"Kraken Kourts & Skates, huge indoor pickleball & skating rink ...

Photo by Fredde Lieberman

From a press release:

“Kraken Kourts & Skates a 70,000 square-foot complex, housing 14 pickleball courts, a tavern and the District’s only indoor roller-skating rink, opens May 12 in MRP Realty’s Bryant Street NE development in Edgewood.

Photo by Fredde Lieberman

Capitalizing on the fastest-growing sports craze in the country, the team that operates Kraken Axes and Rage and Hook Hall, has expanded its brand to open Kraken Kourts & Skates, a multi-generational gathering space with family programming and courtside cabanas for cheering on the matches with cocktails.

Anna Valero, president and founder of Kraken experiences and Hook Hall, says “What is amazing about pickleball and roller skating is that both sports have this mass appeal. It doesn’t matter how old or athletic you are, both are activities that everyone can enjoy,” she said. “We will focus on the experience for everyone, including spectators with lounge seating in courtside cabanas and a food and drink menu featuring local favorites.”

Photo by Fredde Lieberman

“We are proud to be creating Kraken Kourts,” she continues, “in partnership with MRP Realty whose redevelopment of the Bryant Street NE complex is setting the standard for a community gathering space for the Edgewood/Eckington/Rhode Island Avenue NE community.”

Serving as that gathering space is the central hub of the project. Indoor lawn games like cornhole, Jenga and darts surround the pickleball courts in a beer garden-like atmosphere. There are private party spaces for celebrations large and small. Private cabanas are positioned at the perimeter of the court and the skating rink. Wednesday – Pickleball leagues have launched with various partnerships including the DC Pickleball Team, Volo recreational sports leagues and youth programs, Stonewall’s LGBTQ teams and Joola, the country’s leading pickleball equipment manufacturer. Divisions, based on skills, are in place along with clinics and private lessons.

Photo by Fredde Lieberman

The indoor roller-skating rink offers skate rentals, lessons and skating party packages for all ages. Kraken Kourts & Skates will also create corporate team building and special event packages with food and beverage options.

Photo by Fredde Lieberman

Kraken Kourts & Skates – 514 Rhode Island Ave NE – www.ExperienceKraken.com

Hours of operation: Wed, Thurs, Sun 6 am – 10 pm; Fri, Sat 6 am – midnight – closed Mon/Tues”