Stay updated on major sports facility projects, from Kentucky basketball’s dream practice facility to a WNBA franchise’s incredible female-focused training spot in New York
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University of Kentucky basketball is moving forward with plans for a new practice facility
The University of Kentucky is advancing plans for a new basketball practice facility, as confirmed by head coach Mark Pope during his recent radio appearance with Tom Leach. Pope stated that the project has moved beyond the conceptual phase, acknowledging ongoing challenges and shifting priorities within the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The initiative for an upgraded facility was initially advocated by former coach John Calipari in 2022, who emphasized the necessity for a larger, more modern space to uphold the program’s esteemed reputation. Calipari highlighted issues with the existing Joe Craft Center, such as leaks, underscoring the need for improvements.
Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has indicated a willingness to support the project, noting that while the process involves multiple steps and considerations, the commitment to enhancing the program’s infrastructure remains steadfast. Barnhart emphasized that such developments typically require an 18- to 24-month timeline, reflecting the complexity of planning and construction.
As the project progresses, the university aims to address these challenges to provide a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of the basketball program and aligns with the institution’s standards of excellence.
Charlotte’s Eastland Mall site to be transformed into a 4.5-acre urban park with youth and amateur sports tourism in mind
Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to break ground on a 4.5-acre urban park at the former Eastland Mall site, marking a major step in revitalizing the long-vacant property. The park, part of the larger Eastland Yards mixed-use development, is aiming to restore the area’s role as a community hub while incorporating resident feedback. Plans include a playground, pickleball courts, a dog park, a hammock grove, splashpad, and an amphitheater. The planned splashpad will feature the iconic Eastland sun logo, which will add a nice homage to the mall’s past.
Eastland Mall, once a retail and social centerpiece, closed in 2010 and was demolished in 2013. Since then, the site has remained largely empty, though it hosted a flea market and an ad-hoc skatepark. In response to public demand, the new park will include a “skateable area.”
While some worry redevelopment could increase housing costs, affordable housing has been a focus in planning Eastland Yards. Adjacent private developments include apartments, senior living units, and commercial space for minority-owned businesses. Meanwhile, city officials have approved an indoor and outdoor amateur sports facility for the site. Construction on the park is expected to be completed by late 2026.
Lebanon, Tennessee, announces the grand opening date for Lebanon Sports Complex
Denver NWSL and local school district team up to build a new stadium and soccer fields in Centennial, Colorado
Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) and Denver’s upcoming National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team have partnered to build new soccer fields and a stadium in Centennial, Colorado. This collaboration, which includes the City of Centennial, is designed to enhance opportunities for women’s soccer while benefiting CCSD students and the broader community.
Funding for the project comes from a portion of the $46 million in surplus funds generated from CCSD’s 2024 voter-approved bond issuance. These funds will not impact previously planned bond projects, as they are legally designated for capital construction only.
As part of the agreement, CCSD will own and have access to the fields for all sports except tackle football, as well as maintain long-term control of the stadium. The partnership also includes internship opportunities in sports management and wellness, mentorship programs with NWSL staff and players, support for aspiring educators, and a $100,000 donation to the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation. Additionally, CCSD will receive 500 tickets to regular season NWSL games.
This initiative reflects CCSD’s commitment to expanding student opportunities while strengthening its position as a leader in academics, athletics, and community engagement.
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New Naperville, Illinois, pickleball facility to be opened by longtime friends for the local large pickleball community
Longtime friends Saumil Parikh, Chirdip Sheth, Hemang Patel, and Dhaval Sheth, who settled in the Chicago area 25 years ago, are set to bring a Pickleball Kingdom franchise to Naperville, Illinois. The four friends discovered pickleball after years of running together. Frustrated by limited indoor court options, they decided to invest in a facility of their own.
Currently searching for a location, the group aims to open the facility within the next year. Once complete, it will feature climate-controlled indoor courts, coaching, youth programs, leagues, and tournaments. They hope the project will not only provide a much-needed recreational space but also boost community engagement and economic activity.
Pickleball Kingdom, founded in Arizona nearly three years ago, is rapidly expanding with 11 locations already open and up to 50 more expected by the end of 2025. The new Naperville facility will be the city’s third indoor pickleball venue, joining The Picklr and Sure Shot Pickleball—both of which opened in recent years. As pickleball continues to grow at a rapid pace, the new facility aims to meet the staggering demand while strengthening community ties.
Berkeley Park Sportsplex breaks ground in Henderson County, North Carolina, showcasing interlocal partnership for youth and amateur sports
City, county, and school officials gathered to break ground on the $11.3 million Berkeley Park Sportsplex, a project that highlights collaboration between multiple government entities. Expected to open by September 2026, the complex will feature four artificial turf soccer fields, a softball diamond, and six tennis courts.
The land, originally developed as Balfour Mills in 1924, was donated to the city by Kimberly Clark in 2008. It was later exchanged with the School Board for Edwards Park, which the city needed for its mini-golf facility. The county then received the land and allocated American Rescue Plan funds to finance the sports complex.
Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk emphasized the long-term vision behind the project, noting that previous grant limitations ultimately led to a more expansive and community-driven outcome. Schools Superintendent Mark Garrett praised the partnership, highlighting its success as an example of what can be achieved when collaboration takes precedence over credit.
Once completed, the sportsplex will enhance recreational opportunities in the region while preserving the site’s historic significance. The project reflects a strategic investment in sports infrastructure, benefiting athletes, schools, and the broader community.
A new $80 million professional training facility in Brooklyn, New York, is set to open in 2027 for WNBA’s New York Liberty
The WNBA’s New York Liberty will move into a $80 million training facility in Greenpoint by 2027. Spanning 75,000 square feet along Newtown Creek, the facility will serve as a premier training hub for the reigning league champions, offering cutting-edge amenities tailored to player development and performance.
Designed with direct input from the players, the facility will feature two full courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking, a strength training center, and a recovery suite with steam, sauna, and massage rooms. Additional amenities include an outdoor court, a rooftop dining area, private family lounges with nursery areas, and an in-house beauty studio. A redesigned locker room concept will provide each player with a private suite, including a full-height wardrobe, sneaker storage, vanity, and a seven-foot daybed.
The facility will also house a media room, broadcast and podcast studios, and programming aimed at expanding the team’s presence in Brooklyn and beyond. New York Liberty Governor Clara Wu Tsai emphasized the facility as a commitment to the team, the city, and the advancement of women’s sports. While the full community impact remains to be seen, the project marks a significant investment in the future of the Liberty and their ongoing success.
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