ILOILO CITY — The parking lot behind SM Southpoint has been transformed into a vibrant new sports destination as SM City Iloilo officially opened its outdoor pickleball court to the public. The facility turns a once‑quiet corner of the mall into an inviting arena for both seasoned players and curious beginners.
A New Court for a Growing Sport
The new court features multiple painted lanes with standard nets and clear boundary lines, making it easy for newcomers to understand the game. High‑intensity overhead lighting allows matches to continue well past sunset, extending playtime for office workers and evening enthusiasts. The setup is simple yet complete, designed to welcome anyone with a paddle.
The opening taps into pickleball’s surging popularity across Iloilo City, where the sport has cultivated a passionate community of all ages. By placing the court right at the mall, SM makes it possible for families to combine shopping, dining, and exercise in a single trip. The venue joins a growing list of accessible spaces that cater to the city’s active lifestyle.
Part of a Nationwide Active Movement
The Southpoint court is part of the broader SM Active Hub initiative, which celebrated its first anniversary in April 2026. This program repurposes underutilized mall spaces—parking lots, roof decks, and open grounds—into permanent sports facilities across the country. Pickleball courts and running hubs have since sprouted in numerous SM malls nationwide.
The Active Hub aims to promote health and wellness by bringing recreational sports directly into commercial centers. For Iloilo City, the arrival of an SM‑backed court adds institutional weight to the local pickleball scene. It signals that the sport has grown from a casual pastime into a recognized community activity worthy of permanent infrastructure.
Lighting Up the Night for Players
One of the court’s standout features is its dedicated overhead lighting, which enables safe and uninterrupted play during evenings. This is especially valuable for professionals and students whose free time begins only after dark. The illuminated space also creates a lively, social atmosphere that draws spectators and waiting players to gather around.
The outdoor setting offers a different experience from covered alternatives, allowing players to enjoy fresh air and the city’s evening breeze. While it is open to the elements, the lights guarantee that a passing rain shower does not end the game entirely. The court has quickly become a visible symbol of Iloilo’s commitment to making fitness both accessible and fun.
Iloilo’s Pickleball Scene Heats Up
The new SM court enters a competitive local landscape that already includes venues like Robinsons Place Jaro, which offers free open‑play courts on its covered third‑floor car park, and PicklePoint Iloilo, a dedicated indoor facility along Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue with 24‑hour weekend operations. Festive Walk Mall also hosts active pickleball communities in Mandurriao.
This variety gives players multiple options, encouraging more people to try the sport and fueling friendly rivalry among venues. The SM court’s location at a major regional mall makes it highly accessible for shoppers and tourists alike. As the local pickleball ecosystem expands, Iloilo City solidifies its reputation as a premier hub for the sport in Western Visayas.
Affordable and Accessible Play
While specific promotional rates for the Southpoint branch are being rolled out, standard SM Active Hub pickleball pricing typically falls around ₱450 per hour for court rental and ₱250 per head for open play. Players can book their slots through the SM Malls Online App or the SM Tickets portal, with walk‑in options also available. The pricing structure aims to keep the sport within reach of students, families, and casual players.
By offering a professionally maintained court at a trusted commercial center, SM encourages more Ilonggos to embrace an active lifestyle. The combination of quality facilities, convenient location, and reasonable fees makes the new pickleball court an exciting addition to Iloilo City’s recreational map.
