The Thirsty Pony Logo
The Thirsty Pony Logo
The Thirsty Pony Logo

Here's what's happening this week

Register in advance to lock in your spot! We limit capacity for all of our events to ensure a premium pickleball play experience without interruption! Our most popular events completely book up.

Open Play Etiquette

We ask that all participants observe our open play etiquette.

Mix it Up

Open play is designed for everyone to meet new players and rotate partners frequently. Be open to playing with different people.

Mix it Up

Open play is designed for everyone to meet new players and rotate partners frequently. Be open to playing with different people.

Be Ready

Be ready when its your turn. Pay attention to the line, and be ready to step onto the court when the previous game finishes.

Be Ready

Be ready when its your turn. Pay attention to the line, and be ready to step onto the court when the previous game finishes.

Friendly & Fun

Keep the atmosphere light and fun, with a focus on good sportsmanship.

Friendly & Fun

Keep the atmosphere light and fun, with a focus on good sportsmanship.

Plick the right skill level

Open plays are organized by skill level. Not sure what level to sign up for? We're happy to help.

Plick the right skill level

Open plays are organized by skill level. Not sure what level to sign up for? We're happy to help.

Open Play Format

Designated Courts

Certain courts are set aside specifically for open play during designated hours. Players are free to join the line and rotate in.

Registration Limited

We keep registration numbers tight for open play so that you never have to wait long to play

Quick Games

Games are played to 11 points, winning team stays on, opponents rotate out each game.

Ladder Nights

Ladder nights are a fun way to mix with new players and compete to reach the Kings Court. Move up when you win and move down when you lose. Split partners every game.

When things get busy

If 8 or more players are waiting in line, the following rules will be added.

Maximize Court Usage

Keep games moving by limiting the number of consecutive games a players can play to 2 games before rejoining the line.

Shorten Games

No need to win by 2 to speed up rotations. Can cap at 9 points to make games even faster.

Shorten Games

No need to win by 2 to speed up rotations. Can cap at 9 points to make games even faster.

FAQs

What is Open Play?

Drop in, meet new people, and play. Open play is our rotating format where players join a line, hop on court, and rotate partners throughout the session. It's the best way to get reps in and grow your game — and your crew.

How do I know what skill level to register for? Not sure where you land? Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Beginner — New to the sport, play less than once a week. You should know most of the basic rules and scoring before joining.

  • Intermediate — Play 1–2x per week, can dink consistently, and understand basic strategy. Comfortable in longer rallies and beginning to add drops to your game. DUPR 3.0–4.0.

  • Advanced — Play 3x+ per week, move well with your partner, think multiple shots ahead, and are here to compete. DUPR 4.0–4.75.

  • Don't have a DUPR rating yet? No worries — just use the play frequency and skill descriptions above as your guide. When in doubt, start a level down — you can always move up!

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes — register ahead to lock in your spot. We cap capacity at every session to keep the experience premium. Our most popular times fill up fast, so don't wait.

How does the format work?

Games are played to 11 points on designated courts. When a game ends, players join the back of the line and rotate in. Simple, fast, fun.

What happens when it gets busy?

We limit the number of registrations so you always get to play your full time, there’s not much waiting around at Bozeman Classic Pickleball!

Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourself and your court shoes! Paddles and balls are available — members play free, drop-ins pay $20.

What's the vibe like?

Friendly, welcoming, and competitive enough to be fun. Open play is designed for everyone to mix it up and rotate partners — come ready to meet people and keep it light. I met my best friend at Open Play.

Any etiquette I should know?

Three things: mix up your partners, keep it fun and sportsmanlike, and be ready when it's your turn. Pay attention to the line — games move fast.

Community-focused indoor pickleball facility in Bozeman, Montana.

Community-focused indoor pickleball facility in Bozeman, Montana.