Dothan’s Pickleball Complex Project: A plan to build a major pickleball complex in Dothan, Alabama, is close to moving forward. The Dothan City Commission will vote tomorrow on whether to approve the $6.4 million project, which will turn the old tennis courts at Rip Hewes Stadium into 25 new covered pickleball courts. City leaders say the project will bring in millions of dollars each year and boost community activity and tourism.
Old Courts to New Complex
The current tennis courts at Rip Hewes Stadium are in poor condition. City officials had to decide whether to fix the courts or try something new.
“You see right here behind me how bad the tennis courts are looking, so we had to make a decision, do we repair them and come back with tennis courts?” said Billy Powell, Director of Leisure Services for the City of Dothan. Instead of repairing the old courts, the city chose to build a large pickleball complex.
Fast-growing Sport, Ideal Location
Pickleball has grown quickly in Dothan, leading to the city’s decision to invest in new courts.
“Now we have a new opportunity, and this is the place to do it due to the infrastructure that’s already here, the parking lot, and everything else. It was a win-win for us to decide that this is the best location.” – (Billy Powell)
The project includes 25 covered courts and is expected to cost $6.4 million. Most of the funding will come from the city, but Visit Dothan, a nonprofit that brings tourism to the area, will contribute $1 million. Houston County will also provide $200,000.
Tournaments and Tourism Potential
Leaders believe the new facility will help the community and attract visitors.
“This facility will provide year-round access for our community to a sport that has shown tremendous growth and interest in our area while also creating opportunities to host tournaments that help offset the cost of the complex and allow for our local community to build their skills and compete if they wish. These events will drive economic demand into our local businesses and hotels, making this a win for both quality of life and tourism in Dothan,” said Hannah Shiver, Executive Director of Visit Dothan.
Billy Powell agrees that the complex can bring big results for the city.
“We are projecting that we can host 2 to 4 major tournaments annually, which hopefully will have an economic impact of $2 million annually.” – (Billy Powell)
What Comes Next
The Dothan City Commission will vote soon to decide whether to hire Lewis Construction Company to complete the project. If approved, the project is expected to bring jobs, boost the economy, and give Dothan a new sports destination.
News in Brief: Dothan’s Pickleball Complex Project
Dothan may soon have a $6.4 million pickleball complex at Rip Hewes Stadium. The city commission will vote on it tomorrow. The complex would include 25 covered courts and is expected to bring $2 million a year in tourism and tournament revenue to the city.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Courts Coming to Sugar Land’s City Park — Here’s What Residents Can Expect