Columbia County is now home to the area’s first indoor pickleball center.

Dink, drink or dine — come for one, or come for all three. Bringing a new sports and restaurant concept to the county, owners Nancy and Troy Akers have opened Dink’d, an indoor pickleball facility in Petersburg Shoppes on Furys Ferry Road.

“Pickleball has exploded nationwide, and it’s no different here,” says Joe Clemente, chief operating officer. “There is no facility of this kind anywhere in the area. We want Dink’d to be a destination in the community.”

Troy Akers agrees. “We know the area is ready for this,” he adds.

The 27,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility offers extended hours seven days a week, and Dink’d features nine championship pro-surface courts for tournaments, leagues, clinics, lessons and open play. Other activities include glow-in-the-dark pickleball and themed nights.

“If it’s really hot or really cold or it’s raining, people can play pickleball,” Clemente says. “Pickleball is addictive. It’s easy to learn, and people enjoy the camaraderie. A place like Dink’d caters to different generations of pickleball players.”

Dink’d is not just for pickleball, however. Additional amenities include a pro shop, full kitchen with a chef-inspired menu and full service bar with beer on tap, cocktails and mocktails.

Packages for parties, corporate outings and other events include court space, catering options and multimedia.

“The food and beverage component is a big part of this, and it makes us different from other pickleball facilities,” says Clemente.

Vu Nguyen, a pro-level pickleball player, will serve as head of pickleball operations. Memberships, which give people earlier access to courts than the general public, include pro and social levels.

“We’re a member-based model, but the public is welcome,” Clemente says. “If you reserve a court or just want to hang out, we’re open to everyone.”

For tournaments, Akers says they plan to work with the county to offer play at Dink’d and nearby Columbia County Racquet Club.

“This is an Augusta-based business. It’s not a chain. When you come to Dink’d, you’re supporting a local business,” says Akers. “It’s going to be a best-in-class facility that will make the community proud.”

For more information, visit dinkdpickleball.com.