New Georgia Pickleball Facility Named Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events

The name of the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility will be Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events, revealed Macon-Bibb County in Georgia, the Urban Development Authority and Visit Macon.

The 150,000-square-foot complex will feature 32 courts (16 upstairs and 16 downstairs) with four pods of four courts on each level. Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events is hoping to not only provide a space for local players, but to also attract state, regional and national tournaments.

“We began booking events in this new facility long before construction was complete,” said Gary Wheat, chief executive officer of Visit Macon. “The sports (and especially pickleball) market is excited and we look forward to attracting many new groups, events, and regional tournaments to this state-of-the-art sports complex with so many amenities. These events will contribute millions of dollars to the Macon economy.”

Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon have selected Sports Facilities Companies to oversee management and operation of the venue. John Roberts — a Macon resident since 2007 — was selected as the venue’s general manager. Roberts served as the director of finance and operations at Historic Macon after a 15-year tenure as the senior associate commissioner for operations and chief financial officer at the Atlantic Sun Conference.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to manage this world-class facility,” said Roberts. “I’m delighted to use my experience in athletics and help strengthen and grow pickleball here. I’m passionate about pickleball and I know first-hand what it means to this community. This venue will help bring people from all over to Macon for tournaments, conventions and many other events. I’m excited to have a key role in enhancing and revitalizing the Eisenhower Business Improvement District and helping Macon build a happier and healthier community.”

In collaboration with Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon, SFC led a branding, naming and logo creation process for Rhythm and Rally.

“As the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball facilities are in high demand everywhere,” said SFC Vice President of Venue Management Patrick O’Brien. “Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon have done a tremendous job transforming the venue into a world-class pickleball facility. We are confident that Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events will bring significant economic impact to the community, attracting visitors from far and wide. We will also leverage the Rhythm and Rally to bring the local community together through pickleball and other events that we will host.”