South Jordan Pickleball Courts Complex: A massive new pickleball complex is planned for South Jordan, Utah, aiming to become a national hub for the fast-growing sport. The Utah Pickleball Center will serve as the home base for the Utah Black Diamonds, the state’s Major League Pickleball team, and will host top professional tournaments once complete.
A First-of-Its-Kind Facility
The privately funded $25 million project will rise at 272 West 11000 South on the east side of South Jordan. According to Mayor Dawn Ramsey,
“When complete, this privately funded, $25 million facility, which will be located on the east side of the city, will be the first dedicated indoor venue for a professional pickleball team anywhere in the United States. And it’s being built right here in South Jordan.”
The Utah Pickleball Center will hold two major events every year: a Major League Pickleball competition featuring the Utah Black Diamonds and a Professional Pickleball Association tournament for singles and doubles players. The team will also use the center for training and practice sessions.
Courts, Seating, and Amenities
Architect Russ Naylor said the three-story, 138,000-square-foot facility will feature 47 courts, including 15 outdoors and 13 on the roof. The first floor will have courts with spectator stands, including one with 2,000 seats and another with 1,000 seats.
“To have a facility like this, where we have so many indoor courts that are available for play year-round, it’s pretty unique.”(Russ Naylor)
Plans also include a gym, spa, pro shop, and food service areas. The largest court will offer premium box seating. The building will also have wiring for television broadcasts to make hosting professional events easier.
Boosting Utah’s Pickleball Presence
Bryce Morgan, chief marketing officer of the United Pickleball Association, said the center will stand out in Major League Pickleball.
“For our sport to grow up and get the notoriety it needs, the fan following, the premium experience from a fan perspective, we need to have facilities like this.
So, it’s a pioneer for other places and other teams in the MLP or other facilities that are being built across the country for pickleball fanatics.”(Bryce Morgan)
Morgan also believes the center could help Utah attract professional players, who currently cluster in Texas and Florida.
Parking and Surrounding Development
The pickleball center is part of a larger development that will also include a seven-story apartment building with 210 units and space for two future commercial buildings, possibly a salon and a drive-thru restaurant. Parking was a key issue during a May South Jordan City Council meeting. Council member Tamara Zander said,
“I don’t know about the rest of the council, but this parking has given me a little bit of heartburn. So, I appreciate your explanation.”
The apartment building will feature a garage and share an outdoor parking lot with the pickleball facility. Despite concerns, the council approved the plans unanimously.
Next Steps
The project recently went out for construction bids, with results expected in early October. Architect Russ Naylor said construction will take at least 18 months once it begins. When finished, the Utah Pickleball Center will be open to amateur players through a membership system, adding to Utah’s rapid expansion of pickleball courts in recent years.
News in Brief: South Jordan Pickleball Courts Complex
The Utah Pickleball Center, a $25 million facility in South Jordan, will become the first indoor home for a professional pickleball team in the United States. Serving as the base for the Utah Black Diamonds, it will feature 47 courts, host pro tournaments, and welcome amateur members once construction finishes.
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