October 24th, 2021
90 POWER DR. MANKATO, MN. – The Picklebarn is pleased to announce it will have a ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, October 27th at 2pm. The Picklebarn will be located at 90 Power Drive Mankato, MN sitting at the corner of Victory and Power Drive.
Owners Sidney and Mitch Elofson (28) were born and raised in Saint Peter, MN. They attended Gustavus Adolphus College for their bachelor’s degrees while playing tennis for the Gusties. After graduating from Gustavus, they went on to get their master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sport and Exercise Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. During this time, Sidney and Mitch spent a summer in Florida for an internship. This is where they fell in love with Pickleball!
“Our dream is to make a place with a fun and healthy atmosphere where families and friends can go to connect and be together” said Sidney and Mitch. “We want to give back to the community that has given us so much. The impact our families have made on who we are is something so special to us. The Picklebarn will be a place where families can make memories which will last a lifetime. We have both been so blessed and could not be more excited about the opportunity ahead. We know with our faith, family, and friends behind us this will be a truly special place.”
Sidney and Mitch have both dedicated their careers to working with athletes of all ages. Running the Picklebarn will combine their passion for young athlete development, working through physical and mental barriers, and the importance of living an active lifestyle. Their years of experience surrounding racquet and paddle sports will be a big part of what makes the Picklebarn unique!
About The Picklebarn
The Picklebarn is a 27,000 square foot tournament grade pickleball facility where families and friends can make memories and enjoy life together. With pickleball being the fastest growing sport in the country, this premiere “pickleball first” facility will be a great addition to the Southern Minnesota community.
“We are incredibly excited to see a new facility dedicated to the fastest growing sport in the country” said Joy Leafblad, Sports and Special Events Director, Visit Mankato. “Sidney and Mitch’s investment in our community can put Mankato on the map for league and tournament play. This isn’t just great for growing the sporting economy either. Pickleball is a great sport for socialization that can be enjoyed at all ages, so it is a great livability asset as well. As odd as it may sound, we have heard stories of people moving to communities that have opportunities to play pickleball year-round. We are excited to see what the Picklebarn can do for the community.”
“The Mankato Area Pickleball Association is looking forward to the opening of this new indoor facility and the opportunities it will provide for the pickleball players of the Mankato area” said John Sandry, President, Mankato Area Pickleball Association.
The Picklebarn will have eight dedicated pickleball courts in a climate-controlled environment. The purposeful layout of the courts meets all the USA Pickleball standards for hosting USA sanctioned tournaments and events. The Picklebarn will also offer Net Generation (10 and under) tennis! Pickleball leagues, lessons, tournaments, drop-ins, and corporate team building events are just a small portion of what this facility will offer! Pickleball has an easy to learn format and it’s a great way to stay active in a social and fun way! Haven’t tried it yet? That’s ok! There will be introductory sessions where you can learn or just come grab a paddle to try it out with some friends! Be careful though, it’s addicting!
APX Construction Group has been working with Sidney and Mitch for over a year to help create the Picklebarn. The building materials have already been delivered to the land and site work has begun.
Jamie Jacobs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, APX Construction Group said, “Pickleball has gained such momentum over the years and The Picklebarn will bring added value to our community. There is such a need for court space and we are thrilled to be working with the Elofson’s to bring this sport to Mankato. Our team was able to lead them through all layers of the process, from start to finish. The overall experience of the space and how that relates to the design was very important to the Elofson’s. We were able to walk through all these details to ensure we meet all their expectations. We are thrilled to get rolling on the construction with them and see their dreams come to life.”
Want more information about the Picklebarn?
Follow along on one of our social platforms! The Picklebarn website will launch on October 27th.
- Website: www.picklebarnmn.com
- Instagram: @picklebarnmn
- Facebook: @picklebarnmn