A new pickleball and tennis facility has faced years of delays in Raleigh’s Brier Creek area.

The 44-acre complex called Swing Racket and Paddle is now projected to cost $125 million. Entrepreneur Rob Autry envisioned the facility at 6121 Mount Herman Road to be unlike any in the world.

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“It is a dream come true,” Autry said.

Raleigh Director of Parks Stephen Bentley said the city is confident the facility will open by the end of 2026.

“We will be looking at having a great grand opening,” Bentley said.

Swing is due to include 28 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 15 padel courts, four beach tennis/volleyball courts and a ping pong lounge.

A new pickleball and tennis facility in Raleigh's Brier Creek area is projected to cost $125 million and is expected to open by the end of 2026. Rendering courtesy of Swing Racquet and Paddle.
A new pickleball and tennis facility in Raleigh's Brier Creek area is projected to cost $125 million and is expected to open by the end of 2026. Rendering courtesy of Swing Racquet and Paddle.

The land lease the city agreed to for the property means Swing will pay the city of Raleigh $275,000 every year for the next 100 years. The figure goes up 3% each year. A few months ago, leaders also agreed to a $10 million economic incentive grant.

“This is basically an economic development project for the entire Triangle and the city,” Bentley said. “There will be no other facility like it in the United States.”

A new state-of-the-art tennis complex being built in Raleigh could attract thousands (Image courtesy of Swing and Intrepid Marketing Group)
A new state-of-the-art tennis complex being built in Raleigh could attract thousands (Image courtesy of Swing and Intrepid Marketing Group)

WRAL News covered the first unveiling of the facility in 2020 when the mayor came out and toured city owned property that it agreed to lease to Swing. Then, the project was projected to cost $55 million and was expected to open in 2022.

In 2022, WRAL News covered new renderings of the facility and the price increased to $70 million. It was supposed to finish construction in 2024.

WRAL News asked Autry why anyone should take this project seriously years after it was supposed to open.

“Our permits are in [and] our groundbreaking is done,” Autry said. “We have some incredible partners that are a part of this process and just the size and scope of this project has changed dramatically.”

A new state-of-the-art tennis complex being built in Raleigh could attract thousands (Image courtesy of Swing and Intrepid Marketing Group)
A new state-of-the-art tennis complex being built in Raleigh could attract thousands (Image courtesy of Swing and Intrepid Marketing Group)

Autry said the budget on the project more than doubled because COVID caused construction prices to skyrocket, the rise of pickleball changed what this facility was going to be and a partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods added a bigger building to this campus.

“Racquet and paddle sports are among the sports industry’s hottest businesses,” said Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin in a news release issued by Swing. “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.”

Celebrity chief Fabio VIviani is responsible for the venue's food and beverage experience.