Start warming up your backhand — the world’s largest pickleball facility plans to open in Scottsdale in 2026.
Why it matters: As pickleball popularity continues to surge , PURE Pickleball & Padel co-founders Brett Warner and Kevin Berk tell Axios they believe their Scottsdale facility will become the pickleball capital of the U.S.
The big picture: “This is basically a pickleball country club,” said Berk, who previously founded AZ on the Rocks, a Scottsdale rock climbing gym.
- In addition to 50 courts, the facility will have VIP rooms, a pro shop, youth areas, exercise and recovery equipment, a full restaurant, rooftop bar and a 1,200-seat championship court with broadcast booths for professional matches.
State of play: The building will go up along Loop 101 between Topgolf and OdySea Aquarium.
- Scottsdale-based developer Caliber is leading the project that’s expected to break ground early next year.
The intrigue: The sheer size of PURE Pickleball & Padel — nearly 190,000 square feet — will allow it to host professional matches, youth clinics, open play and field trips all at the same time, Warner said.