We want people to take advantage to the core of what the first three letters of Espire mean: Eat, Stay and Play.
CEO and founder Jim Thomas, his brother, Randy Thomas, General Manager Rita Kavanaugh and Membership Director Peg Travers recently led a media tour.
“I conceived of this concept four years ago when I realized that pickleball was soon going to become the most popular participant sport in the country,” said Thomas, a Prescott resident the past several years. “Ten years ago, if I had asked someone to play pickleball, they’d look puzzled and ask, ‘What’s that?’ But now, it’s sweeping the country. I truly believe that Espire Sports and the other pickleball courts in the community can make Prescott into the finest pickleball destination in the nation.”
In addition to 14 indoor courts, five more outdoor courts are being constructed on the south side of the building.
“I think it [Espire] will be tons of fun for everyone,” he said. “We’ve got an all-purpose sports court, yard games, bocce ball, cornhole, ping-pong, billiards, a nine-hole putting green, virtual reality golf simulators, an arcade, a fitness center with full range of exercise equipment, rooms for yoga, aerobics and Pilates, and locker rooms with showers.”
Jim’s brother, Randy, a contractor, said the basketball court is unique. “When we found out the University of Southern California in Los Angeles was replacing its Trojan basketball court, I took a chance and bid on it and got it for $10,000. We brought it to Espire. That’s what you see when you step into the basketball area.”
“We’ve got a café and refreshment bar with juice, smoothies, organic products and healthy snacks,” said Kavanaugh. “In 2023, we’ll have a large boutique-style hotel with more than 110 rooms and suites and a swimming pool. Guests will have access to all the options Jim mentioned. We think a family can come here for a complete vacation that will satisfy everyone.”
“Even before Espire had opened, more than 300 people had signed up for memberships,” said Travers. Four levels of membership include Founder, Player, Player + Fitness, and Fitness. Individual and family memberships are available, including day passes.
Thomas says he is relieved that his vision is now a reality. “When we first thought of developing Espire, we had several locations under consideration – north Prescott, Prescott Valley and so on. But when the Sears site became available, we knew it was what we wanted. I was able to negotiate and buy that Sears property for $3.6 million. That was luck for us. Because the location is next to all the other mall retail shops, it will be convenient for locals as well as visitors. And parking is abundant in the surrounding area.”
Like many businesses being built at this time, Espire has faced construction, remodeling and supply chain challenges. Thomas said it cost another $3 million to complete the project. “But, we did it. We’re open. No matter if you are coming for a personal visit, a tournament, a clinic, a camp, family recreation or just to make new friends and enjoy the terrific Prescott hospitality, you are welcome. We want people to take advantage to the core of what the first three letters of Espire mean: Eat, Stay and Play.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information, call 928 533-1535 or visit espiresports.com
Leave a Reply