Springdale’s 50 Million Dollars Pickleball Facility: A $50 million pickleball facility is set to be built southeast of Interstate 49 and Elm Springs Road in Springdale, Arkansas. This project aims to attract 25,000 to 30,000 tourists annually, according to project leaders. The facility will include a 70,000-square-foot area with various amenities.
Facilities and Features
The development will feature a center court with approximately 900 seats for tournaments and events. This center court is one of five show courts among the 23 indoor pickleball courts at The Big Dill Pickleball Club & Academy. Additionally, the complex will include 30 outdoor pickleball courts, a bar, a pro shop, a restaurant, and other commercial space.
A partnership group made up of Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas residents plans to break ground this spring. Reggie Brasfield, an Arkansas native, is the founder and partner of the project.
Terrafirma Construction in Rogers will serve as the general contractor, while Keith Wheeler from Fugitt and Associates in Fayetteville is the architect. Phil Swope from Swope Engineering in Rogers is the engineer. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas has also supported the project.
Community Impact
Wheeler emphasized Brasfield’s vision for the facility, stating,
“Reggie, his vision for this project was that it would be one of the nation’s greatest pickleball facilities and that it would attract people from all over the country to come and compete.” – (Wheeler)
Wheeler also noted that the project aims to support local communities as high schools and colleges increasingly adopt pickleball as a competitive sport. The project is expected to open by the first quarter of 2026 and will be situated on 12 acres north of Emma Avenue and east of 40th Street.
Brasfield mentioned that other phases of the overall $100 million to $150 million project include multifamily housing related to the on-site training academy, which is planned for the next three to five years.
“That’s an area that’s ripe for development. They’ve got the new Emma Avenue through there that’s going to open things up… It’s going to be a real regional draw or bigger.” – (Swope)
He noted the hope for complementary developments around the facility to create a vibrant community hub.
Technology and Amenities
The development has been approved for state tax incentives, providing tax breaks and employee tax credits for projects that promote tourism. Brasfield stated that the project is projected to draw 25,000 to 30,000 tourists annually. The new facility is expected to offer live streaming capabilities and performance tools to help players improve their skills.
“We want to create that space that mom can come to with her kids or mom and dad can come to together. We want to create an experience for people to… enjoy Springdale and Northwest Arkansas and all its amenities.” – (Brasfield)
The partnership group includes Brasfield, who has a background in corporate supply and non-profit work, along with entrepreneurs from various fields. They aim to secure local and domestic investors for the project.
The pickleball facility in Springdale is poised to become a significant attraction for tourists and locals, fostering the growth of the sport and providing a space for community engagement.
News in Brief: Springdale’s 50 Million Dollars Pickleball Facility
A $50 million pickleball facility is set to be built in Springdale, Arkansas, aiming to attract 25,000 to 30,000 tourists annually. The complex will include indoor and outdoor courts, restaurants, and retail space, contributing to local tourism and community growth.
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