Technology has many benefits at work, socially, and in your pickleball facility. While many clubs use technology to book court time, there are a wide variety of ways to harness the power of tech that can increase members’ enjoyment at your club and the bottom line. Clubs of all sizes are taking advantage of the ever-changing world of technology to enhance their members’ experience. Pickleball Club Magazine has gathered these six tips to see what might be possible for your club.
The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is home to 43 pickleball courts, all outfitted with PlaySight cameras. The cameras livestream play 18 hours a day on the Fort’s own TV network, aptly named FortTV. Interested viewers can take a peek at any time to check out the competition, get an idea of what The Fort is all about or try and learn from higher-rated players. Whatever the goal, FortTV is there. Besides allowing interested parties a glimpse of the fantastic facilities, the livestreams are also a fantastic way to add revenue through sponsors. Livestreaming expands the reach of advertising outside the club to a wider variety of viewers. And, even better, all thumbnails display the sponsor logo, ensuring that regardless of which match a viewer chooses, all advertisers can get more eyes on them.
Another use of technology employed by The Fort is the use of solar panels on their outside courts. Being located in Florida is obviously a help, and this foresight allows them to produce 80% of their power through harnessing the sun, saving money and helping Mother Nature. Win-win!
At Slate Pickleball Club in Northbrook, Illinois, players take their court time to the next level thanks to smartly designed courts and their proprietary software. While your club might not have access to the software, the ideas behind it can make your club one to remember.
Slate had a vision from the start and included 5 layers of lighting on each court. Players can essentially choose their own adventure when playing! Utilizing Slate’s in-house Pickleball Vision system, players can choose a brighter setting or dim it to their preference. If they’re more about vibes than victories, they might want to turn on the lasers and activate perimeter lights that move in time to the play. The best part about it all is that Slate designed these features in a way that neighboring courts aren’t affected, allowing for a truly customized environment.
Speakers are also utilized throughout the space, with each court home to two layers of speakers. The first layer provides more distant background sound, while the second layer is an advanced directional audio speaker system that allows players to keep it low or jam out, whatever they prefer at that time. The best part is that the specially designed speakers keep the music from affecting other courts.
Their proprietary system also allows for personalized music selections and even drink ordering. These seemingly little touches can customize each player’s court time and set your club apart from the others.
To take parties up a notch, suggest a tournament! Naperville, Illinois-based Sure Shot Pickleball utilizes free software that allows groups to run their own tournament. Great for birthday parties, company outings, or a fun couples night or singles mixer. While players might have to pay a nominal registration fee, the benefit of a professionally run tournament is well worth it. A quick internet search can find the best software that meets your and your players’ needs.
Bringing technology into more offerings at your club doesn’t take a big investment, just a bit of creativity and willingness to try. These ideas are a great starting point when thinking of building a club, or some great ideas if you are looking to add something different. Remember if you’re having fun thinking of it, chances are your guests will have fun experiencing it.
