Well, some weeks I have to dig to find content for the Pickle Jar but this week it pretty much fell into my lap, so without further ado, let's blast off to the Pickleverse.

1.    Tussey Mountain Pickleball Courts Are Open - the region has 5 new outdoor courts for play.  The courts are available for 90 minute reserved slots.  The first slot starts at 9:30 AM and the last session starts at 6:30 PM.  I would imagine they will have seasonal variations to their hours.  The rental fee for the current season is $15 PER COURT on weekends and $10 PER COURT on weekdays.  Here is the link for Tussey Mountain Pickleball:  Tussey Mountain Pickleball.

2.    New Indoor (Dedicated) Pickle Ball Court? - Heard a rumor that Picklr a indoor pickleball franchise was coming to town.  Of course I have heard similar rumors for a number of years so I figured I would do and web search and I was shocked to find a web page for a State College Picklr facility.  Based on the address listed on the webpage it would be going into the Mattress Warehouse building in the parking lot in front of Rey Azteca.  The "shakey" side of things is that when I tried the listed email I got an undeliverable message return.  When I tried their social media links, those also did not link to anything or went to a non-business link.  The facility is listed in the official Picklr webpage though.  I signed up for text updates and that seemed to go through.  After seeing a large facility deal in the county come crashing down just a couple weeks before closing I'm cautiously optimistic, emphasis on the cautiously.  You can check out the webpage at:  https://thepicklr.com/location/state-college

3.    Eye Injuries - If you don't wear eye protection when playing, please consider reading this article. Having taken a few shots to the face (and most from accidental friendly fire - at least I hope accidental) I can't emphasize enough that you never know when ball is going to find your "money maker".  Eye Protection Article

4.    Somerset Tournament - The Somerset Tournament is still open for registrations for the tournament on November 8th and 9th.  See the flyer on the Tournaments page.

5.    Bernel Road Park Pickleball Courts - It is that time of year where the Bernel courts will pick up leaf and other other matter that is deposited by the wind.  If you are of a mind, it would be great if a few players have portable leaf blowers and can periodically bring them with them to blow the gunk off the courts.

6.    Morning Drop-Ins - It is also that time of year that some players prefer to move indoors so if you checking the morning drop-ins for Bernel and The Centre, check both.  Also, remember that signing up for a drop in is not a requirement but it does help other players determine how busy courts will or won't be.

7.    Nittany Valley Sports Center (aka The Centre) - Effective January 2026 the drop-in fee for The Centre will be $9 per two hour session.  They will be honoring advanced purchases from 2025 in the new year.  They have a 10 game pack for $75 and a 24 game pack for $168.  This would allow you to purchase credits to play in 2026 at 2025 rates. Bri (desk attendant) also said she can take orders over the telephone or by email - just put ATTN: Bri In the Subject Line.

8.    Novice Meet/Play Session - I reserved 2 courts on November 5 at 11:00 AM to hold a session for new player that are looking to make connections with other player that are at a similar level as you learn the game and progress in you pickleball journey.  I will have sign-up for that event in a few days so check your calendars and hold that space.  If interest is high, I can see about getting more courts.

OK, just noticed this Pickle Jar is getting a little long so I will work on sending the break down of indoor places to play later this week or in the next Pickle Jar.  Perhaps I will have more information about the Picklr situation.

Hope to see you on the courts soon.  For now, here are the sign-ups for indoor play:

C3 Sports

The Centre

Randy S. Hoffman

Pickleball: The art of keeping your eye on the ball…mostly.