Raleigh, N.C., is set to become a premier destination for racquet and paddle sports enthusiasts with the groundbreaking of Swing Racquet + Paddle (Swing), a revolutionary 44-acre sports campus in the heart of the Brier Creek community. Slated to open in 2026, Swing promises to elevate the player experience by combining top-tier sports facilities with an innovative approach known as Sportstainment™.
“Racquet and paddle sports are thriving, and Swing is here to elevate the player experience for generations to come,”
Swing’s expansive campus at 6121 Mt. Herman Road will offer an unparalleled array of facilities, including 28 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 15 padel courts, four beach tennis/volleyball courts, and a ping pong lounge. This first-of-its-kind complex will also feature a culinary experience curated by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, adding a gourmet touch to the sports experience.
“Racquet and paddle sports are thriving, and Swing is here to elevate the player experience for generations to come,” said Rob Autry, Founder and CEO of Swing Racquet + Paddle. “Swing will offer much-needed court inventory while becoming a vital community hub where deeper connections and unforgettable memories are made.”
“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.”
The sport of pickleball, which has seen a staggering 223% increase in interest from 2020 to 2023, will be a central focus of the campus. Raleigh, ranked No. 5 in quality of life and one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., provides the perfect backdrop for this ambitious project. Earlier this year, the City of Raleigh invested $10 million to support the construction of Swing on city-owned land, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering the growth of racquet and paddle sports.
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Racquet and paddle sports are among the sports industry’s hottest businesses. 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. 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.”
“Wilson is excited to embark on this unique partnership with Swing, uniting tennis, pickleball, and padel in a facility of unprecedented scale”
The economic impact of Swing is expected to be substantial, with projections of $360 million in economic activity and over one million visitors annually in its first three years of operation.
Swing has also partnered with Wilson Sporting Goods Co. to enhance the campus’s offerings. This collaboration will include a multi-racquet sport retail experience, a first-of-its-kind racquet fitting experience, and a Stringing Bar for tennis racquets. “Wilson is excited to embark on this unique partnership with Swing, uniting tennis, pickleball, and padel in a facility of unprecedented scale,” said Joe Dudy, President and CEO of Wilson Sporting Goods.
To complete the experience, Fabio Viviani, renowned for his appearances on Top Chef, will design a health-conscious menu to complement the sporting activities. Additionally, the prestigious Good to Great Tennis Academy, based in Stockholm, Sweden, will establish its first U.S. location at Swing, further enhancing the campus’s reputation as a world-class training destination.
Swing Racquet + Paddle is poised to become a beacon for racquet and paddle sports, offering a unique blend of athleticism, community, and entertainment. For more information and updates, visit SwingNC.com.
Stay tuned to The Padel Weekly for the latest updates on Swing Racquet + Paddle and other exciting developments in the world of padel. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and news!
