Pick Up a Racquet and Head to Court 16, Lower Manhattan’s Newest Tennis Academy

It’s not just you. Everyone is really getting into pickleball lately. If it’s time for you to pick up a paddle and get in on America’s fastest-growing sport, there’s no more convenient place to do so than at Court 16 (28 Liberty St.). The racquet sports club, which recently opened its doors in the neighborhood, has multiple pickleball and tennis courts for rental, plus a luxe lounge for when you need to take an inevitable breather. 

And it’s the only training facility of its kind downtown. In fact, you’ll find no other spot like it beneath 14th St. — great news for all your friends who brag about never traveling north of Union Square. 

As for those getting serious about tennis, Court 16 offers private and group sessions in which you’ll get to play with their state-of-the-art ball machine. (Plus, it has a special vacuum to collect the balls so you don’t have to chase them around the court. So no worries in case you’re not feeling that ambitious.) A kids’ tennis academy and summer camps are also available.

And if you’re in search of a unique corporate team-building activity, Court 16 hosts private events. Get the whole crew out on the pickleball court for a bit of friendly competition and then refuel with food and drinks from Alamo Drafthouse, which happens to be right upstairs if you want to catch a movie afterward.