Champaign’s Pickleball Facility Expansion: Tim Montague’s journey with pickleball began about two and a half years ago. What started as a recreational interest quickly evolved into a competitive passion, leading him to establish Pickle Pro Advisors. Montague’s latest venture involves the creation of a dedicated indoor pickleball facility in Champaign. “We’re going to develop a smaller facility to start,” Montague stated. The initial plan includes a four-and-a-half court facility at 705 N. Country Fair Drive.
Facility Details and Timeline
Montague revealed that the facility will occupy part of the vacant space at Elevate Trampoline Park’s Champaign center, located at 707 N. Country Fair Drive. The facility, set to be named the C-U Pickleball Club, will require an estimated investment of $500,000 to $800,000 for conversion, including internal demolition to remove existing cubicles and walls. Montague anticipates a 6 to 12-month timeline before the grand opening.
“It’ll be six to 12 months before we are able to open our doors.” – (Montague)
Innovative Features and Membership Plans
The C-U Pickleball Club will be a 24/7 self-serve facility, utilizing PodPlay for court reservations and providing features such as match replay, recording, and player connections. Membership is targeted at $39 per month, with non-members also welcome. Montague aims to make the club family-friendly and hopes to host tournaments and collaborate with the Champaign Park District.
“We just want to make it a family-friendly, accessible facility for all types of players.” – (Montague)
Regional Pickleball Expansion
Montague remains optimistic about the region’s pickleball growth despite competition from other projects. The Picklr, a chain of indoor pickleball clubs, is also planning a location in Champaign-Urbana. Spokeswoman Kathryn Bullough mentioned that while specific details are still pending, the expected opening might be in summer 2025, contingent on lease agreements and construction.
“We don’t even pencil in grand opening dates until location leases are signed because it all depends on the construction that has to be done on the building. If I were guessing, I would say summer 2025, but again, total guess until a lease is signed!” – (Kathryn Bullough)
Local Facilities and Future Plans
Urbana Park District Executive Director Tim Bartlett outlined recent and upcoming improvements to local pickleball facilities. Additions include pickleball lines at Blair Park and other neighborhood parks, with further plans for dedicated outdoor courts at Prairie and Weaver Park. The Champaign Park District is also working on enhancing the John Street Pickleball Complex, including the installation of new lighting and future expansions.
“You can provide more intense programming, offer leagues, competitions, things like that (with dedicated courts). And we would hope to have lighted courts for evening play.” – (Bartlett)
Community Demand and Advisory Board
Montague emphasized the community’s need for a dedicated indoor pickleball facility, noting that the current outdoor options are often fully booked. To address this gap, the C-U Pickleball Club is being developed to offer a much-needed alternative. Montague is forming a community advisory board to gather input and ensure the facility meets local players’ needs.
News in Brief: Champaign’s Pickleball Facility Expansion
Tim Montague is spearheading the development of a new indoor pickleball facility in Champaign, known as the C-U Pickleball Club. Located at 705 N. Country Fair Drive, the facility will feature four-and-a-half courts and is projected to open in 6 to 12 months with an investment of $500,000 to $800,000.
The 24/7 self-serve facility will use PodPlay for court reservations and offer memberships at $39 per month. Montague’s initiative complements ongoing regional expansions, including plans by The Picklr and local park district improvements.
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