A world-class pickleball facility will be built on 11 acres in Scottsdale near Talking Stick Resort & Casino, making it the largest in Arizona and one of the largest in the world.
Arizona-based entrepreneurs Kevin J. Berk, Brett Warner, Kent S. Berk, and David Warner signed a joint venture agreement with Caliberto jointly develop the site into Pure Pickleball. Caliber, a real estate investor, developer, and manager, is creating a Qualified Opportunity Zone fund for the single purpose of investment in this business, which means qualified investors will be able to invest in this pickleball venture directly or via Caliber’s diversified funds.
“Pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a national phenomenon with 48 million people projected to play pickleball this year,” says Kevin J. Berk, who previously owned AZ On The Rocks – Indoor Climbing. “PURE Pickleball will cement Scottsdale, Arizona as the best place to learn, play, and spectate this amazing sport.”
“Over the past year, the PURE Pickleball team has engaged with us on their ambitious plans to create an entirely new class of pickleball venue,” says Justin Maloof, chief operating officer for USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body. “At this time, we are announcing PURE Pickleball is our intended future home, permanent headquarters and official National Training Center for USA Pickleball.”
PURE Pickleball will claim the title of largest pickleball facility in Arizona and one of the largest facilities in the world when it opens in the fall of 2024. Phase 1 includes 28 over-sized (34’x64’) indoor pickleball courts featuring post-tension construction and premium cushion surfacing. All courts will be privately gated and fenced with professional indirect lighting and high-quality video cameras for streaming matches or recording games. At center stage, is a first-of-its-kind Championship Court (50’x70’) with a wrap-around 500-seat stadium and state-of-the-art production capabilities for televised matches. Other infrastructure under the roof will include a pro shop, café, men’s and women’s locker rooms and private event spaces.
Additional phases include 16 outdoor courts with professional direct lighting, a member clubhouse with restaurant and bar, two rooftop courts for special events, member locker rooms and in-demand amenities, full gym, childcare and after-school tutoring services, and complementary commercial concepts to be announced.