City of Burlington, North Carolina Announces Details of New Pickleball Complex

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a national leader in sports, recreation, and event facility management, announces its partnership with the city of Burlington, North Carolina, to become the operator of the new Burlington Pickleball Complex and Pickleball courts at Fairchild Park. As the city’s operating partner for the facilities, SFC will manage all aspects of daily operations, including marketing and booking events, staffing and training, patron services, and maintenance.

“We’re excited to partner with The Sports Facilities Companies and create a first-class pickleball experience for the Burlington community and beyond,” said Tony Laws, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Burlington. “This will be a gem of a venue and something we know the city will be proud of.”

Rachel Vinson, a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in programming, staff management, customer retention, community relations, and facility management, has been selected as the general manager of the facility. With her remarkable track record in the sports industry, including stints as Sports Director, Program Director, Membership Director, and Executive Director at the YMCA, Rachel is uniquely qualified to lead the team. During her tenure at YMCA, she was recognized as Director of the Year by the Association of YMCA Professionals. Rachel is driven by a passion for creating relationships through sports and looks forward to leading Burlington’s Pickleball program and facilities.

Construction is underway on the soon-to-be hub for pickleball athletes and regional events. The complex, expected to open this fall, will feature 16 pickleball courts and one Championship Court, serving residents by offering camps, clinics, leagues, and court rentals. It will also attract regional tournaments to drive economic impact for the community. It’s anticipated that the Burlington Pickleball Complex will drive over a million dollars in economic impact in its first year.

In 2023, the city of Burlington approved $4.6 million for the project to meet the needs of the area’s growing pickleball community. Currently, there is only one dedicated space for pickleball in the Alamance County area. This collaboration is expected to further enhance North Carolina's position in regional sports tourism and increase access to premium sports programs within the community.

"We are excited to partner with Burlington and contribute to the success of this vibrant pickleball complex,” said John Sparks, SFC Vice President of Venue Management. “Leveraging our regional event, tournament, team, and facility partners, we aspire to enhance Burlington's community wellness and economic strength. We are committed to being a valuable and collaborative asset on this journey."

With SFC’s innovative management and operational strategies, which have marked its success nationwide in the industry, the Burlington Pickleball Complex now joins the extensive SF Network. With an impressive portfolio of more than 60 properties across the United States, SFC epitomizes the gold standard in driving physical and economic vitality for communities across the country.

To learn more about the Sports Facilities Companies, please visit our website at sportsfacilities.com. Stay tuned on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates, programs, and job postings.