By Grace Huffstetler, OMAHA, Neb. — Nebraska welcomed its first dedicated indoor pickleball club in Papillion this past month. Midwest Pickleball Club officially opened its doors March 7 after being in development for two years. The facility features 14 indoor courts, a full-service coffee shop, a bar, and lounge areas for players and spectators to enjoy.
A driveway game sparks a dream
Owners Ryan Potter and Matthew Barlow worked together for two years to bring their dream to life. Potter had been playing pickleball for a few years, and loved the social and outdoor aspect of it. He recalled coming up with the dream when playing pickleball outside in a friend’s driveway, and realized there was a need for an indoor facility due to Omaha’s fluctuating weather conditions.
“What do we do when the weather changes and where do we go?” he said. “As I started doing a lot of research, there really wasn’t a designated pickleball place like here in Omaha.”
To bring their idea to life, Potter and Barlow sought guidance from a similar club in Texas. Since its grand opening, business has been steady and strong.
Room for everyone to play
With 14 courts under one roof, there’s space for everyone at MPC—from seasoned competitors to beginners learning how to swing a paddle. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. In 2024, about 19.8 million Americans played, a 45.8 percent increase from the year before and a 311 percent jump from three years earlier, according to the 2025 Sports & Fitness Industry Association Participation Report.
Social connection drives popularity
A major draw to the sport is its social atmosphere. Players often say they’ve found a real sense of community among the paddles and whiffle balls. Its similarities to tennis make it easy to learn, and more young people are joining in.
John Vu, a player who’s only been playing the sport for nine months, says he saw how popular the sport was becoming and sought to jump in. He bought cheap paddles and gathered his friends in a park, where they realized how fun it was. Vu also says it’s because of the community surrounding pickleball as to why it’s fun.
“It’s probably the social and physical elements,” he says, “you know, it’s exercise and it’s fun.”
Everyone is welcome on the court
Potter said the club has received overwhelming support from the community, and it welcomes players of all levels.
“We tell people that this is the place if you want to come and learn about the sport and get better,” He says, “We have instructors and other players who will help you transition from one phase to the next.”
UNO student night set for April 6
Whether you’re curious about the sport or ready to jump in, there’s never been a better time to try. Midwest Pickleball Club will host a UNO Student Night on Sunday, April 6 — a chance to learn the game, meet new people and join Omaha’s growing pickleball scene.
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