A major new chapter in skateboarding culture is taking shape in Big Bear Lake as IDM and the Skate Board Association announced a sweeping partnership to develop a multi-use sports and entertainment district anchored by the planned IDM Arena and elite high-altitude training facilities.
The ambitious multi-phase project brings together mission-driven developer Cooperative LA, internationally recognized design firm Populous, Visit Big Bear, and wellness company Aambé to create what organizers describe as one of the largest athlete-centered infrastructure investments in skateboarding history.
The development is designed to establish a permanent home for skateboarding culture while expanding opportunities for Olympic athletes, youth development, live entertainment and tourism.
“For decades, skate culture has been built temporarily in parking lots, warehouses, and pop-ups,” said Royce Campbell. “The IDM Arena creates a lasting home that reflects the scale, professionalism, and cultural impact the sport and athletes deserve today.”
The proposed district will feature a world-class indoor competition arena capable of hosting skateboarding events along with basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, esports competitions and concerts. Plans also include high-performance training facilities for professional and Olympic athletes, community skate spaces, retail and hospitality offerings, educational centers and media production studios for year-round content creation.
IDM founders Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell and Gary Payton II say the vision is about reshaping skateboarding’s future by placing athletes and culture at the center of development.
“This project is about permanence and legitimacy for skateboarding,” Lewis said.
Project leaders believe Big Bear Lake offers a unique environment for year-round sports and entertainment thanks to its elevation, outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to Southern California.
“As California’s High Altitude Training Destination, our community offers the elevation, natural environment, year-round recreation, and accessibility that today’s athletes, fans, and event partners are looking for,” said Travis Scott.
The district is also expected to generate tourism, jobs and community programming throughout San Bernardino County and the surrounding region.
Populous, known globally for designing major stadiums, arenas and Olympic venues, will lead the project’s architectural vision. Designers say the facilities will blend high-performance sports infrastructure with the natural alpine environment while emphasizing sustainability and flexibility.
Additional programming, partnerships and event announcements connected to the IDM Sports & Entertainment District are expected in the coming months as the project continues moving forward.