Leigh Ann Blanchard, co-owner of Defined Pickleball, discussed the new 18-court indoor facility on an ESPN 101.7 "TEAM TALK" podcast. The facility is dedicated to cushioned CushionX courts and offers extensive programming, family-friendly amenities, and enhanced joint protection for players.
"We also have our clinics, our tournaments. We're going to be offering lessons from our pros," said Ann Blanchard. "It's easier to play, longer longevity. (It's) really good for the body and the joints."
As per the podcast, Blanchard highlighted the strong local support and family-friendly atmosphere at the Rio Rancho facility. She noted that a wide demographic was present from early morning, stating, "Right when we opened the doors this morning at seven, everyone was coming in." Blanchard said attendees included "daughters, kids, wives, uncles, grandparents... just watching their kids play," illustrating the venue’s multigenerational appeal and role as a community hub.
According to their website, Defined Pickleball is an 18-court indoor pickleball facility measuring approximately 50,000 square feet. It is located at 1644 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, adjacent to Defined Fitness in Hilltop Plaza. It stands as the largest CushionX indoor facility in the Southwest, offering ample space and separation between courts for both competitive play and casual viewing.
The facility’s courts feature CushionX, a premium cushioned acrylic system that provides approximately 15 percent reduction in impact compared to hard courts. This helps protect players’ knees, hips, and feet. Both recreational users and visiting professionals praised these courts for their comfort and impact-reducing qualities, according to KOB 4.
Beyond court play, Defined Pickleball offers a full range of services including clinics for all skill levels, pro lessons, "Beat the Pro" challenges, tournaments, social events, a café, pro shop, paddle rentals, and large-screen TVs. The grand opening featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies with prize drawings, live music, and free food to introduce the community to its offerings.
Editor's note: This article includes excerpts from an interview conducted on "TEAM Talk" with Joe O'Neill, Adam Diehl, and Andres Chavez. "TEAM Talk" airs Monday through Friday between 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on ESPN Radio 101.7 TheTEAM.
