Tucked into East Austin at 311 Chicon St, Pan American Park — Pan Am to the regulars — has quietly become one of the city’s most beloved spots to play pickleball. Six courts, an easy adjacent parking lot, and a friendly crowd that fills up fast on weekends make it the kind of place where you show up alone and leave with a handful of new playing partners.
Before you grab your paddle, here’s everything you need to know to play at Pan Am: the court layout, how the rotations work, when leagues take over, and where to head if every court is packed.
Credit: Emma Tracy
Convenient and Welcoming
One of Pan Am’s standout features is the adjacent parking lot, making access to the courts hassle-free. The friendly and welcoming community at Pan Am adds to the charm, creating a lively and engaging environment. Weekends, in particular, are bustling with activity, making it an ideal time to socialize and play with fellow pickleball enthusiasts.
Court Details
Pan Am boasts six courts, three with permanent nets and three with pop-up nets. The court lines are excellently marked, although the surfaces are somewhat slick. This isn’t a significant drawback but requires caution, especially when wet or covered in leaves.
Playing at Pan Am
- King’s/Challenger Courts: Located to the left of the entrance, these courts follow a system where the winning team stays on to play the next challengers.
- Friendly/Recreational Courts: On the right side, these courts rotate completely after each game, allowing new players to step in regardless of who won the previous match.
A paddle queue system is in place to manage court usage efficiently, ensuring a smooth flow of games.
Timing and Availability
Be mindful of the schedule:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings: A soccer league occupies the friendly/recreational courts from around 6:30/7pm to 9:30/10pm.
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings: A roller derby league uses all six courts from 7-10pm, so no pickleball is available during these times.
When Pan Am courts are busy, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, located less than 2 miles away, serves as a great alternative.
Experience the Pan Am Vibe
Pan Am offers a fantastic pickleball experience with its welcoming community, well-structured court rotations, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking to have some fun, Pan Am is the place to be.
**Side Note:**If you are looking for an indoor option with a lot less wait, there’s always Pickleland.