Butler Center Weighs in on Columbus' New Pickleball Complex

The City of Columbus is preparing for a new pickleball complex, and while local pickle ball enthusiasts await its construction the Turner College's Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, headed by Fady Mansour, has released an economic impact study concerning the forthcoming complex. According to the study, the construction and operation of a proposed 28-court pickleball facility at 1641 3rd Avenue in downtown Columbus, Georgia, is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the community. Construction of the facility, which will include 28 courts, 16 of which will be covered and four will be placed underneath 2nd Avenue, along with a central gathering hub, is expected to generate $11.3 million to the local economy, including a value-added impact (equivalent to GDP) of $5.4 million, $3 million in labor income, and 63 jobs. The study, which utilized input-output models to assess the facility’s impact, highlights the facility’s potential to enhance the local economy through construction, ongoing operations, and sport tourism-driven spending from pickleball tournaments. The project is also expected to generate $986,266 in tax revenues, including $141,565 in local tax payments.

     In terms of annual operations, the complex is expected to generate $775,000 in economic output with at $436,556 value-added contribution. Local tax collections from use of the complex are expected to be $109,000 each year, while use of the facility will support eight new jobs in the Columbus economy. Beyond the economic impact, the pickleball complex will serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting active lifestyles and fostering local sports development. The facility’s design includes a central gathering hub, restrooms, concessions, green space, and parking, ensuring a welcoming environment for players and spectators alike.

In terms of tourism related to pickleball tournaments, the facility is expected to host two major tournaments annually, attracting approximately 400 players and visitors per event. The total economic impact of these competitions is expected to be $402,000 per year, and total and local annual tax collections of $56,573 and $18,161, respectively, are also predicted. When combining the operations and tourism-driven spending, the complex is projected to generate $1.18 million in total economic output each year, with local tax receipts of $46,350 accompanying it.