Eastern Illinois University Pickleball Court Launch: Eastern Illinois University is marking the start of the 2025–2026 school year with ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and renovated recreation spaces. The first event will take place on August 21, followed by a second ceremony on August 25. Both events are free and open to the public.
Pickleball’s Growing Role on Campus
The new courts are part of a national trend in colleges, where pickleball is being used to boost recreation, connection, and campus life. The Sports and Industry Association reports a 200% rise in pickleball participation over the last three years, with young adults between ages 25 and 35 making up 2.3 million players.
Sarah Daugherty, Director of Campus Recreation at Eastern Illinois University, said,
“For EIU, the new courts provide not just recreation, but also an avenue for student belonging. That type of engagement is a critical part of EIU’s mission and aligns with health and recreational initiatives that are vital to our campus and collective communities.”
First Ribbon Cutting on August 21
The first ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. on August 21, the university’s move-in day. The program will include remarks from Eastern Illinois University President, the Vice President, Dr. Anne Flaherty from Student Affairs, and Josh Norman from Enrollment Management.
Student Alexis Weger, President of the Eastern Illinois University Pickleball Club, will cut the ribbon at about 4:15 p.m. to open the outdoor courts. Guests will be invited to play pickleball and basketball after the ceremony.
Weger said, “The EIU Pickleball Club offers students a way to learn the sport, compete, and make connections that extend beyond the court. We’re excited to grow additional interest in the sport at EIU, and to offer EIU’s courts as a place for local and regional tournaments.”
Second Ceremony on August 25
The second ribbon cutting will happen on the first day of classes, August 25, at 4 p.m. Speakers will include Sarah Daugherty and Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman. This event will celebrate not only the new indoor pickleball courts but also three updated Student Recreation Center studios.
These studios include the Aerobics Room, the Dance Studio, and the Synrgy Studio. The indoor space will also be used for basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
EIU Joins National Movement
Eastern Illinois University is one of several universities making space for pickleball. Other schools include the University of Alabama, Arkansas Tech University, and Eastern Mennonite University. More than 200 campuses across the United States now offer pickleball for students.
Locations of New Courts
The outdoor courts are located outside Groniger Arena near the Lantz Athletic Complex at Fourth Street and Grant Avenue. The indoor courts are inside the Student Recreation Center, within the Lantz Sports Complex.
Looking Ahead
By investing in pickleball, Eastern Illinois University is providing more than just new sports facilities. The upgrades aim to strengthen community, encourage active lifestyles, and give students opportunities to connect both on and off the court. With the sport’s rapid growth, the new spaces may also attract regional competitions and future expansion.
News in Brief: Eastern Illinois University Pickleball Court Launch
Eastern Illinois University is opening new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts along with updated Student Recreation Center studios. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies will be held on August 21 and August 25. The upgrades reflect a national trend of colleges embracing pickleball to boost student activity, social connection, and campus engagement.