Northwest Arkansas’ Big Dill Pickleball Academy: A $50 million pickleball complex is set to open east of Interstate 49 in Springdale by early 2026. The Big Dill Pickleball Club & Academy will feature 53 professional-grade courts, a 70,000-square-foot indoor facility, and a range of health, housing, and retail amenities.
Northwest Arkansas residents are behind the project, led by Arkansas native Reggie Brasfield.
“Ultimately, one of our goals is we want a professional team,” (Reggie Brasfield),
emphasizing the facility’s potential as a national pickleball destination.
The development, covering 12 acres near Emma Avenue and 40th Street, will include 23 indoor courts, 30 outdoor courts, a pro shop, a bar, a restaurant, and retail space. Brasfield highlighted the community-focused approach:
“We want people to be healthy and active. It’s a social sport. Creating more of that comradery within Northwest Arkansas is why it’s in Springdale.”(Reggie Brasfield)
Multi-Phase Project with Broader Goals
Beyond pickleball, the project’s estimated $100–$150 million scope includes multifamily housing tied to the on-site training academy. The academy will prioritize player development for high school and college students and eventually expand to other age groups.
The group envisions the academy becoming a cornerstone for pickleball growth, much like the U.S. Tennis Association’s role in tennis.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant community where players of all levels can come together to play, learn, and socialize,” (the group stated).
A World-Class Vision
The facility will boast five show courts, including a center court, and plans to start a professional pickleball team. The academy will offer programs for all skill levels with experienced instructors, enhancing its appeal as a premier training and recreational hub.
Brasfield cited the dual goals of fostering community and providing unique opportunities for youth:
“We have two things: that there’s a love for community…understanding the benefits of sports, whether it’s outdoor-related, and also for the youth – to give Northwest Arkansas something that no one else has.”(Reggie Brasfield)
What’s Next?
The Big Dill Pickleball Club & Academy’s groundbreaking is set for spring 2025. The first phase, including the pickleball venue, is expected to open by the first quarter of 2026, with subsequent phases following shortly after.
This ambitious project aims to center Springdale in a growing sport, benefiting both local players and the broader pickleball community.
