Photo: Espire Sports is gaining more popularity as a great place to meet and be active
Did you know that Prescott is home to one of the largest indoor sports facilities in the nation and we can thank Prescottonian Jim Thomas for making it so.
Photo: CEO/Founder Jim Thomas explains the many opportunities offered at Espire Sports
Thomas, the creative mind behind this amazing endeavor is seeing his vision turn into reality. Jim negotiated a deal for the former Sears property and adjoining parking area in 2021 at Pine Ridge Marketplace, with the goal of transforming it into the ultimate sports destination. Opening in 2022, the 100,000 plus square foot facility is the perfect place to stay active and beat the summer heat or to avoid the cold of winter. It is a space that offers a wide range of amenities for all ages and fitness levels.
Photo: There are a total of 19 pickleball courts available
The complex features 14 indoor and 5 outdoor pickleball courts, golf simulators, a 9-hole putting green, mini bowling lanes, billiards, ping-pong, a cornhole station, and a regulation gym floor for basketball, volleyball and dodgeball. The fitness center is also equipped with cardio machines to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Photo: The 9-hole putting green
The facility is also home to Third Shot Coffee, a café serving coffee, acai bowls, baked goods in a comfortably inviting seating area.
Photo: The four lane bowling alley
“One goal was to establish a place that people can get out and get some social interaction and exercise. The other was I really want this place to be a destination resort where families can come to Prescott and enjoy the outdoors, but also be able to do whatever they choose at the mall and Espire Sports.”
“This is a win-win for everybody. We have quite a few seniors who come out to play and this place has given them the ability to be active again. It is great for the physical aspects as well as the mental. We also have a physical therapist on site, which can help alleviate some of those aches and pains.”
Augies Restaurant recently opened at the east end of the building after being extremely popular when it was located in the Frontier Village.
Photo: The largest of the conference rooms
There are banquet/meeting rooms which can be booked for your special event that is able to handle up to 270 people. “We just had my forty-fifth class reunion in here,” said Jim. “We have a liquor license and the food is right here as well.” Just another option locally for anybody looking to have a company or holiday party.
Photo: The former floor of the USC Trojans basketball teams
I took special notice at the full size basketball court. The floor came from the Galen Center in Southern California and has the USC Trojans logo at center court. “I found out that the floor was being replaced out there so we bought and brought to Prescott. We were able to use the extra part of the floor to make some table tops,” said Jim.
Plans are in the works to make Espire a destination vacation spot with a new hotel next to the existing building. “We think we could break ground in August and it will take 12 months to build the hotel. There will be 108 rooms with a pool, and guests that stay at the Hotel are able to play at Espire.”
Espire has both memberships or pay to play for all other sports. Go to www.espiresports.com or call 928-237-5250 for more information on how to enjoy this fabulous facility.
