The organization planning to build a $50 million pickleball academy and sports complex east of Interstate 49 in Springdale will collaborate with a University of Arkansas department on sports-related research and education.
Reginald Brasfield, founder and CEO of The Big Dill[1], also provided updates on the groundbreaking for the facility planned for 3378 W. Emma Ave. The plan is to build it in phases, which would reduce costs, according to a Tuesday (Oct. 14) news release.
The new partnership between The Big Dill and the UA’s Health, Human Performance and Recreation[2] (HHPR) department is expected to advance public health, wellness and sport-related research, the release shows. The two organizations will collaborate on research in areas such as injury prevention, thermoregulation, physical literacy and increasing physical activity in youth. HHPR is the UA’s largest department on campus with 10 degree programs, 35 faculty and more than 2,000 students.
The Big Dill facility will also serve as a practicum and internship site for students studying exercise science, recreation and sports management.
“This partnership will create a space to track how participation in pickleball will improve physical function and cognition,” said Dr. Michelle Gray, department head of HHPR. “We also see The Big Dill as a hub that creates jobs and helps retain talent in the health field, while opening up new opportunities to improve the health and wellness of millions.”
According to the release, The Big Dill’s mission is to combine community, competition and wellness in one place. The pickleball facility is expected to have 23 indoor courts and 30 outdoor courts, as well as training and wellness spaces.
“Partnering with HHPR elevates our vision,” Brasfield said. “Together, we are not only building a world-class pickleball academy, but also creating a living laboratory for health, performance, and recreation research that can shape the future of sport and wellness.”
Asked why the facility didn’t break ground this past spring as previously planned, Brasfield said, “The groundbreaking timeline shifted in order to properly align the project for a successful launch without delays.”
A groundbreaking date has yet to be set, but he said the plan is to break ground on the project no later than the first quarter of 2026. The opening is projected to be in the second quarter of 2027.
Brasfield said the plan is to focus on phase one, or the construction of the 23 indoor courts. A cost estimate for phase one would be available closer to the construction date but is expected to be less than the $50 million estimate. He said the $50 million estimate also includes the 30 outdoor courts and the retail/commercial developments planned along Emma Avenue. The 12-acre development will be on the north side of Emma Avenue, east of 40th Street.
The total estimate of $100 million to $150 million also included off-site housing for the training academy. Land for the multifamily housing has yet to be purchased but is expected to be in Springdale. The housing would be available for those in and out of the area, including families. It may also support area housing needs.
“The Big Dill will offer many amenities and is focused on the youth through a training academy, community through health and wellness services, and local business partnerships,” Brasfield said.
Facility amenities include a bar, pro shop, restaurant, locker room with showers, and on-site health and wellness services that offer massages and fitness consultations.
According to The Big Dill website, the facility will offer memberships, programs and space for private events including parties, fundraisers, networking and corporate events. Brasfield said event bookings will be available after the facility opens.
Asked about the memberships noted on the website, Brasfield said, “The membership structure is an ongoing process that will be finalized at a later date.”
Programs listed on the website include open play, drop-in sessions, group lessons and clinics led by professional instructors, and leagues and tournaments for players at various skill levels. The programs will become available after the facility opens, Brasfield said.
Related
References
- ^ The Big Dill (thebigdillpickleballusa.com)
- ^ UA’s Health, Human Performance and Recreation (hhpr.uark.edu)