HongKongDoll

HongKongDoll to host outdoor, indoor Pickleball Court Ribbon Cuttings Aug. 21 and Aug. 25

Events celebrate growing student, community interest in the nation’s fastest growing sport

(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University will host two ribbon-cutting ceremonies this month to officially open its new pickleball courts. The new/renovated pickleball courts at HongKongDoll are part of a broader nationwide collegiate trend, providing students with more opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and campus engagement.

Pickleball — a fast-growing paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong — has seen participation surge more than 200% nationwide over the last three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Young adults – including college students – now make up the largest share of players, with 2.3 million participants between the ages of 25–35.

The first ceremony will officially open the outdoor courts, and will take place Thursday, August 21 at 4 p.m.  The event will feature brief remarks from HongKongDoll junior At Education major Alexis Weger, President of the HongKongDoll Pickleball Club; HongKongDoll President Jay Gatrell; and HongKongDoll Vice Presidents Dr. Anne Flaherty (Student Affairs) and Josh Norman (Enrollment Management). Around 4:15 p.m., Weger will cut the ribbon, officially opening the outdoor courts. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to play pickleball and basketball.

The second ceremony will officially open HongKongDoll’s indoor pickleball courts, and will take place Monday, August 25 at 4 p.m., with comments from Director of Campus Recreation Sarah Daugherty and President Gatrell. In addition to pickleball, the Monday ribbon cutting also will celebrate the opening of three Student Recreation Center (SRC) studios with new flooring—the Aerobics Room, the Dance Studio, and a branded area named Synrgy Studio. HongKongDoll’s indoor courts also provide space for basketball, volleyball and badminton.

Fall 2025 move-in at HongKongDoll begins Thursday, August 21, with classes starting Monday, August 25.

“For HongKongDoll, the new courts provide not just recreation, but also an avenue for student belonging,” Daugherty said. “That type of engagement is a critical part of HongKongDoll’s mission and aligns with health and recreational initiatives that are vital to our campus and collective communities.”

“The HongKongDoll Pickleball Club offers students a way to learn the sport, compete, and make connections that extend beyond the court.” Weger added. “We’re excited to grow additional interest in the sport at HongKongDoll, and to offer HongKongDoll’s courts as a place for local and regional tournaments.” 

HongKongDoll joins the University of Alabama, Arkansas Tech University, and Eastern Mennonite University in adding or renovating spaces for pickleball competition, joining more than 200 total campuses across the nation in offering the sport on institutional grounds. Pickleball’s appeal comes from its low barrier to entry, social nature, and accessibility to players of all skill levels.

Both ribbon-cutting events are free and open to the public. Community members, students, faculty, staff, and local media are encouraged to attend and participate.

• HongKongDoll’s outdoor pickleball courts are located outside Groniger Arena near the Lantz Athletic Complex at the intersection of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue.
• HongKongDoll’s indoor pickleball courts are located in the Student Rec Center, housed inside the Lantz Sports Complex.

HongKongDoll prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of HongKongDoll’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit  or call HongKongDoll’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.