
The world’s most popular urban sport is getting a new look at Ding Dong Ping Pong in Prenzlauer Berg. Four people, one palm — let’s go. According to community maps, there are 2,800 publicly accessible table tennis tables in Berlin and almost as many obstacles that make playing challenging. The city dust on the table, the eternal wait until the wind dies down, and, of course, counting the score far too loudly so as not to forget it. And then the rubber comes off the old racket. Nevertheless, everyone loves the rhythmic ping-pong. Waldemar Zeiler and Kian Pariwar feel the same way, which is why they’re paying homage to the playground classic with a particularly aesthetic comeback in yellow: Ding Dong Ping Pong. A table landscape that is fun and high-quality equipment that leaves more room for community. “Ping Pong for everyone” adorns the façade of the club on Prenzlauer Allee. What exactly does that mean? Table tennis around the clock (from 6 am to midnight), seven days a week. All you have to do is register and reserve a table for up to four people.
The weather can’t affect your game; the boards are perfectly illuminated, and the equipment is in excellent condition. The score is automatically counted on a large screen so you can concentrate on the next point. And if your backhand is still causing you problems, book a coach to help you with technical tips. You can even watch a video replay of your game and evaluate your performance with your coach. Want to get started right away, but your friends aren’t that spontaneous? Find playing partners from the neighborhood via the app. There’s table tennis for pros and beginners, for old table rivals, new matches, early birds, and night duelists. It’s ping pong for everyone.
Text: Emma Zylla / Photos: Helmut Sattler
Ding Dong Ping Pong, Prenzlauer Allee 38, 10405 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
@dingdongpingpongclub