Is table tennis having a moment? Try it for yourself in Raleigh

Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.

People playing table tennis in a bar. The table is blue, the person hitting the ball is smiling, and there are people sat a table behind them speaking to a server, possibly ordering food.

Smash Raleigh opened in late 2025. | Photo by Smash Raleigh

The nation’s collective interest in table tennis exists in a strange time loop: once every four years, as the Summer Olympic Games roll around, interest in the sport spikes.

Now, with the success of “Marty Supreme,” the game is gaining attention again — no Summer Games required. If you want to get ahead of the curve, grab a paddle and head to one of these local spots:

  • You can pair a good game of ping-pong with some excellent food + drink at the newly opened Smash Raleigh, with bar bites, specialty cocktails, and good vibes all on the menu.
  • Head to Impact Table Tennis in Cary for $5 open play any day of the week, or speak to legendary coach Min about lessons + his experience coaching international teams.
  • Triangle Table Tennis is a local group of folks who meet up, paddle in hand, to socialize and play.
  • Contact your local Raleigh Parks and Recreation-operated community center to find out more about their table tennis schedules and offerings.
  • The Carolina International Table Tennis Academy has a whole host of options for players of all ages, abilities, and interest levels, including summer camps, memberships, and competitions.

Did we miss your favorite place to play table tennis? Let us know.

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