Eatertainment destination Smash Park, known for its social mix of food, drinks, events, and recreation – including its flagship activity, pickleball – is breaking ground on a new location in Omaha, anticipated to open in the fall of 2023.
Smash Park CEO Monty Lockyear said the company is eager to enter the Omaha market for a number of reasons. “Omaha has always been a top choice for expansion outside Iowa, considering its proximity, population, and the thriving pickleball community,” he says. “We feel confident Omaha will embrace our combination of recreation, social activity, food, and drinks. As a former Omaha resident, I could not be more excited to bring Smash Park to this city.”
The Smash Park venue will have 30,000 square feet of indoor space to house pickleball courts, craft food and drinks, a 21-and-over “Paddle Club,” ax throwing, duckpin bowling, and a private karaoke “Sing Suite.” More than 100 HDTVs will make it the ultimate destination for sports watch parties. Its 15,000 square-foot outdoor space will include two pickleball courts, outdoor shuffleboard, bocce ball, a premier patio, rooftop bar, televisions, and yard games. There will be space for private events to host from five to 500 people.
Smash Park will host leagues for pickleball, cornhole, darts, duckpin bowling, and ax throwing. The recreation area will be equipped for nighttime entertainment such as glow pickleball and glow dodgeball. In addition, Smash Park will be the go-to place for weekly events such as trivia, themed tournaments, and its popular Brunch Bingo.
La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig said Smash Park will be a source of fun and recreation for area residents, and a big draw for the region. “We are thrilled Smash Park selected La Vista as the home of their new location. As a family-friendly entertainment venue, Smash Park will not only be a great addition to our community but a fantastic regional tourist destination,” Kindig said.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with participation continuing to increase year over year. In 2021, pickleball grew by nearly 5 million players in the U.S., according to a 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association report. The sport has sparked a nationwide craze, garnering interest from younger demographics.
Smash Park opened its original location in West Des Moines in 2018. It opened a second Iowa location in Pella in May 2022 and announced earlier this year it will open two locations in the Twin Cities area in 2023 and 2024.
