Rooftop pickleball pop-up court opens｜Taiwan News

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Pickleball has gained popularity over the years, known for its mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Today, we take you to a newly established pickleball club in Zhonghe. To introduce the sport to more people, the club’s founder, Nicole Huang, has also built a rooftop pop-up pickleball court that’s open to both beginners and experienced players. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to the club’s founder to find out more.

Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a lower net and a perforated plastic ball. Easy to learn and fun for all ages, the sport has attracted people from all walks of life. Former UBS Taiwan head Dennis Chen plays several times a week at this pickleball club, leading groups of a dozen or more in weekly warm ups and coordinating games.

Dennis Chen
Former UBS Taiwan Head
I started playing pickleball after I retired. I love pickleball because the paddle is light, it is easy, the ball is light so that is the reason why I started playing pickleball. I play a couple of times a week. I like playing pickleball because we get to socialize and we get to talk all the time.

Mavis Ho
IMEC Taiwan general manager
Pickleball is something that is very social but at the same time has impact. At the same time, it is not as impactful as tennis, so I think it is really good for all ages.

This pickleball club was founded by Nicole Huang, a seasoned brand strategist with a background in global marketing. After spending over 10 years in the spirits industry across Asia and Europe, Nicole returned to Taiwan to build a pickleball club in February. Her inspiration came from the rise of pickleball in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Recognizing that Taiwan was only beginning to discover the sport. Nicole decided to build a pickleball club focused on community and connection.

Nicole Huang
Pickleball club founder
I started this sport in Thailand, in Bangkok while I was working there. Instantly, the first time I played, I got hooked. I got addicted. I think that is why I brought pickleball to Taiwan and to create such a style like a private-club style into Taiwan. We would like to bring the sport of pickleball one step further. It’s not just a sport. For us, it’s a community and a sense of belonging that we want to create for people. You can see from our design of the space, it is very comfortable and cozy. You’ll hear a lot of laughter and conversations from the players. Also from our program, from open play, from the private court bookings, and everything. Even the food and beverages we provide it at our club. I think people come here. They share with us, it’s like their backyard court. They come her and find their pickleball friends here. Old and new. They meet old people and they meet new friends here.

Together with her team, Nicole built the club into more than just a sports venue — it’s a social community where people of all ages and backgrounds come to play, connect, and unwind in a welcoming, fun environment. Building the club was no easy feat. Nicole says the hardest part was finding a legal and suitable venue for a pickleball court — a process that took approximately nine months.

Nicole Huang
Pickleball club founder
I quit my job basically, and that was when I moved from Thailand back to Taiwan. I spent around nine months to one year to find a perfect venue. And then, after that, I designed the brand, from the logo to our space. It’s been a long journey, but I do enjoyed it, even if it is risky and challenging but I enjoy the journey. Construction, the building use, and even the fire safety requirements needs to be all legally compliant. That is really difficult.

Stephany Yang
FTV Reporter
I am currently at the Pickle Day Social Club’s A11 pop-up court.

Their newest project includes a pickleball pop-up court at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A11’s 4th floor, open until February 28. There are two courts available, and players can make reservations online.

Nicole Huang
Pickleball club founder
This is our most exciting project of the year I would say. We started this pop-up from October, and then it will end next year, end of February 2026. It is a five-month pop-up so it is
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