Best Places To Play A Game Of Pick-Up Basketball In Pittsburgh
Since spring sprang, the days are getting warmer and it's finally staying light out long enough to play after work. Pick-up basketball games are a great way to get in shape and meet new people in the area. Find a great game whenever the mood strikes at the city's best places to play pick-up basketball right next door.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
5738 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 521-010
www.jccpgh.org
Price: from $49 a month for an individual to $90 a month for a family
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri – 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun – 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Jewish Community Center is well known for basketball in Pittsburgh. JCC offers instructional programs, classes, teams, clinics and leagues for all ages, but adults may stop in anytime for pick-up games. JCC has two full-court gymnasiums at its Squirrel Hill location, and one at its South Hills location. You must be a member of the JCC to participate in pick-up games. Members also have access to indoor swimming, state-of-the-art cardio and strength training facilities, indoor or outdoor walking/running track (varies depending on location), and a wide variety of classes and events.
South Park
Buffalo Dr.
South Park, PA 15129
(412) 835-4810
www.county.allegheny.pa.us
Price: free
Hours: dawn until dusk
South Park, one of Allegheny County's most beautiful parks, offers its basketball courts up free for public use. These courts are located near the Black Ashes picnic grove, and right next to the sand volleyball court. While the courts are first come, first served, if there happens to be a picnic in the grove on the day you decide to go out for a game, it may be quite a long wait. It's best to save this court for weekdays or evenings, and avoid it on weekends and holidays, and bring your own ball.
Grandview Park
499 Bailey Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 255-2539
gocitykids.parentsconnect.com
Price: free
Hours: dawn until dusk
Grandview Park, tucked away off Bailey Avenue, is a little park that not many people know about, because it's not actually on Grandview Avenue. However, it still boasts the same amazing views of Pittsburgh. It offers free basketball on a first-come, first served basis, but bring your own ball. Make sure you take time to sit and relax and enjoy the incredible view after your game.
Mellon Park
6601 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 255-2370
http://www.pittsburghparks.org/mellonpark
Price: free
Hours: dawn until dusk
Mellon Park is located in Pittsburgh's Shadyside section. The area has been undergoing a recent restoration to include a walled garden, but the courts in this beautiful park make it a hugely popular place for a pick-up game. The courts are located near the picnic shelters, so on nice weekends or holidays there may be a bit of a wait for a game, but bring a ball and jump in any time . Mellon is also home to an award-winning public art institution, so families tend to flock here.
Pittsburgh Sports Monster Basketball
1739 E. Carson St., 393
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 253-7474
www.sportsmonster.net
Price: $49 annual membership
Hours: vary
While this isn't just a pick-up game option, the Pittsburgh Sports Monster program offers basketball for just about everyone. From beginners to advanced players, Pittsburgh Sports Monster has a number of basketball options to choose from that include weekly pick-up games. There's even a bar-sponsored, non-competitive league if you just want to stay in shape and have fun. After the games, join your teammates for drinks and enjoy the Sports Monster specials.
Related: Best Public Sports Fields and Courts
Yvone M. Kon has worked in sales, marketing/graphic design and the event planning fields in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for over 11 years. She is currently the Pittsburgh Event Planning Examiner and the Pittsburgh Animal Advocacy Examiner. While shes always enjoyed being creative and planning unique and exciting events for a variety of people and businesses in the Pittsburgh area, her true passion lies in promoting animal rescue, adoption and advocacy issues. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
