BLACK DESERT RESORT REVEALS PLANS FOR PICKLEBALL COURTS AND PARTNERSHIP WITH PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION AND GREATER ZION

New Destination Resort to Become the Ultimate Pickleball Hub in 2026

IVINS, Utah, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Desert Resort, Southern Utah's premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and outdoor adventure, is set to expand its recreational offerings with the debut of 21 state-of-the-art pickleball courts in Spring 2026. The expansion includes a Championship Court with seating for up to 1,000 spectators, with future phases set to add eight more courts. Designed by Swabeck Architecture, the stunning courts will be nestled within the breathtaking red rocks and lava fields, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape and offering an unparalleled playing experience. Upon completion, the courts will feature advanced technology systems for swing and movement assessment, ball tracking, and in-and-out-of-line calls during tournaments, as well as heated and misted cabanas and VIP/general seating, providing a high-quality environment for players of all levels, whether enjoying a casual match or competing at the highest level.

In partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Greater Zion, Black Desert will host the Greater Zion Cup in 2026 — a premier tournament that will draw top players and pickleball fans from around the world. As one of only five Cup events on the Carvana PPA Tour, it represents one of the most significant stops on the professional circuit. Cup tournaments award 1,500 ranking points, compared to the 1,000 points typically available at Open events, making strong performances here especially valuable for players looking to climb or secure their position in the world rankings.

"Here at Black Desert, the pickleball courts are part of our broader mission to support the local community and economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and driving regional tourism," said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert Resort. "The Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort will further enhance Southern Utah's reputation as a premier destination for sports and recreation, benefiting local businesses and the surrounding community."

This partnership underscores the resort's commitment to bringing world-class events to the region and positioning Black Desert Resort as a renowned destination for pickleball. As one of the nation's fastest-growing sports, pickleball will find a new home in Southern Utah, drawing enthusiasts of all skill levels to experience a community spirit that resonates with visitors and locals alike.

"Southern Utah is a very special place for the Carvana PPA Tour, and we are thrilled to bring our signature area tournament to Black Desert Resort for the Greater Zion Cup," said Connor Pardoe, Founder & CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. "In partnership with our friends at Black Desert Resort and Greater Zion, we are proud to showcase this celebrated event and the best pickleball players in the world to some of the country's most passionate pickleball fans."

Black Desert Resort recently announced the completion of its resort center, further cementing itself as a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Setting a new standard of luxury with 447 rooms and suites spanning two distinct offerings—a Hotel and Resort Collection, guests can also enjoy seven food and beverage outlets, the 15,000-square-foot Plume Spa & Wellness, an infinity-edge pool with cabanas, a 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, a wide range of resort activities, and 45,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space. Black Desert Resort is masterfully designed to harmonize with the centuries-old canvas of striking black lava beds and burnt-red sandstone cliffs of Greater Zion.

"The Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort puts our region on the global map for the sport of pickleball. The new pickleball facility will be a world-class venue in one of the most breathtaking settings, making it the ideal home for this event," said Brittany McMichael, director of Greater Zion. "We are proud to be the title sponsor and look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world in 2026 and sharing our region with them."

For more information, please visit blackdesertresort.com or call 844-237-8824. Follow @blackdesertresort on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Media Assets:
A rendering of the new pickleball courts can be found here.
Images of Black Desert Resort can be found here.

About Black Desert Resort:
Set amidst the vermillion sandstone cliffs and striking black lava beds of Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort is a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Black Desert Resort is anchored by a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, and hosts annual events on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. The Resort Center includes 447 rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a 15,000-square-foot spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Future phases will include state-of-the-art pickleball courts, a water park, more rooms and suites, and many more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Spanning over 600 acres of scenic landscape, Black Desert Resort offers easy access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails.

About Carvana PPA Tour:
Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball's top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world's best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and "play where the pros play," the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.

About Greater Zion:
Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Greater Zion is a destination that offers more than 2,400 square miles of adventure and inspiration. Zion National Park, the second most visited National Park in the United States, is the premier attraction, but the park is only the beginning. Four state parks and a multitude of year-round recreational lands set the stage for a burgeoning mountain biking scene, some of the best off-roading terrain in the country, scenic and challenging play at 14 top-rated golf courses, world-class cultural performances at Tuacahn Amphitheater, a thriving art scene, intriguing culture and history, and so much more.

The vibrant communities of St. George, Springdale, Hurricane, Ivins, and towns in between offer a wide range of lodging options, dining experiences, and access to outdoor pursuits through local outfitters and tour companies. Greater Zion is also a premier destination for meetings and conventions, anchored by the Dixie Convention Center with more than 100,000 sq ft of flexible event space. On the global stage, Greater Zion shines as a host of marquee sporting events, including Red Bull Rampage, PGA and LPGA tournaments, and is the home of the Huntsman World Senior Games — an event that draws more athletes than the Paris Olympics.

The Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office is a transient-room-tax-funded entity of Washington County, Utah. For more information, please visit GreaterZion.com

SOURCE Black Desert Resort