Red Rocks & Pro Courts: Pickleball’s Newest Desert Jewel
- Craig Johnson
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
What I enjoy most about my business development pursuits in sports travel is the discovery of truly world-class destinations. A perfect recent example was my time volunteering for the PPA Tour’s Greater Zion Cup at the brand-new pickleball complex found at Black Desert Resort.
Located just outside St. George, Utah — a scenic two-hour drive from the lights of Las Vegas — Pickleball at Black Desert Resort feels less like a sports complex and more like a high-end PGA or ATP tour stop. With 21 pristine courts and a 1,000-seat center court carved into a landscape of red rock and black lava, the 'wow factor' hits you the moment you pass through the gates.
The Experience: Shade Is On The Way
While construction crews worked right up to the opening serve, the finished product inside the gates was impeccable. My only critique? The desert sun. Coming from a Toronto winter, the 30-degree (plus) heat was a shock, and the lack of shade at center court was noticeable. However, word around the tour is that expanded shade structures are already on the 'Phase 2' checklist.
Beyond the Courts
For the guest looking to blend sport with adventure, this is an unparalleled location. When I wasn't support-staffing for the PPA, I was doing sunrise hikes in Snow Canyon State Park, which is quite literally on the resort's doorstep.
Black Desert Resort isn't just a place to play pickleball; it’s a vision of where the sport is heading: luxury, destination-driven, and undeniably professional. A visit to nearby Zion National Park is a must for my next trip back.
For more visit: https://www.blackdesertresort.com/experiences/pickleball
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