News Summary
South Austin is set to welcome a new sports and entertainment venue named Rush, featuring 17 pickleball courts and a 5-acre nature preserve. Groundbreaking has begun, with the first phase expected to open in 2026. The Rush complex aims to promote the growing popularity of pickleball among locals, offering indoor and outdoor facilities alongside a restaurant and beer garden, all within a beautifully designed environment. As interest in pickleball surges, Rush will enhance South Austin’s recreational and social offerings.
South Austin is set to welcome a new sports and entertainment venue called Rush. Groundbreaking for the elaborate complex, which spans 7 acres on Menchaca Road, has taken place, with plans to open the first phase in early 2026 and full completion expected by 2027.
The centerpiece of the Rush complex will be 17 pickleball courts. As the sport’s popularity surges among players of all ages in Central Texas, this venue aims to cater to both enthusiasts and newcomers. Games can be played by single players or teams of two, with a winning score of 11 points that require a lead of at least 2 points. Players will utilize a pickleball paddle and specialized balls for both indoor and outdoor games.
In addition to the prime pickleball facilities, the Rush complex will also include a dining experience with a restaurant and a leisure space featuring a beer garden. Unique amenities will be further enhanced by a surrounding 5-acre nature preserve, designed to include beautiful botanical gardens, creating a serene environment amidst the bustling activity.
The surge in interest for pickleball in Austin has been notable, with over 15 public locations offering courts free of charge, without the need for reservations. Notable facilities like the South Austin Recreation Center, Hancock Recreation Center, and Northwest Recreation Center provide indoor options, while Austin Pickle Ranch features 16 indoor courts equipped with CushionX technology for improved play quality.
The Austin Tennis Center stands as the largest public pickleball center in the city, housing eight lighted courts, while additional venues like Bouldin Acres offer rentable courts for organized play. Other notable pickleball facilities include Dreamland in Dripping Springs, which features 16 dedicated courts along with mini golf and a splash pad, and The Fieldhouse at the Crossover in Cedar Park, providing rentable courts.
Little Zilker Neighborhood Park also provides outdoor courts available for first-come, first-served play, ensuring accessibility to the sport for a diverse group of players. Furthermore, the Hurt Family Tennis Center in Shalom Austin offers lessons catering to various skill levels, promoting community engagement and skills development within the sport.
As the city embraces this growing interest, new venues are emerging that blend pickleball with culinary experiences. One of these is Electric Pickle, which promises to create a unique environment that merges dining and sports entertainment.
From casual players to serious competitors, pickleball has found its way into various leisure and corporate events in the area, reflecting a wider trend toward community engagement through organized sports. The rush to establish dedicated facilities points to the sport’s expansion and the demand for versatile entertainment options in South Austin.
With the development of Rush, future pickleball players will have access to quality facilities, a welcoming environment for socializing, and a part of the natural charm that Austin is known for. As early 2026 approaches, there is much anticipation surrounding this project and its potential to enhance the local sports and entertainment landscape.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Community Impact
- Google Search: Pickleball Austin
- 365 Things Austin
- Google Scholar: Pickleball
- PR Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- Eater Austin
- Google News: Pickleball Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
