Eastern Illinois University Pickleball Court: Eastern Illinois University (EIU) has opened new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts to meet growing student demand. The project was driven by the university’s pickleball club, which already has more than 100 members. The new courts provide recreational opportunities and create a stronger sense of community on campus.
A Project Years in the Making
The indoor courts needed major renovations after years of water damage and disrepair. Sarah Daugherty, the director of Campus Recreation at Eastern Illinois University, explained that the courts had not been fully usable for more than a decade. “The single biggest challenge for the indoor courts was the water intrusion issue which had to be solved before we could consider replacing the floors,” said Daugherty. “It made the project cost double, so funding had to be in place before we started on anything.”
The university worked with Robbins Sport Surfaces and Missouri Floor Company on a new design, adding pickleball court lines to reflect growing student interest. The space can also host basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
Outdoor Courts Add New Energy
Unlike the indoor courts, the outdoor facilities were built from scratch. The construction was included in a parking lot resurfacing project and completed during the summer. Six lighted courts were added near the recreation center, and students quickly filled the space when school resumed.
“The outdoor courts have been used almost non-stop since the construction was completed,” said Daugherty. “At the ribbon cutting, we had six courts going with people waiting to play the next game. We have the only courts with lights in the area right now, so it allows for evening play, attracting community members and the campus community. It’s been a great addition.”
Student and Community Engagement
Even while the indoor courts were closed, students stayed active by attending group fitness classes in temporary spaces and using outdoor equipment across campus. Once the new courts opened, turnout was immediate. “For EIU, the new courts provide not just recreation, but also an avenue for belonging,” said Daugherty. “This type of engagement is a critical part of EIU’s mission and aligns with health and recreational initiatives vital to our campus and collective communities.”
The university’s pickleball club often partners with local groups, giving both students and community members a chance to connect. The new facilities now offer a consistent space for this interaction.
Expanding Programming and Future Plans
With fully functioning courts, Eastern Illinois University can now host drop-in play, intramural leagues, and student events at the same time. Larger programs that were once relocated can return to campus. Daugherty added that outdoor leagues are also a new focus: “Not having had outdoor leagues before, I hope to see some growth in the intramural program through both diversity in programming and visibility of the leagues.”
Looking forward, the department plans to develop longer leagues, host tournaments with other collegiate clubs in the Midwest, and potentially return as a host site for the Midwest Pickleball Championships.
News in Brief: Eastern Illinois University Pickleball Court
Eastern Illinois University has unveiled new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, driven by rising student demand and support from the campus rec department. The project includes six lighted outdoor courts and renovated indoor facilities. The new spaces will expand programming, host tournaments, and connect both students and the surrounding community.
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