Big Orange Pickleball opens courts in Strawberry Plains
By Ken Leinart
It may have taken a little longer than expected, but Wayne and Kim Hodge held an official ribbon cutting for Big Orange Pickleball (BOP) Friday, November 1. The facility is located at 7729 Strawberry Plains Pike.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, Wayne Hodge said. He remembered playing in West Knoxville at the Pavillion of Pickleball (POP) and having to drive 45 minutes every time he wanted to play.
As his skill improved Hodge said it was harder to find others in his skill set. “Plus, it’s a 45-minute drive,” Hodge said “So, one morning I was heading out there and I decided, ‘I’m going to build my own pickleball facility.’” Hodge said, “You turn a left out of here (BOP) and you can see my driveway.”
Hodge received encouragement from POP owner Lee Martin and in February, 2022, Wayne and Kim purchased the property BOP is located. In October, 2023, ground was broken. “We were supposed to open in June (2024), but certain things came up, they always do,” Wayne said. “But, here we are.”
Two weeks before the ribbon cutting, BOP held a soft opening. Many of Friday morning’s attendees are members of BOP and were on hand to get their time on the court – but gladly took time to take in the celebration.
“There’s not a pickleball court in East Knoxville,” Wayne said. “Not an indoor one. So, I think this is something our community needed.”
That sentiment was shared by Knox County Commission At-Large Larsen Jay, who attended the ribbon cutting. Jay said the Hodges are “in the right place at the right time” because the growth in Knox County is on the east side. “Cedar Bluff, 30 years ago, was farmland,” Jay said. “Strawberry Plains, I promise you, in the next 30 years will grow out in the community as rich and vibrant. Lots of neighborhoods, lots of commerce, lots of people expanding towards the east end of the county. That’s where the growth is coming.”
He congratulated the Hodges for their work. “When you find people that risk capital and invest in loving what they do, it’s a celebration for business in Knox County.”
Before cutting the ribbon Wayne Hodge addressed the opportunity and thanked his wife, Kim.
“Dreams come true … Kim and I had a dream to build Big Orange Pickleball, and it has been a journey,” he said. “To be standing in the facility today, I can’t even describe it … And I want to thank my right hand and left hand woman (Kim). She has stuck with me.”
“There are so many people I want to thank, but I always forget a few, so thank you all.”
BOP is a state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar facility designed to serve the growing demand for pickleball. Key features of the facility include:
– Six SportMaster cushioned courts with six layers of rubber for longer, more comfortable play with less stress on the body.
– A climate-controlled environment (maintained between 68°-71°), ensuring a pleasant playing experience free of outdoor elements such as wind, rain, and sun.
– Customized LED uplighting that reflects off the ceiling to create an even glow, optimizing ball tracking and reducing glare.
– 8-foot nets between courts to prevent interference from errant balls.
Ashleigh Christian, director of customer development with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber was not only excited about BOP opening, but also employing four people.
One of which is Cassie Quast, who is managing and teaching at BOP. She has played with and against some of the top pros and has experience with teaching tennis and pickleball players alike. Pickleball is her passion, and she is excited to bring her knowledge and love of the sport to our facility members and community. She is a PPR Certified Pro and Wayne has attained his PPR Associate Coach certification as well.
