Kallang adds eight dual-use pickleball courts under OCBC-backed programme

The Kallang, formerly the Singapore Sports Hub, opened eight new dual-use pickleball courts on Jan 9, a move meant to broaden public access and anchor a season of community competition and events. The courts are part of an OCBC Group-backed programme that began in October 2025 and aims to knit pickleball into the precinct’s regular sports mix.

Facility managers repurposed two junior tennis courts and three basketball courts to create the eight dual-use surfaces, allowing players to swing between pickleball, tennis and basketball on the same footprint. The conversion emphasizes adaptability: courts now accommodate pickleball while retaining multi-sport functionality for regular users and organised events. Kallang Alive Sport Management leadership says the expansion responds directly to community demand for more accessible play space.

The programme includes a rolling schedule of competitions and events through the first half of 2026, building toward a large top-level tournament expected in Q3 2026. Organisers project participation in the thousands for the culminative event, positioning The Kallang as a regional gathering point for both recreational players and competitive amateurs. Local partners on the initiative include OCBC Bank, Bank of Singapore and Great Eastern, who are backing programming and outreach intended to grow grassroots participation.

Practical details for players: court booking rates start at SGD $5 per hour for non-peak slots, keeping casual play affordable for newcomers and regulars alike. That price point makes weekday and off-peak sessions attractive for families, seniors and workers seeking post-shift play. For clubs and coaches, the dual-use surfaces offer additional court time and flexible scheduling for drills, beginner clinics and small tournaments without displacing existing tennis and basketball programmes.

The expansion carries immediate benefits for the community. More courts mean shorter wait times during peak evening and weekend windows, and the dual-use design lets organisers run multi-sport days that introduce tennis or basketball players to pickleball’s low-barrier, social format. Local groups can expect more opportunities to host ladders, social nights and developmental leagues as the programme’s event calendar grows.

The takeaway? If you’ve been waiting to try pickleball, head for non-peak hours to lock in the SGD $5 rate and scout the new dual-use courts. Clubs should start lining up slots and planning beginner sessions now—the tournament pipeline through Q3 2026 means demand will spike. Our two cents? Bring a partner, practice your dink, and treat the Kallang expansion as a chance to grow your local scene.