By: Travis Mane
Pickleball is having a moment, and Staten Island is getting a front-row seat to the action, thanks to Danny Greaves and his new pickleball haven, The Dink Den. While only two months old, The Dink Den is already making waves in the local community, filling a much-needed void for players in the area. Until its opening, dedicated indoor pickleball facilities were practically non-existent on Staten Island. Players had to settle for spaces like the YMCA or the JCC, where pickleball shared the court with other sports. Now, with The Dink Den in the game, the borough finally has a space built exclusively for pickleball.
Danny is passionate about growing the sport and creating a space where everyone can come together, from novices to seasoned pros. You can instantly feel this sentiment by stepping into The Dink Den on South Avenue in Staten Island. The space is built to ensure that there’s no such thing as a bad seat in the house. Whether you’re on the court or watching a pro, the space is uniquely built out to feel like you have a front-row seat. Like a Top Golf, The Dink Den gets everyone in the building involved in pickleball as it becomes a hub for the sport. You can grab a beverage at the bar and enjoy watching others play in comfort and style until you’re ready to get your pickleball game on.
Danny and his team have wasted no time laying the groundwork for success. They’ve hired two local pickleball pros, Ted Holloway and Anthony Lombardo, who lead clinics and give lessons to help players refine their skills. The Dink Den is also working with local churches, high schools, and intermediate schools, exploring ways to bring leagues and events into the space. These efforts create a ripple effect in the Staten Island community, putting pickleball on the radar for players of all ages while ensuring The Dink Den makes meaningful contributions to its surrounding area.
The atmosphere inside The Dink Den is something special, too. It’s more than just a place to play—it’s a welcoming space full of energy. “Everyone who comes in comments on how open and inviting it feels. The vibe, the colors, the music—it all contributes to a place where people just feel comfortable playing pickleball,” Danny says. Whether a first-timer or a seasoned pro, The Dink Den wants you to feel at home.
That sense of inclusivity is one of the things that makes The Dink Den stand out. While some sports facilities can be intimidating, especially for beginners, The Dink Den prides itself on welcoming everyone. The range of players adds to the rich community feel, from newcomers still learning the basics to pros from nearby states. Danny is proud to have hosted some big sports names already, including highly ranked players like Rob Laidlaw, Zack Marceau, and Ryan Clark. Watching these pros in action has been a highlight for many visitors, and it’s clear that The Dink Den is quickly becoming a destination for competitive play.
But The Dink Den isn’t just about intense pickleball matches and training sessions—it’s also becoming a go-to spot for social and corporate events. More and more companies are turning to pickleball as a fresh alternative to traditional team-building activities like golf. As Danny puts it, “Pickleball seems to be taking the place of golf for corporate outings. It’s more social and engaging, and we’re seeing a lot of interest, especially with the holidays coming up.” Whether it’s for a company retreat or a birthday party, The Dink Den is ready to host. Corporate team-building events are on the rise, and pickleball’s easygoing, social nature makes it the perfect sport for groups looking to have fun and bond.
Danny is optimistic about the future of both The Dink Den and pickleball itself. He doesn’t see it as just a passing trend but as a sport in its infancy with enormous potential. “I think pickleball will be a PSAL (Public Schools Athletic League) sport, eventually make its way into college as a Division I sport, and someday even be part of the Olympics,” he says. And with that kind of growth on the horizon, The Dink Den is poised to be a vital part of Staten Island’s contribution to the pickleball boom. Danny is already planning to expand the facility to include three additional courts, giving even more people the opportunity to enjoy the sport.
The Dink Den is the number one dedicated indoor pickleball facility on Staten Island, and it’s leading the charge in bringing the sport to new heights in the borough. Danny’s vision for The Dink Den goes far beyond just offering a place to play. It’s about building community, creating lasting connections, and making sure that everyone—no matter their skill level—has a place where they feel welcome. The Dink Den frequently posts about the vibe inside of the building on their Instagram Account where they share the most up to date information on ways to get involved.
As the sport of pickleball continues to grow in popularity, The Dink Den is sure to remain a key player in Staten Island’s athletic landscape. Whether you’re stopping by for a clinic, joining a league, or just coming in for a casual game and a beverage, one thing is for sure: The Dink Den is a game-changer for pickleball in New York City on Staten Island. With its welcoming culture and forward-thinking plans, it’s only a matter of time before more courts and even more players join the fun. Danny’s mission is clear: to make pickleball accessible to everyone while keeping the game social, fun, and competitive all at the same time.
Stop by The Dink Den on 1781 South Ave, Staten Island, NY to see for yourself.
Published By: Aize Perez
