A new arena and training complex could soon change the landscape of Big Bear Lake, California.
The plan, announced by the Skate Board Association and IDM, outlines a large multiuse venue along with training facilities and a broader community district focused on athletics, events, and entertainment.
The project centers on the proposed IDM Arena, which would sit in the mountain town of Big Bear Lake.
The development would include an indoor venue designed for skateboarding along with basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, esports events, and live concerts.
Plans also mention training facilities, youth spaces, retail areas, hospitality, and media studios that could host content and programming connected to the skating community and other athletic activities.
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, roughly 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
The area is already well known as a year round destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors travel there for skiing in the winter and mountain biking, hiking, and lake activities during the warmer months.
The proposed arena could add another reason for people to visit outside of those seasonal activities.
If the project moves forward as planned, it could also have a noticeable effect on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and shops could see more visitors tied to events and training camps.
Instead of being known mainly for winter tourism and summer lake trips, the town could start drawing steady activity from events and competitions throughout the year.
The development is described as a partnership involving IDM, the Skate Board Association, Cooperative LA, Populous, Visit Big Bear, and Aambé.
According to the announcement, the vision includes competition spaces, educational programs, community access, and cultural programming connected to skateboarding and other athletic disciplines. Organizers say more announcements related to events and partnerships are expected later.
Supporters of the project say Big Bear already has a strong connection to action sports culture. Over the years the area has been linked to athletes such as Shaun White, Maddie Mastro, and Dusty Henriksen.
Because of that history, the arena is being framed as an addition to an existing culture rather than something completely new for the area.
At the moment, the timeline for construction and opening has not been confirmed. Officials say the announcement represents an early public stage for the development.
The goal is to create a long term hub where athletes can train, compete, and connect with the broader skating community.
The Skate Board Association also shared statements from the people involved in the project.
Sheldon Lewis, cofounder of IDM and the Skate Board Association, said the idea is about giving skateboarding a permanent place that reflects the growth of the culture.
Royce Campbell, another cofounder, pointed out that for decades skate culture has often been built in temporary spaces such as parking lots, warehouses, and short term setups. He said the IDM Arena is intended to provide a lasting home that matches the scale and professionalism the culture has reached today.
Gary Payton II, who is also listed as a cofounder, spoke about the athlete side of the plan.
He said he sees himself in the younger generation of skaters and wants them to have the same level of professionalism and support that he experienced during his own career.
The project remains in its early stages, but the idea of a large arena and training complex in Big Bear Lake has already started conversations about what the future of skateboarding infrastructure could look like if the development moves ahead.