On Saturday, 17 October, Danske Pickleballers will unveil a new indoor facility, transforming the industrial expanse of Nordhavn’s Tunnelfabrikken into a dedicated winter arena for the sport.
The facility, located at Tunnel Arena, is a notable architectural pivot for the building, which in the 1990s served as the site where tunnel elements for the Øresund link were cast. Now, the raw industrial hall is set to become the city’s primary hub for pickleball enthusiasts, offering six new professional-grade courts.
A transatlantic inspiration
The journey to this new facility began across the Atlantic. In April 2024, Joachim Litman, co-founder of Danske Pickleballers, visited his father in New York. While he had originally hoped to play padel, the high cost of courts in the city led him to a local schoolyard in East Harlem instead.
Pickleball is a very sociable game where both kids and seniors can have fun. Photo: Danske Pickleballers
There, he discovered the distinct culture of pickleball—a game defined by its low barrier to entry and social nature. Litman recalls being hooked from the “first dink,” struck by the ease of joining a game: you simply place your paddle in the queue and wait for four players.
It was a space where he could play alongside a five-year-old and a 95-year-old on the same day, a level of inclusivity that left a lasting impression.
Upon returning to Copenhagen, Litman founded Danske Pickleballers alongside friends Mathias and Lucas. The club, which began with chalk lines in city parks, has grown to over 100 members, with its activities conducted in both Danish and English.
The grand opening
The opening event at Tunnel Arena is designed not just for seasoned players, but as a social meetup for those looking to try the sport. The event runs from 11:00 to 20:00 on Saturday, 17 October, at Oceanvej 1, Nordhavn.
The programme for the day includes:
- 13:00: Official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- 13:45: Opportunities to play with coaches, with no prior experience necessary.
- 14:00–16:00: First sushi service.
- 16:30: Exhibition match featuring some of Denmark’s top players.
- 17:15: A social tournament with rotating partners and a DJ, aimed at helping attendees meet new people.
- 18:00–20:00: Final sushi service.
Entry is 25 DKK, which includes the use of paddles and balls. Whether arriving solo or with friends, the club encourages newcomers to join in, aiming to make the venue a social hub throughout the winter months.
