New venue gives locals a space to play America’s ‘fastest-growing sport’ year-round
Published at
Do you want to know what’s happening in the eastern Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered. Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.
BIZ BUZZ
IDAHO FALLS
New indoor pickleball venue open year-round for patrons
IDAHO FALLS – During the COVID-19 lockdown, when many people were stuck inside, Justin Fullmer started playing pickleball to break up the monotony.
Today, the 26-year-old Idaho Falls man is part-owner of a pickleball gym. Spitfire Pickleball opened in December at 3130 Spitfire Street in Idaho Falls. For a monthly fee, customers have access to any of the business’s five courts to play a game with family and friends. Patrons can also schedule a one-time three-hour session.
Fullmer tells EastIdahoNews.com the community response has been tremendous during the last six months.
“We’ve had tons of good feedback. We’re growing. Six months seems like a long time, but it’s gone super fast. We’ve made a lot of improvements, and we’re hoping to keep growing like we are,” Fullmer says.
Other owners in the business are Jalen Fuhriman, Taylor Hale, Jordan Hale, Luke Hale and Robbie Owens.
Fullmer started playing tennis years ago. Pickleball is similar, so it was an easy sell for him. He was thrilled with the chance to be involved in the business after working construction for several years.
Earlier this year, CNN reported pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. The number of people playing it has grown by 159% in the last three years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
When asked why it’s so popular, Fullmer’s simple response was “because it’s fun.”
This trend was part of the reason why his partners wanted to open an indoor pickleball complex.
“People wanted a place to play in Idaho Falls indoor during the winter. The courts (in town) were full during the summer, and there was no place to play after that,” Fullmer says. “The main goal was to create a community where people could play a sport they loved (year-round).”
The venue’s popularity continues to soar, and Fullmer and his partners are looking to expand sometime in the future. They’re discussing whether to open a second location somewhere else or move to a larger space.
Whatever happens, the goal is to accommodate more people and host larger events and tournaments.
Youth camps are available for the summer. To sign up or learn more, call (208) 593-7372, or visit the website.
BIZ BITS
First clinic of its kind in the US opens in eastern Idaho
IDAHO FALLS — Leavitt Women’s Healthcare Express opened its doors in the new strip off Sunnyside Road and Valencia Drive in Idaho Falls.
The new clinic provides a variety of urgent care services for women five days a week. It provides treatment on anything from infections to birth control and bleeding issues.
Dr. Glenn Leavitt tells EastIdahoNews.com this is the first clinic nationwide that specifically provides walk-in care for women.
EastIdahoNews.com is working on a more in-depth story that will be posted soon.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Restoration and insurance companies swamped with calls after storm floods basements
New hotel to be built in Blackfoot
Idaho Falls Chamber’s new CEO outlines goals for the future
Idaho Falls Residence Inn named Hotel of the Year by Marriott
If you have a Biz Buzz item you want to share, send it to rett@eastidahonews.com. Remember to use “Biz Buzz” in the subject line. Also, don't forget to sign up for the free Biz Buzz email newsletter.
Biz Buzz is brought to you by Idaho Central Credit Union, the premier credit union in Idaho. Its mission is "Helping members achieve financial success."