New Pickleball Courts in Huntsville: Huntsville is preparing for a major upgrade in recreational facilities with the development of a 46,000-square-foot pickleball center, projected to open by April 2025. Located at 702 S. Bridge St., the new facility will boast 18 indoor courts. The project involves the renovation of two connected buildings—one 32,000 square feet and the other 14,000 square feet—into a state-of-the-art pickleball venue.
Initially, the plan was to demolish a 10,000-square-foot building to make way for the new center. However, a shift in plans occurred when a tenant in a neighboring building negotiated an early lease termination, leading to the decision to repurpose existing structures.
Developer’s Vision and Investment
Johnny George, the driving force behind the project through J.F. George Enterprises, Inc., highlighted the sport’s explosive growth, stating, “It’s the fastest-growing sport in America today.” He noted the significant rise in participation, “Over 20 million people are playing it,” and compared its current growth trajectory to that of other major sports in their formative years.
Despite not being a sports enthusiast himself—“I’m not a sportsman,” George confessed—he saw an opportunity to invest in a facility that would serve the community. “I have the resources to do it and nobody else will do it,” he explained. With an anticipated cost of $7 million, George is committed to delivering a high-quality experience.
“It is going to enhance the people who are playing and maybe I might get a little enhancement because I own the buildings already.” – (George)
Future Plans and Features
The new center will feature a café offering a range of refreshments including “energy foods, salad wraps, energy drinks, coffee, iced tea, muffins, and maybe a breakfast wrap in the morning, and probably every drink that Coke makes.” Additionally, a pro shop will provide pickleball equipment, and the facility will include lockers, Internet access, and television screens for visitors.
The courts will be constructed with a non-slip, two-tone blue surface and feature high-screen mesh fencing between them. “We’re grinding all the floors with diamond grinders,” George detailed, emphasizing the investment in premium flooring.
“I’m talking about ass-kicking nice. If something is better, I’ll buy it.” – (George)
Although pricing for court rentals and memberships has yet to be determined, George hinted at potential future additions, such as cornhole, if space allows.
“We’re even looking at something else if we’ve got the space for it, and that is cornhole, because that is bigger than you think it is.” – (George)
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts in Huntsville
Huntsville is set to welcome a new 46,000-square-foot pickleball center by April 2025 at 702 S. Bridge St. The facility will feature 18 indoor courts and is being developed by J.F. George Enterprises, Inc. The project repurposes existing buildings instead of demolishing them. Johnny George, the developer, is investing $7 million into the pickleball project, citing pickleball’s rapid growth.
The center will include a café, a pro shop, and high-quality pickleball court surfaces. Membership and rental details are pending, with potential plans for additional activities like cornhole.
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