IDM and Skate Board Association Announce Arena and Training Complex Planned for Big Bear Lake

16/03/2026

IDM and The Skate Board Association (SBA) have announced a partnership with Cooperative LA, design firm Populous, Visit Big Bear, and Aamb to develop a multi-use arena, high-altitude training facilities, and a Sports and Entertainment District in Big Bear Lake, California. Plans are conceptual at this stage.

The project is being developed by Cooperative LA, a real estate and development platform, with Populous leading design. IDM's founders are Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell, and Gary Payton II.

The planned IDM Arena and High-Altitude Training Facilities are intended to include:

An indoor competition and multi-use arena for skateboarding, basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, esports, and live concerts

High-performance training facilities for professional and Olympic athletes

Youth development, community, and education spaces

Community-accessible skate infrastructure

Retail, hospitality, and cultural programming

Media studios for content production

The broader Sports and Entertainment District is intended to serve Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, and LA County as a year-round destination for action sports, live events, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation.

This project is about permanence and legitimacy for skateboarding, says Sheldon Lewis, IDM and Skate Board Association Co-Founder.

For decades, skate culture has been built temporarily in parking lots, warehouses, and pop-ups. The IDM Arena creates a lasting home that reflects the scale, professionalism, and cultural impact the sport and athletes deserves today, to evolve tomorrow, says Royce Campbell, IDM and Skate Board Association Co-Founder.

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, says Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear.

Skateboarding has always been a culture-leader before it was an industry, says Sean Jordan, President, Cooperative LA. Our goal is to develop a district that honors that culture while delivering real economic and social value to Big Bear Lake, from jobs and tourism to youth access and annual community programming.

By working closely with athletes and IDM/SBA leadership, we're shaping a district that is built for elite performance, culture, live entertainment, and also is equally welcoming to the Big Bear community, says Henry Lau, Principal at Populous.

Aamb has joined as the Official Health & Wellness Partner of the SBA, supporting athlete wellness, community health programs, and healthcare infrastructure across the development.

Partnering with IDM and the Skate Board Association allows us to bring innovative healthcare solutions and community wellness programs to a platform that is redefining the culture and business of skateboarding, says Nigel Ingham, Head of Aamb Care.

Additional announcements related to programming, events, and partnerships will be released in the coming months.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/03/16/idm-and-skate-board-association...
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