Here are new details for world’s largest racquet sports facility coming to the Triangle
Construction is set to begin on what’s billed as the world’s largest racket sports facility coming to North Carolina.
The team behind Swing Racquet + Paddle has broken ground on its massive 44-acre sports and entertainment venue with over 70 sports courts. The $125 million project is expected to open in 2026.
From the recent boom in pickleball popularity to the strong local college sports scene, the team behind Swing is excited to launch a “sportstainment” venue in the Triangle, said Rob Autry, founder and CEO of Swing Racquet + Paddle.
“I mean, it’s a top five most active racket and paddle sport community in the country,” Autry told The News & Observer. “There’s no place better in the country to build this.”
Located in Raleigh’s Brier Creek community, the complex will be home to 28 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 15 padel courts, four beach tennis and beach volleyball courts and a ping-pong lounge, with a healthcare partner on site.
As someone who’s been playing tennis since childhood, Autry says the venue is a passion project years in the making. He describes himself as the “Baskin-Robbins of racket paddle sports” who will try all paddle sports.
The city agreed to lease the property to Swing in 2018 and approved a $10 million grant for the project earlier this year, The News & Observer previously reported.
“We are excited to see the huge impact Swing creates in terms of jobs, tourism and special events that will bring amateurs and professionals to our region for competition,” said Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin in a news release. “Swing will be an extension of our existing parks and recreation programs with trails that connect to our existing greenways. This partnership further enhances Raleigh’s commitment to a common connection centered on sustainability, social good and inclusion.”
There will also be a special “food and beverage experience” with a menu curated by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and a racket sport retail space in partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
“Our goal is, this is a community play,” Autry said. “This is built for the community, by the community, with the community and what a better opportunity to bring everyone together. Racket and paddle sports, plus this big community bar and restaurant and ping-pong lounge in the middle to get everyone to break bread together,” Autry explained.
“The biggest vision is … how do we build these sports that have been around for the longest time and put a new spin on them, put a new spin on the business model, make them more approachable?”
Once open, Autry says Swing will have multiple admission options for guests, including passes and short-term and long-term memberships. His goal is that this flagship facility — which he says will have between 3,000 to 5,000 seat stadiums — will also host several tournaments and events.
Swing’s 44-acre campus will be located in Raleigh’s Brier Creek community at 6121 Mt. Herman Road. For details, see swingnc.com.
News & Observer reporter Anna Roman contributed.
This story was originally published August 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Here are new details for world’s largest racquet sports facility coming to the Triangle."
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