Ace Pickleball Club transforms former Big Lots space on Greenback Lane into year-round sports hub
FOLSOM — The city’s growing community of pickleball enthusiasts is about to have a new place to play, rain or shine. Ace Pickleball Club, a national franchise known for its member-focused approach and climate-controlled courts, has announced that its first California location will open in Folsom on October 25 at 9522 Greenback Lane.
The announcement marks the culmination of months of anticipation surrounding the large, vacant retail site formerly occupied by Big Lots. The 42,000-square-foot building sat empty since the retailer closed last year, leaving a noticeable gap along one of Folsom’s most traveled commercial corridors. Its conversion into a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball club is expected to breathe new life into the space — creating an estimated 30 jobs and revitalizing a portion of Greenback Lane that has long awaited new activity.
The new indoor facility is locally owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Mukti and Jyoti Patel. After a successful 32-year career as a certified public accountant, Mukti retired in 2022 and turned his passion for pickleball into a full-time venture. A lifelong athlete who first picked up the paddle playing casually with friends, Patel’s love for the game quickly grew into a competitive pursuit — earning medals at PPA Amateur Tournaments in both Las Vegas and Sacramento.
Originally from Zambia, Patel came to the United States at age 14 to pursue his education and build a career that spanned more than three decades. Today, he says his most rewarding role is being a grandparent, cherishing the time he spends with his grandchildren — who also share his enthusiasm for pickleball.
“It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with pickleball,” Patel said. “What I enjoy most is how social and accessible the game is. Anyone can pick it up and have fun. But with outdoor play, weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind often take away from the experience. I realized that for the sport to continue growing, players needed a place where they could enjoy the game year-round in a climate-controlled setting. I’m thrilled to be opening the new club and to bring that opportunity to Folsom and the surrounding communities.”
The Folsom Ace Pickleball Club will feature 15 professional-grade cushioned courts, climate-controlled conditions, and designated courts for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Members will enjoy unlimited, all-day play and hassle-free access with no need for reservations. Beyond open play, the club will host clinics, Club-coordinated tournaments, social gatherings, and events that foster a fun and inclusive community atmosphere for players of all skill levels and ages.
Members can also enjoy unlimited paddle demos that rotate quarterly, allowing them to test the newest technology from a variety of leading brands. The club will offer free introductory clinics designed to help beginners feel comfortable learning the game’s rules and fundamentals before joining regular play.
To celebrate its grand opening, the club is offering a special promotion: new members will receive their first month free starting October 25. Space is limited, and signups are available at www.acepickleballclub.com/folsom-ca.
Ace Pickleball Club is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country, with 20 locations currently open nationwide and an ambitious expansion plan of 25 to 30 more in 2025. The Folsom club marks the franchise’s first venture into California, uniting community and competition under one roof while transforming a long-vacant retail space into a vibrant recreation destination.
By turning an unused building into a year-round athletic facility, Ace Pickleball Club not only meets a rising demand for indoor pickleball but also strengthens Folsom’s sports landscape and local economy.
For more information, visit www.acepickleballclub.com/folsom-ca or email folsomca@acepickleballclub.com.
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