The final touches are underway for a shiny new pickleball venue in downtown Tucson.
Pickleball Invasion in Downtown Tucson
The five courts will be part of the new Corbett’s restaurant and beer garden. The original 1930s building will be preserved to maintain its historic charm.
“We’re revitalizing real estate neglected for years,” said Regan Jasper. Beyond restoration, their goal is to bring a popular AZ concept to downtown Tucson.
Riding the Pickleball Wave
“Mid-construction, pickleball exploded across the country,” Dabdoub told kold.com. With demand outpacing Tucson’s court supply, they changed tack to capitalize on the pickleball fever.
However, pickleball courts weren’t the vision from the beginning. Owner Rudy Dabdoub noted the original plan was to open a restaurant. They knew they had to pivot once he heard there weren’t enough courts to support demand in Tucson.
Corbett’s occupies a three-acre space where Tuscon native, Omar Huerta, oversees the fantastic menu and eating experience. Food will only be one-third of the new venture, existing in unison with three outdoor pickleball courts, two indoor ones, and a live music stage.
Bringing the Game Downtown
“There are courts in the suburbs and resorts, but nothing downtown,” Dabdoub noted. They hope the urban location and its juxtaposition of pickleball courts, restaurant, and live music attract a diverse crowd to the downtown area.
Tucson Parks and Recreation also hopes for the same thing, bringing crowds and more revenue to the area.
Get Ready to Smash
If you want to be one of the first to snag a court, bookings start today, Saturday, August 19th.
Tucson Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and Tucson is no exception. There are now over 20 pickleball courts in the city, and the number is expected to grow in the coming years.
The sport is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to exercise and have fun, and it’s clear that Tucson is embracing this new sport.
Here are some specific examples of the growth of pickleball in Tucson:
- The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department has added 10 new pickleball courts in the past year.
- The Tucson Pickleball Association has over 1,000 members.
- There are now several pickleball tournaments held in Tucson each year.
Pickleball is here to stay in Tucson, and it’s a great way to get involved in this active and growing community.
For more of our stories about Arizona pickleball, click here.
