When the English Pickleball Open 2026 moved to the NEC Birmingham for six days of competition, the story that emerged afterwards was as much about construction as it was about the sport itself. Sixty-two individual courts were installed in a matter of four days, transforming the arena into what organisers have confirmed as the largest indoor pickleball venue in the World in 2026, and giving thousands of players and spectators their first look at a facility built specifically for the sport’s rapid growth in the UK.
The courts were supplied by SAPCA member Proflex, the sports surface brand manufactured by Surftech Surfaces, whose court surface partnership with Pickleball England for the English Open is for three years, with an option to renew. Proflex were the title sponsor for 2026. Surftech Surfaces continues as court and surface supplier and partner to the tournament and to Pickleball England, a commitment that reflects their desire to grow the game and long-term development of the sport.
Built to a tight deadline
For the sports and play construction industry, the standout achievement of tournament week was the speed of the build. Sixty-two courts were readied for competition in four days, a turnaround that put installation teams under significant pressure to deliver a consistent, competition ready surface across 3 NEC halls without compromising on quality.
Project delivery was a huge collaborative effort, with Proflex working alongside Neon Arena Services and Colourworks South to complete the installation.
Richard Shaw, Chief Executive, Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), said: “This year’s Proflex Pickleball Open showcased the absolute best of the sports construction industry. The improved conditions for play and high-quality surfacing is exactly what we should be providing for an event that brings top players alongside people from all over the country, to compete and showcase the sport. The commitment, hard work and skill to get 62 courts ready for the tournament within a limited timeframe should be applauded by fans, players and all who care about the Pickle.”
A surface players are choosing for themselves
The build’s speed was only half the story. Independent research gathered from players during tournament week found that 86.5% of those who expressed a preference said they preferred playing on Proflex ahead of other surfaces they had used, in a sport that has been the fastest-growing racquet sport in the UK over the past year.
“It is universally agreed that the surface is superior, and Proflex were instrumental in making the Open the success it was.” — Karen Mitchell, organiser of the English Pickleball Open, on behalf of the English Pickleball Association
Craig Wilson, Sales Director, Proflex, said: “This is about investing in growing the game, not just supplying a surface for one tournament. Extending this partnership gives players, coaches and venues certainty that Proflex will be there for the next three years and beyond.”
What it means for the industry
For SAPCA members, the Pickleball Open 2026, NEC Birmingham build sets the benchmark of what pickleball’s growth now demands of the construction sector: large-scale, multi-court installations delivered to broadcast and competition standard, on tournament timescales rather than typical project schedules. With Proflex’s agreement with Pickleball England now running for a further three years, further large-format builds of this kind look set to become a more regular feature of the UK pickleball calendar, and a continuing opportunity for the contractors and surfacing specialists who can deliver them at pace.
