With over 1,700 paying members and thousands of drop-in members, The Pickle Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio, has found a successful formula for keeping its 17 indoor courts full and their membership steady.
Player Experience Coordinator Ethan Shutte says keeping members happy is key to their success.
“We make sure the members have what they need and put them first by catering to them as much as possible,” he says.
Since its soft opening in June of 2023, The Pickle Lodge has used the Court Reserve booking system that allows all players to select their own court time. Ethan says the system is easy to use and every player is encouraged to download the app in order to book through their phone. Players who don’t want to use the app can also book online through the website. The app allows players to book open play, round-robins, clinics, leagues and lessons. Ethan says he hasn’t heard any complaints from members about the app that proves it’s working as it should.
“While every player regardless of member status at The Pickle Lodge has access to online court booking, our paying members can book court time out further than non-members,” Ethan says.
On top of the other perks allotted to Founder level members, the highest membership level, is the ability to see four weeks of the court calendar and book out three weeks. The middle level can book out two weeks and the entry-level membership allows for booking one week in advance. Non-paying guests may only book one day ahead. This tiered system gives The Pickle Lodge members first choice at courts guaranteeing they have more access to court time than daily guests or drop-ins.
Along with 17 indoor courts The Pickle Lodge is home to a restaurant, full bar, two conference rooms and a loft with a shower. They recently completed work on six outdoor courts with a walk-up bar, tables, chairs and a cabana providing shade on hot southern Ohio days.
With all these amenities it is no surprise The Pickle Lodge is a great place for tournaments. They are typically held during the day on weekends. As expected, weekends are a busy time for The Pickle Lodge and the facility keeps some courts open to allow those who don’t want to enter the tournament to play pickleball. Ethan says when the weather warms up the six outdoor courts will also remain open to book during tournament times.
A bonus to using the app is the facility can get a general idea of how many people will be playing and adjust staffing accordingly.
The Pickle Lodge runs leagues daily and the most popular is Beer League on Wednesday nights with 96 players using the app to reserve their spot. Thursday nights are also popular thanks to the men’s and women’s leagues which run with 44 players in each group. Ethan says Friday nights are becoming more popular while weekend evenings are typically the slowest.
Another way The Pickle Lodge keeps members engaged and happy is by highlighting the community formed at the facility through their blog. Short articles cover everything from navigating open play and pickleball etiquette to celebrating their co-founder. These peeks into The Pickle Lodge help new members feel more comfortable by offering tips they might be embarrassed to ask. The blog also gives visiting members a glimpse into what becoming a full-time member could look like – from becoming a better player to the wide berth of social opportunities that might be available.
The growing membership of this bustling club is a testament to their focus on member satisfaction and demonstrates that a listening ear and focus on those who keep your club running can lead to success in the end.
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