ST. GEORGE — With an upgrade that adds nine additional pickleball courts to the facility, the City of St. George is set to host the Little Valley Pickleball Complex expansion and championship court unveiling.

Pickleball players compete on the first day of the Red Rock Open at Little Valley Pickleball Courts, St. George, Utah, April 5, 2023 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

According to a media release, on January 31 at 9:30 a.m. refreshments will be available and everyone is invited to take part in a ceremonial first serve on the championship court.

“This is quite an accomplishment, made possible by the incredible popularity of pickleball in St. George,” said Shane Moore, Director of Parks and Community Services. “In addition to increasing our capacity for a sport that appeals to all ages, our championship court will bring prestige to the tournaments that we host. We invite everyone to come join us and celebrate.”

Located at 2330 Horseman Park Drive, the complex will now house 33 courts — the largest public pickleball facility in Utah.

In addition to eight new courts — four on the west side of the complex and four on the south — the expansion includes a championship court with permanent bleacher seating.

At the Little Valley Pickleball Complex, St. George, Utah, May 4, 2022 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Large palm trees surround the playing surface, and there is extra space on the court to accommodate televised matches.

Pickleball has become as much a part of the fabric of St. George as sunny skies and gorgeous views. Annually, more than 6,000 players participate in tournaments held at Little Valley, including more than 1,000 at the City’s “Fall Brawl” — recognized as one of the top five amateur pickleball tournaments in the nation.

According to David Cordero, communications director for St. George, the Little Valley complex was awarded the Public Facility of the Year by the Professional Pickleball Registry in 2020. And the city’s tennis and pickleball program is the largest of its kind in the Intermountain West.

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