Pickleball Hall in Sayville offers glow-in-the-dark games

Just because the weather has turned cold, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Head indoors for some pickleball with a twist.

As the popularity of pickleball increases, elements of the game continue to be explored. Amp up the experience with glow pickleball at Pickleball Hall in Sayville where the lights get turned off, but the matches keep going in the dark.

"We convert everything with neon tape — the nets, the sidelines, baselines and the entire facility is surrounded by black lights," says manager Lauren Williams. "People will put neon tape as edge guard on their paddles. Even the Franklin X-40 balls we use can be seen under the black lights. Everything glows creating an awesome, fun vibe."

Once a month the venue hosts the glow party across its seven courts holding about 50 people with music spun by DJ Frank Melisurgo. glow sticks,  paddles and balls are provided for players.

"Once your eyes adjust, it’s pretty easy to see and focus on the ball. It takes a couple of points to get used to it," Williams says. "You play more for the social, dance party atmosphere."

The bar serves canned soda, seltzers, cocktails, beer and cider. There are QR codes that players can scan to order from various eateries like the next-door Local Burger.

The origin of the glow pickleball event stems from Williams, who held a private event for her 30th birthday. The owner allowed her to get the black lights and the neon tape. Once videos were posted up on social media, inquiries started coming in.

"Everyone started commenting like, ‘Oh my god! What is this?’ We eventually got black lights permanently installed surrounding the entire facility," Williams says. "It was a labor of love. We are in full swing now with regulars always asking for the next event."