Big Bear Lake to Become Global Hub for Skateboarding and Sports Innovation
A groundbreaking new chapter in skateboarding and sports development is underway as IDM and the Skate Board Association (SBA) announce a landmark partnership to build a first-of-its-kind sports and entertainment district in Big Bear Lake.
The ambitious, multi-phase project brings together leading organizations including Cooperative LA, Populous, Visit Big Bear, and Aambé. At its core is the creation of the IDM Arena, high-altitude training facilities, and a purpose-built community district designed to redefine the future of skateboarding and action sports.
The development represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in skateboarding history, creating a permanent home for high-altitude training, competition, education, and community engagement. Set in a mountain destination known for its year-round outdoor recreation, the project aims to merge elite athletic performance with culture, entertainment, and innovation.
The initiative is spearheaded by IDM founders Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell, and Gary Payton II, who have assembled a leadership team focused on reimagining what a modern skateboarding ecosystem can be. Their vision places athletes, culture, technology, and community at the center of development, reflecting the sport’s continued evolution on the global stage.
The planned IDM Arena and high-altitude training facilities will feature a world-class indoor, multi-use venue capable of hosting skateboarding, basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, esports, and live concerts. The campus will also include high-performance training centers for professional and Olympic athletes, youth development and educational spaces, community-accessible skate infrastructure, and integrated retail and hospitality offerings. In addition, live-stream and media production studios will enable around-the-clock content creation and programming.
The broader Sports and Entertainment District is designed to activate Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas across San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties as a year-round destination. By blending action sports, live events, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation, the development is expected to drive sustainable economic growth while strengthening the region’s identity as a hub for sports and culture.
With Populous leading the design—an internationally recognized firm behind some of the world’s most iconic arenas, Olympic venues, and major league stadiums—the project is positioned to set a new benchmark for sports-centered community development. As plans move forward, the IDM Arena initiative signals a bold shift in how infrastructure can support not only competition, but also creativity, connection, and long-term community impact.