In June 2008, the Open Court sports gym was transformed from a small-scale recreation center to a full-fledged training facility.

What was once referred to as Open Court, has been converted to the Utah Flash Factory. Located in Lehi, the Factory can be seen on the west side of the freeway just north of Thanksgiving Point on I-15.

The spacious facility comprises five basketball courts, an abbreviated football field, weight/fitness equipment, Velocity Sports training section, volleyball courts and cheerleading/tumbling areas.

The facility offers a plethora or opportunities for ages six and up. The Utah Flash Factory Business Director, Dustin Smith, says the Factory is designed to help everybody enjoy sports and fitness.

“The Factory encompasses every level of enjoyment, from beginners to the serious athlete in training,” Smith said. “People come from all over the state to use our facilities.”

The Factory is also the home of many recreational leagues. In 2008, over 400 teams participated in the various sports and activities. It hosts over 10 different year round leagues in basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. The leagues are divided into divisions according to age group and span from ages six to adults. They also offer basketball skills training, cheerleading and tumbling classes.

The Factory’s main purpose and focus is to reach out and help children. Owner of the Flash Factory, Brandt Andersen, says the Factory’s purpose or goal is much more then just making profit. “The Factory provides kids with a place to go to experience athletics,” Andersen said.“ It is a place where kids are able to get off of the street and away from video games and really develop character.”

The Flash Factory also specializes in training serious athletes looking to enhance their athletic performance. Velocity Sports trained professionals offer specific workout plans to provide athletes a competitive advantage. Velocity Sports is the largest provider of sports performance training in the nation. Their mission is to make the joy of athletic achievement attainable to all.

The renowned organization is a national franchise with over 60 facilities located in the U.S. and Canada. The Factory’s section of Velocity Sports is the only facility in Utah and one of only four sections in the entire Mountain West region.

Adults wanting to get in better shape can also participate in an early morning “boot camp” starting at 5 a.m. and running until 9 a.m. The program provides a unique style of training to help adults lose a few extra pounds and become physically fit.

“I have really enjoyed introducing all of the new programs at the Factory,” Smith said. “We have transformed from a recreation center to a training facility.”

Last August, the Flash Factory hosted three youth basketball clinics. Utah Jazz point guard, Ronnie Price, hosted a camp to teach children about the fundamentals of the game. They were also able to participate in other camps with Utah Flash Head Coach, Brad Jones, and former Atlanta Hawks player/BYU graduate, Travis Hansen.

In 2009, the Factory is focusing on providing more programs and opportunities for girls. The Factory currently offers cheerleading and tumbling, and are in the process of creating basketball and volleyball leagues.

The factory is open to the public and memberships are also available ranging from $15 to $30. The facility is also rented out for dance recitals, gymnastics, special events or any other group activities. Contact the Factory at 801-768-4000 to check rates and availability.