Mike Miley Soft Opening
Mike Miley Soft Opening: A New Era of Pickleball in Jefferson Parish
May 7, 2025 marked the soft opening of the highly anticipated Mike Miley Pickleball Complex in Metairie, LA, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The evening wasn’t just about rallying and dinking. It was a thoughtful meet, greet, and play session designed to fine-tune operations with seasoned players and give JPRD Pickleball Ambassadors a chance to experience the court rotation system firsthand.
For those of us who’ve been craving a facility that caters to the real heartbeat of pickleball, the people, this was a big moment. You could feel the buzz in the air as parish leaders and staff like Deano Bonano, Cynthia Lee Sheng, and Mario Bazile spoke about the journey that brought this project to life. It’s not often you get this level of community engagement, and as someone who plays pickleball several times a week, I left feeling hopeful, seen, and pumped.
First Impressions of the Courts
The design? Thoughtful. The execution? Nearly flawless. The new covered complex features 9 dedicated pickleball courts, free and open to the public from 8am–9pm daily. No tennis. No skateboards. Just clean, crisp courts built specifically for the game we love. *Remember that the courts close at 9pm, so I would suggest not starting a new game after 8:50pm.
- High ceilings and excellent airflow
- Clear court markings with strong color contrast
- Spacious baselines (ATP shots might be a bit tight on sidelines though)
- North-South orientation minimizes sun interference
The only tweak I’d suggest? Windscreens. On a breezy day like the Mike Miley Soft Opening launch, gusts reaching 16 mph affected play. Still, the matches stayed competitive and fun thanks to great player attitudes and strong rotations.
Community First Court Rotation: The Bucket System
One of the biggest upgrades isn’t the court surface, it’s the system. Instead of letting groups dominate courts until they’re tired, the Mike Miley Pickleball Complex is embracing the bucket system, much like the inclusive model at Pontiff Playground.
Taking it a bit further, This new format allows players of all levels to rotate in based on their skill rating group, with labeled buckets for:
- 3.0 and Under
- 3.0 to 3.5
- 3.5 to 4.0
- 4.0 and Above
Courts 1 through 4 and Courts 6 through 9 will follow the bucket system rotation format. This gives players clear guidance and comfort when jumping into games with others at similar skill levels.
Court 5 stands out as center court and operates as a challenge court. It has a designated paddle rack specifically for that court. The rules are simple: winners stay on until they are defeated or choose to leave. Winners do not split. It’s a great way to test your consistency and competitive edge.
Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng deserves a lot of credit here. She took time to research systems across the country, especially in Houston and Miami, and helped Jefferson Parish implement one that fosters connection over cliques. The goal? Make everyone feel welcome, even if you show up alone.
Quick Recap
- Bucket system encourages fair rotation
- Skill-based groupings reduce intimidation
- Courts 1–4 and 6–9 use bucket system
- Court 5 is a challenge court (winners stay on)
Respecting the Community
Given the courts’ proximity to homes, there’s a no music policy. That might disappoint some, but it’s a small trade-off to keep the peace with neighbors and ensure the long-term success of the complex.
Looking Ahead: Grand Opening & Beyond
Mark your calendars: Saturday, May 10th at 9am is the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Want to show the parish that these courts matter? Show up. Play. Be seen. Your attendance helps justify more facilities like this one across the region.
Also, check out my earlier preview article for full Grand Opening details: Mike Miley Ribbon Cutting Preview.
Reserve Play Option Coming Soon
The original 4 courts on Saints Dr (The old tennis courts) will be available for reservation in two weeks. So whether you prefer open play or private group games, you’ll have options.
Parking & Amenities
Parking is available on Eisenhower Ave at the corner of Hodgson Ave. If the lot is full, feel free to park on the grass next to the lot. Restrooms and concessions are located at the softball fields next to the pickleball complex.
Final Thoughts about the Mike Miley Soft Opening
As a player, I always try to provide feedback through the lens of inclusion and playability. These new courts are a huge win for Jefferson Parish. From thoughtful court spacing to inclusive play systems, they check nearly every box.
And this is just the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming review of the brand-new PicklePlex on Jefferson Highway, yet another exciting sign that the pickleball wave is rising fast in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
FAQs About Mike Miley Pickleball Complex
Yes! All 9 courts are free to use from 8am–9pm, seven days a week.
The four legacy courts will be reservable starting two weeks after the grand opening.
Early mornings on courts 1, 4, and 7. and post-7:00pm are best to avoid courts 3, 6, and 9.
The complex borders homes, and parish leaders want to avoid disturbances.
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