The campus pickleball boom: These schools are mega-investors
Last Edited
Feb 24 2025
Category
News
Pickleball is no longer just a recreational afterthought on college campuses, it has become part of sports divisions' blueprint.
Schools nationwide are pouring millions into new courts, turning what was once a side attraction into a central part of student life.
The University of Alabama is the latest to go big. As part of a $75 million student services expansion, the school is adding 10 new pickleball courts to its Parker-Haun Tennis facility, responding to overwhelming demand from students.
The $1.6 million pickleball project at Parker-Haun Tennis Facility is funded through the ETF Advancement and Technology appropriation, which likely refers to Alabama’s Education Trust Fund (ETF).
And it’s not just Alabama.
- Florida International University (FIU) is set to break ground on its first on-campus pickleball courts, following a surge in student interest. Their club has grown to 400+ members, with dozens of players competing daily at nearby Tropical Park.
- The University of Miami is building four new pickleball-only courts, moving away from its current setup where students share space with intramural tennis.
- Cal State LA is rolling out four new courts in front of its Student Services Building this semester, complete with free paddle rentals for students. The school hasn’t disclosed its exact funding sources, but California State University system projects are often financed through student fees, state budget allocations, and grants. Many California schools have been investing in campus recreation as part of student wellness initiatives.
- Scottsdale Community College has partnered with the city to open its campus courts to the public, adding six new courts that will be available daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department helped finance the courts to increase public access to recreational spaces, which means taxpayer dollars likely contributed.
The construction boom isn’t just about casual play—it’s also setting the stage for competitive pickleball’s rise in college athletics.
The newly launched Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT), backed by DUPR and the United Pickleball Association (UPA), will bring 30 regionals, 8 super regionals, and 2 major championships to college campuses this year. Schools investing in courts now are positioning themselves as future powerhouses in a sport that’s rapidly gaining national recognition.
With new courts popping up from Alabama to California, one thing is clear: colleges aren’t just adding pickleball. They’re betting on it.
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