EagleVail Group Proposes $8 Million Indoor Pickleball Center

Aspen —A 35,000-square-foot facility with 12 indoor courts. That’s the model Eagle County is looking at, and it’s significantly larger than what locals currently have access to.

The question isn’t whether there’s interest — there are 43 outdoor courts and nine indoor ones, though the latter are often locked up or open for limited hours. The question is whether EagleVail can afford to build a dedicated, year-round home for the sport without turning it into an exclusive club.

A local group is exploring the feasibility of developing The Vail Valley Pickleball Center on an undeveloped parcel designated for recreational purposes. They’re talking with the EagleVail Metro District about using that land. Bruce Aronow, an active member of the community, presented the initial proposal at a board meeting on July 16. He outlined an organizational structure and financing plans that mirror the successful Steamboat Pickleball Center.

Let’s look at the numbers. The Steamboat facility, unveiled in 2024, cost $5 million to fund via loan. It boasts 12 air-conditioned courts, a pro shop, and a viewing balcony. Eagle County’s proposal aims for similar functionality but on a potentially different scale. The construction cost is estimated at approximately $8 million, though the source text cuts off before clarifying if that’s per court or total. Given Steamboat’s 12 courts for $5 million, an $8 million figure suggests a slightly larger or more premium build.

The group is currently running a seven-question survey to gauge interest. The letter accompanying the survey makes one thing clear: this isn’t just for winter.

“Please keep in mind that this is not a winter-only amenity as there are many days throughout the summer where it is too hot, windy, smokey, or raining to play outside,” the letter states. “There are also people in our community that are unable to play outside for health reasons.”

That last point matters. In a valley where summer smoke and heat can make outdoor play miserable, or even hazardous for those with respiratory issues, a climate-controlled space isn’t a luxury. It’s a utility.

The proposed center would be run by a community-based nonprofit. That structure is designed to keep costs competitive. The letter notes they expect membership and court rental costs to be comparable to other indoor facilities across the country. They want members, but they also want visitors.

Professional players JW and Jorja Johnson recently visited the Steamboat facility for a benefit event, helping to promote the model that Eagle County is trying to replicate. Their involvement underscores that this isn’t just a hobbyist project; it’s aiming for professional-grade viability.

Currently, nine indoor courts exist at Red Sandstone, Avon Elementary, Edwards Field House, and Vail Church. But as Aronow pointed out, they are only open on select days for a few hours at a time. You can’t build a routine around that schedule if you play every day.

The survey is the next step. If interest holds, the group moves from feasibility to funding. The EagleVail Metro District already has the land. What they need is the capital and the operational plan to turn that undeveloped parcel into a year-round hub.

For locals, this means potentially higher usage fees if the nonprofit model doesn’t subsidize enough members. But it also means reliable access regardless of whether it’s 90 degrees with smoke in the air or 20 degrees with snow on the ground. The $8 million construction estimate is a starting point, not a final bill. What matters now is whether the community fills out that survey and shows up to support a facility that actually works for them, not just for the tourists.