CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Picklr Cheyenne officially opened its doors on Jan. 11 with a day of festivities, free play and a high-profile “challenge-the-pro” event. More than 200 residents packed the 22,000-square-foot facility at 3741 E. Lincolnway, eager to experience Cheyenne’s first indoor pickleball complex.
Grand Opening Sparks Excitement
Local owners Ray and Tanya Estes, both U.S. Army veterans, welcomed players of all levels from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They provided games, facility tours, a DJ, raffle prizes and a food truck. Attendees also had the rare chance to challenge co-owner and former No. 1–ranked pickleball player Kyle Yates.
Ray, who discovered pickleball in 2020, said he believed the community needed an indoor facility. “I’ve always wished there was a Picklr closer to me in Wyoming, and I felt that one would succeed in Cheyenne,” Ray said. “I am thrilled to welcome everyone throughout the region to visit our brand-new Picklr Cheyenne.”
Yates, a recent Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee at age 29, moved from Florida to Denver to help expand the sport. “I’ve seen the impact on other communities and [I’m] excited to see it expand to Cheyenne,” Yates said. He emphasized the facility’s inclusive nature. “Pickleball’s number-one attribute is its inclusivity, the community; it’s all about the people,” he said.
Local resident Michael McColl appreciated the chance to test his skills against Yates. “I am just glad Cheyenne has a facility like this,” McColl said. He joked about Yates’s skill, advising future challengers, “Don’t go for his forehand.”
Business Roots and Future Plans
Ray’s and Tanya’s leadership background from their Army careers informs their vision for the business. The facility includes eight indoor courts with professional-style surfacing, a pro shop and a private event space. Services include lessons, league play, tournaments and open play. Ray plans to add junior club teams for local high schools and junior highs, and he expects to expand open play times soon.
The Estes family already counts 150 local members. They plan to grow even more by hosting large tournaments and corporate events. “Wherever I go, people are extremely friendly, inclusive, and kind,” Ray said. He hopes this welcoming spirit will draw more enthusiasts to pickleball.
Pickleball’s history dates to 1965, when two families invented it at a vacation home in Washington. They used wooden paddles, a badminton net and a wiffle ball. Ray believes the COVID-19 pandemic helped pickleball take off, due in part to social distancing features. “It really took off with COVID because it felt like a safe way to socialize,” Ray said. The sport’s growing popularity might culminate in an Olympic debut by 2032 as it gains international popularity, he added.
On the Courts Today
Crowds filled all eight courts during the grand opening. The energy soared as enthusiastic players rotated through each station. Every strike of the pickleball paddle produced a signature “pop,” which echoed through the facility and heightened the friendly atmosphere. Demonstrations ran throughout the day for beginners, while advanced players took on fast-paced challenges. Attendees cycled through 12-minute games in beginner, novice, intermediate and advanced brackets. One court showcased the Erne ball machine and Wingfield AI Coaching demos, highlighting the facility’s innovative approach.
Will McColl, who has played pickleball for three years, picked up a helpful tip during the event’s clinics. “Kyle told me to bend my knees,” he said with a grin.
Ray and Tanya both thanked the community for making The Picklr Cheyenne a reality. They believe local enthusiasm for the sport will continue to grow as more residents experience the facility’s amenities. “I quickly got drawn into the pickleball addiction,” Ray said. He still plans to play whenever business duties allow, because he appreciates the friendly, competitive nature of the game.
Anyone interested in scheduling a tour or interview can call 970-481-0922. Details on leagues, membership and upcoming tournaments are available by visiting The Picklr Cheyenne’s website or emailing cheyenne.wy@thepicklrfranchise.com.
What’s Next
The Picklr Cheyenne will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. Tournaments and other community events are already in the works, promising more excitement in the coming months. “Look around at all the smiles on people’s faces; that’s how you know it’s all worth it,” Yates said.
Ray and Tanya invite everyone to pick up a paddle and join Cheyenne’s newest destination for fun and fitness. With strong community support and a rising membership base, The Picklr Cheyenne aims to keep the momentum going for Wyoming’s pickleball enthusiasts.