original concoction.

Food is on the way for lunch and dinner as the company expands its kitchen presence plus a Honey Butter Fried Chicken pop-up is currently in the works.

Some info to tickle your pickle, do a little homework ahead of time or learn onsite with one of the trained instructors. Patrons may join a class, sometimes referred to as a clinic, to meet others with any level of expertise ranging from beginners to advanced placement.

The Cucumber Club was created for ages three to 11 and is divided into juniors (second and third grade) and seniors (fourth and fifth grade).

The LGBTQ+ community is already building leagues for upcoming inclusive play and fans of the eighties can turn down the lights in a special neon secluded room.

If players forget their paddles or balls at home they can rent them right on arrival at the front desk and also purchase merchandise at the same spot.

The owners have created a unique one-stop shop environment where guests can socialize and have fun with a capital F!

For more information on booking a court reservation visit playspf.com or just add the app for on-the-go convenience.

MORE CONTENT AFTER THESE SPONSORS