New Indoor FryeGuys Club Brings Pickleball to Clifton Park

FryeGuys Pickleball Club opened its doors on Dec. 19, giving Clifton Park players a new year-round venue for play, lessons, and socializing. The 9,000-square-foot facility at 1319 Route 146 features three blue-and-green cement courts, a kitchenette, changing rooms, LED lighting, movable court dividers, padded walls and an HVAC system to keep temperatures comfortable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Owner Steve Frye, a Saratoga County resident who retired from high school math teaching in 2020, said this business idea came after he discovered pickleball at the YMCA. “This was the first idea I had for a job for something I could own,” Frye said. He added the club was designed to be welcoming and affordable: “We wanted a place where people could come in, have a good time for a reasonable price, so that they could play the sport that they love so much.”

As of Dec. 23, more than 150 people had signed up for club membership, which starts at $20 per month. The club’s courts are coated with several layers of acrylic paint and rubber to create a playing surface Frye describes as “with a little bounce to it.” LED lights improve visibility for evening play while movable dividers allow flexible use of the space for drills, open play and small events.

Frye’s wife, Ann, who manages the club’s social media and website, called the opening the result of long preparation. “Steve has been working on opening a pickleball business for a while, so it’s really exciting to see it all come together,” she said.

Beyond court time, FryeGuys positions itself as a local resource for the community. Frye emphasized partnerships with schools and outreach programs, describing the club as “a big community helper” aimed at giving people of all ages a place to exercise, socialize and learn the game. He expects pickleball’s local footprint to grow and envisions it eventually becoming a high school sport, which would increase demand for accessible indoor facilities during colder months.

Practical details matter for players looking to switch from outdoor to indoor play: the cushioned surface and climate control reduce joint stress and extend playability through winter, while movable dividers and padded walls support safer drills and small tournaments. Newcomers can expect beginner-friendly sessions as the club ramps up programming and coordinates with local schools and community groups.