A New Chapter for Pickleball in the Inland Empire
Big League Dreams, a community‑focused sports complex in Chino Hills, has turned an indoor soccer field into a pavilion that now houses eight regulation‑size pickleball courts. The conversion, completed in early June, marks the first time the venue has offered dedicated pickleball space under one roof.
Operated by Steve Zalai and his son Marcello Zalai, the facility opens its doors seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with open play reserved between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Players can step onto a court for a $15 drop‑in fee, while members enjoy unlimited access through plans that start at $69 per month.
The Zalais highlight three core advantages: there is never a waiting line, double paddling is prohibited, and the indoor environment shields players from rain, heat or cold. With 110 active members and 336 pre‑registered participants, the courts have quickly become a hub for local enthusiasts.
Beyond the immediate convenience, the brothers are already looking ahead. They plan to replicate the model in Cathedral City and Jurupa Valley, seeking investors who share their vision of expanding indoor pickleball infrastructure across the region.
Steve Zalai’s advocacy for pickleball dates back to 2017, when he first pushed the city to convert a tennis court and a roller‑hockey rink into dedicated pickleball spaces in 2021 and 2024 respectively. His persistence paved the way for the current pavilion, which he describes as a natural evolution of the sport’s growth.
The 35‑acre sports park that houses the new courts is owned by the City of Chino Hills and is managed by TC Sports Group LLC. While the municipal property is not slated for sale, ongoing discussions aim to refine the operational partnership and explore additional programming.
Even at 82, Steve Zalai remains an active participant on the courts, rallying alongside younger players and demonstrating that age need not limit agility or enthusiasm. His presence underscores the intergenerational appeal of the venue.
As demand rises, the Zalais anticipate that open‑play hours may be trimmed to two hours per session once membership swells. For now, the facility continues to welcome anyone looking for a reliable, weather‑proof pickleball experience.