When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Players Racquet Shop
Why Players Racquet Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Players Racquet Shop, established in 1985, has been a cornerstone of Portland's racquet sports community for over 30 years. Conveniently located on Northeast Sandy Boulevard since 2001, it offers a comprehensive selection of racquets, stringing services, accessories, shoes, and apparel for tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton, pickleball, and table tennis enthusiasts. The shop prides itself on its knowledgeable and friendly staff, including owner Lance Holm, who has been involved with the business since high school. This community-based store is well-regarded for supporting players, coaches, clubs, and schools with high-quality gear and expert customization. Beyond just equipment, Players enhances the local sport culture, making it an ideal meeting spot for friends and players of all skill levels to gather and share their passion. The welcoming environment, extensive product line from top brands, and personalized services make Players Racquet Shop a great place to shop and connect with fellow racquet sport fans in Portland.
Here's what people think of Players Racquet Shop
As of recent, Players Racquet Shop holds a 4.6-star rating based on 81 reviews.
Customer reviews of Players Racquet Shop consistently highlight the staff's helpfulness, expertise, and accommodating nature, making shopping a positive experience. Many positive reviews praise the store's wide range of specialty tennis and pickleball equipment, quality accessories, and excellent restringing services. Customers appreciate the personalized attention and professionalism, which reflects the shop's long-standing reputation in the Portland area. On the downside, a few reviews note that the store's return policy only allows for store credit within 7 days on items in original condition, which some customers found restrictive, but this policy is clearly stated and typical in specialty sports retail. Overall, the majority of feedback underscores the shop's commitment to customer satisfaction and its role as a trusted resource for racquet sports gear. Players Racquet Shop is highly recommended by the local community for both beginners and serious players alike, supported by a strong 4.6-star rating across over 80 reviews.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
n
Came in bought a new racket, i’m not sure who it was that took care of me but he really gave me the best deals today. I bought the ezone 98 ( retails for $270 ), but the guy helping me brought the price down to $222 including the stringing service! He also mentioned a student discount which i didn’t even know about. Service is top tier here, gotta love it.
Grace
As soon as I mentioned being new to pickleball, Gabe jumped up and came over to teach me what paddles are good for what. He was super helpful and informative! I will definitely be buying all my pickleball equipment from here in future thanks to him. Also love their try it out program that will allow me to test out before I buy a paddle.
Sara B
I’m brand new to tennis and my coach sent me here to look for a racquet. I opted in to their demo program and tried a bunch of racquets before landing on one that feels perfect. Every time I went back to trade out racquets, all of the staff were super helpful in guiding me through unknown territory. I definitely recommend this shop, and I’ll be back for future tennis needs!
Matthew Sabens
Excellent demo program! They allow you try as many as you’d like for the entire month. Great selection as well. 10/10 would recommend, I’ll be back!
Food Fair
Had my son demo some rackets, finally found a good one for him, bought it. My son, assuming the size of the grip of his new racket will be the same as the demo, didn't pay too much attention. We had to go back a week later to replace the grip, 15 bucks. Something I never had to pay if they asked my son what size grip he wanted.. not to mention an hour drive I had to waste on my day off. Please ask your customers in details.
How to reach Players Racquet Shop
None
Website: None
Why rally at Players Racquet Shop with your friends? This well-established Portland racquet-sports hub is more than just a retail store—it is a vibrant community cornerstone where racquet enthusiasts of every level can gather, gear up, and keep the game alive together. With a solid 4.6-star rating from 81 reviews, Players Racquet Shop offers a friendly, knowledgeable atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for friends and family to rally around a shared passion. Its location on Northeast Sandy Boulevard has been serving the area since 1985, making it a trusted destination for over three decades. Whether you’re aiming to pick up the latest racquet, get your equipment expertly restrung, or simply learn more about the sport, this shop attracts players who value quality, expertise, and camaraderie in equal measure. The staff, many having deep roots in the community, create an inviting space that encourages group visits, making it a perfect meetup spot for anyone wanting to connect through sport or simply enjoy some time with friends in a lively, sport-centric environment.
What makes Players Racquet Shop perfect for a group meetup?
Players Racquet Shop thrives as a hub where racquet sports lovers can converge, offering much more than just equipment. One of the standout features is its highly knowledgeable and long-standing team, including owner Lance Holm, who has been involved since high school, bringing a wealth of expertise and personalized service to each visitor. For group gatherings, this means you benefit not only from top-tier products but from tailored advice and demonstrations that can make your meetups both fun and informative. The shop is well stocked with a full line of racquets, strings, grips, shoes, apparel, and accessories catering to tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton, pickleball, and table tennis players. This extensive inventory ensures that the needs of diverse group members are met under one roof without having to visit multiple specialty stores. The option to demo racquets through their program further adds an interactive element, allowing groups to try out gear before buying it, turning a simple shopping trip into a shared, dynamic experience. Plus, the store’s friendly return policy offers peace of mind, particularly important when shopping in a group where preferences and play styles vary considerably.
Which activities can you enjoy together at Players Racquet Shop?
Although primarily a retail and service provider, Players Racquet Shop is deeply connected to the larger racquet sport community with access to indoor courts and organized play opportunities. While the shop itself doesn’t host courts directly, its affiliation and support of local facilities that have climate-controlled courts, such as ETC (Evert Tennis Center), allow groups to take gear purchased or serviced at the shop and immediately enjoy active play. Visitors can leverage the shop’s stringing and customization services, often returned within 24 hours, to ensure their gear is always match-ready, which is perfect for groups planning multiple sessions or tournaments. The shop encourages pickleball, tennis, squash, badminton, and other racquet sports enthusiasts to come together, share experiences, and build stronger bonds through the love of the game. Moreover, the staff can guide groups on the best products for their collective needs and help schedule demo sessions, facilitating engaging, social outings centered around trying new equipment and refining skills together.
Why should you trust Players Racquet Shop for your racquet sports needs?
With more than 30 years of history in Portland, Players Racquet Shop has earned a reputation for reliability, expertise, and genuine care for the local racquet sports community. Its longevity and the consistent high ratings from customers affirm its commitment to quality service and satisfaction. Players is recognized for carrying top brands and providing specialized stringing, gripping, and customization services across all racquet sports disciplines. Whether you need your tennis racquet restrung or advice on the latest pickleball paddles, their stringing professionals are known for quick turnaround times, often within 24 hours, which is crucial for frequent players and groups needing timely service to maintain their active schedules. The shop’s return policy guarantees product satisfaction as returns for store credit are accepted within seven days if products remain unused and in original packaging, adding an element of security especially valuable when shopping with friends who might want to exchange or adjust their purchases. These factors combine to create a trustworthy environment that enhances group outings focused on performance and equipment excellence.
What additional benefits does Players Racquet Shop provide for social groups?
Beyond product sales and services, Players Racquet Shop fosters community engagement by supporting local clubs, schools, and coaches, making it a central meeting point for racquet players at all skill levels. This community orientation translates into opportunities for group meetups to extend beyond the shop itself, offering connections to tournaments, leagues, and clinics that participants can join together. The store staff’s friendly approach and deep roots in the local sports scene make it easy for groups to find recommendations for local courts and events that suit their interests. Players Racquet Shop also hosts demo programs that are group-friendly, allowing friends or family to come in, try different racquets, and learn more about the nuances of each sport in a relaxed setting. This experiential shopping transforms ordinary visits into memorable outings filled with discovery and shared enthusiasm. The shop's location in Portland’s vibrant Northeast Sandy Boulevard area makes it accessible and convenient, adding to its appeal as a social gathering spot before or after matches in the surrounding community.
Players Racquet Shop’s blend of expert service, extensive product selection, community engagement, and welcoming atmosphere ensures it is an excellent place to host a meetup with friends or family who share a passion for racquet sports. Whether you are a casual player or competitive athlete, the shop provides everything your group needs to gear up, learn, play, and enjoy quality time together surrounded by the energy of the racquet sports world.