Famous worldwide for hockey, the Gretzky name is now venturing into pickleball.

The Gretzky Pickleball Club is slated to open in the coming months in Hamilton, Ontario — roughly 45 miles southwest of Toronto — and will feature six indoor courts, Trackman-powered golf simulators, ping-pong tables, a pro shop, and Paddles: Pizza & Panini by Mercasa restaurant, among many other amenities.

Co-founders Glen Gretzky and Chris McCullough developed the idea for the 25,000-square-foot facility a few years ago after hosting a charity event called “Pickleball for a Cause” to support the Special Olympics.

The venue’s community-focused vision was instilled in Gretzky and his siblings by their father, Walter Gretzky, a celebrated Canadian philanthropist renowned for his extensive charitable endeavors and affectionately known as “Canada’s Hockey Dad.”

"The concept really comes from what our father believed in, that sports were really a tool for inclusion, confidence, and connections. He welcomed everybody — kids, seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers — because he always believed sports belonged to everybody," explained Gretzky, brother of Hockey Hall of Famer, Wayne Gretzky. "The club is built on that same philosophy, no barriers and no limitations, just participation. From beginners to pros, we want Gretzky Pickleball Club to be a community hub. That's what we're striving for."

Case in point, Gretzky Pickleball Club has been officially recognized as a training facility for Special Olympics athletes, providing them with the opportunity to sharpen their pickleball skills and elevate their game.

This cause is particularly close to Gretzky’s heart.

“Just like everyone else is picking up pickleball, Special Olympics athletes are playing just as much, too. We're going to provide a facility where they can participate in clinics and lessons, and we plan to host Special Olympics events in the future,” he explained. “The Wayne Gretzky Foundation is also going to be helping out with sponsorship of Special Olympians. Wayne has been involved with Special Olympics since he was 18 years old, and he continues to believe in supporting sports, youth, and particularly organizations that need assistance, and Special Olympics fits that bill.”

Gretzky can’t wait to welcome pickleball enthusiasts from across the Golden Horseshoe region and beyond into the building.

Reaching this milestone has genuinely been a labor of love.

“This whole project is very special to me, especially since it’s based on my father and everything that he inspired us to do,” emphasized Gretzky. “Giving back to the community was always number one for him. That was the number one thing that he instilled in us.”

Click here to learn more about Gretzky Pickleball Club and membership options.