US Open Pickleball Expansion: The Collier County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has unanimously endorsed a substantial investment aimed at enhancing the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. On August 20, the TDC proposed spending $2.09 million in tourist-development tax funds to extend a key sponsorship agreement and upgrade facilities at East Naples Community Park.
Extension of Sponsorship Agreement
The TDC’s recommendation includes a $1.05 million commitment over the next seven years to extend Spirit Promotions’ contract for the 2026-2032 U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. This extension also includes up to $1 million allocated for a new sound system and the construction of six additional championship courts covered by a waterproof canopy. This canopy will house the U.S. Open Pickleball Academy, with Spirit Promotions matching the $1 million capital improvements payment.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
Included in the proposal is up to $40,000 for an infrastructure project study, a state requirement to demonstrate tourism benefits. Mike Dee, co-owner and manager of Spirit Promotions, emphasized the need for the waterproof canopy to prevent disruptions caused by rain, which previously affected live television broadcasts. “The existing canopy is not rainproof, but it does provide shade,” Dee explained, stressing the importance of reliable facilities for broadcasting and overall event quality.
Strategic Investment
Dee highlighted the growing popularity and economic value of pickleball, demanding a public-private partnership to address the sport’s infrastructure needs. This recommendation now awaits approval from the Board of County Commissioners, requiring a supermajority vote of four out of five commissioners.
In January, commissioners renewed the contract for one year, allocating $345,000 for 2025 and requesting reduced reliance on tourist development taxes. Spirit Promotions’ long-term plan includes decreasing payments from $300,000 in 2026 to $50,000 by 2031, with no funding in 2032.
Economic Benefits and Future Plans
The U.S. Open Pickleball Championship, which drew 50,000 attendees this year—40% of whom were from outside Collier County—generated a $12 million economic impact, according to Tourism Director Jay Tusa. The event saw a 22% increase in attendees from the previous year, with average daily revenue and revenue per available room experiencing significant increases.
Dee noted that the economic impact extends beyond direct revenue, benefiting the local service industry and creating jobs. The academy aims to boost the U.S. Open Pickleball brand and become a premier pickleball center, with plans to train about 500 players monthly during the season and 1,000 players in the offseason.
News in Brief: US Open Pickleball Expansion
The Collier County Tourist Development Council has recommended a $2.09 million investment to extend Spirit Promotions’ sponsorship for the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships and improve facilities at East Naples Community Park. The proposal includes $1.05 million for the sponsorship extension and up to $1 million for a new sound system and waterproof canopy over six championship courts.
The TDC’s plan also allocates up to $40,000 for an infrastructure study. The recommendation requires approval from the Board of County Commissioners. This year’s championship had a $12 million economic impact, with significant increases in revenue and attendance.
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