While many may dream about having a private pickleball court, it isn’t in the cards for most. But thanks to Courtside Pickleball Club in Waterloo, Iowa, that dream can become a reality, for a small rental fee, of course.
Many pickleball clubs use their large size to attract large groups, tournaments, leagues, etc. However, smaller facilities can be just as profitable by marketing themselves a little differently.
Newly opened in the summer of 2025, owner Matt Rowenhorst transformed a warehouse he already owned into a boutique pickleball club that is finding an audience by using its small size to its advantage. By focusing on higher quality materials, noise-dampening acoustics and leaning into the intimate feel, the small club is proving to be a big winner.
Matt designed the facility as a place he would want to hang out with his family, and that was the original plan before he decided to open it up for rentals. While he says he could have fit two pickleball courts, he opted for one to give more room for a lounge, kitchen, configurable seating areas, ping pong and an 11ft MultiBall interactive sports wall.
“The space feels luxurious and cozy, and part of that is due to the attention I paid to keep the space quiet. Players don’t notice it until they go somewhere else and comment how nice it is to return here. Intentionally working to keep the noise down allows for groups to socialize uninterrupted and enjoy the music they play on our audio system creating a great feel for all,” Matt says.
The space has proven to be perfect for birthday parties, business events and family time during the holidays. Legally able to hold 180, Matt’s rental agreement maxes out at 50 to give everyone a comfortable space.
“A lot of businesses will rent the club to hold a business meeting in our seating area, then head to the court for some pickleball,” Matt says. “We also booked almost solid during Thanksgiving with families looking for a space everyone can gather and have some fun, without doing a lot of clean up after. It’s pretty easy.”
Matt intentionally designed the facility to appeal to a wide age range. With the court at capacity, he knew he needed a way to entertain others. After looking at other options, he landed on the MultiBall interactive sports wall and couldn’t be happier.
The screen measures 13 feet diagonally and can be configured for a variety of activities.
“We’ve had groups rent the space to watch a football game on it, businesses have used it for presentations, and we’ve held a trivia night here, and the kids flock to it when families rent the space,” Matt says. The MultiBall screen is essentially a giant iPad that can be used for video games as well as playing pickleball, thanks to its stainless steel frame with built-in sensors.
“Guests might not see it when they enter the building, but once they do, they’re really impressed and have a ton of fun with it. It’s a great wow factor, and we are one of the only places in the Midwest to have one.”
Most court bookings are group rentals, and Matt has been opening it for open play recently along with classes like Pickleball 101 or small group game nights. These events bring people into the club to see what’s going on and hopefully return to play or book. Other marketing is through social media and the club received more interest when the local broadcaster came by for an interview.
Membership isn’t required to book open play; however, members do get a deal. Matt created tiered memberships that essentially work out to discounted rentals. He says one couple with children and grandchildren in the area essentially uses their membership once a month to get the entire family together for an afternoon.
A small facility also allows the flexibility to keep staffing to a minimum. All renters sign a contract and have the space to themselves! Matt or a family member will greet them at the facility, show them how to use the equipment and then leave them to enjoy the time.
Clubs with fewer courts have a great opportunity to market themselves as a private club without the private club cost. Creative membership pricing, as found at Courtside, can encourage families and businesses to join as an economical solution for family time or monthly meetings that blend work and play. Using a club’s smaller size as an advantage by offering multipurpose spaces, creative amenities and thoughtful design to make your venue stand out from the crowd(ed).
