Ep. 84 - Building the Courts Everyone Wants: Inside the Pickleball Boom

The bottle was hot and the takes were hotter, but beneath the jokes is a story about how courts are bringing people together across Arkansas. We sit down with Andrew Todd, teaching pro turned owner of Generation Sports Construction, to unpack the real work behind the pickleball boom and the quiet renaissance of public parks, private clubs, and even backyards.Andrew walks us through the full build: excavation, grading, concrete, coatings, fencing, lighting, and the practical choices that shift a project from “nice idea” to “game on.” He breaks down true costs for a backyard pickleball court, realistic 40-day timelines, and why retaining walls can swing a budget before a line gets painted. For parks and cities, we dive into conversions, four pickleball courts will fit on one tennis court, and how that multiplier changes access, programming, and community engagement.If you’ve ever wondered why some courts feel fast and others grip like sandpaper, you’ll love the surface science. Andrew explains how sand-to-paint ratios tune pace, why asphalt ages differently from concrete, and how simple upkeep can add seasons to a surface. We also compare options: modular tiles for family flexibility, classic acrylics for consistent bounce, and the high-maintenance romance of clay that shines in the right climates but demands daily care.From dawn starts in 100-plus-degree heat to night sessions to protect fresh coats, Andrew’s hands-on leadership shows how logistics and craftsmanship meet in the field. And yes, we talk about pickleball culture: humbling first tournaments, smart positioning, and the social magnet that keeps parks full after 5 p.m. Whether you’re a city planner eyeing conversions, a club manager targeting tournaments, or a homeowner dreaming of a backyard court, you’ll walk away with clear numbers, better questions, and a roadmap for turning space into a place people love.Curious what it would take to build or resurface your court? Subscribe, share this with a friend who plays, and leave a review with your biggest question. We might answer it on the next show.