Jack Singer, co-owner of Pickleball Virginia Beach with Jim Aldrich, was finally able to ditch the gym workouts he hated when he discovered pickleball, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Jack recalls working out with Jim and noticing a group of women setting up a net and having a great time. After his friend learned more, both were hooked within weeks.
The pair started running tournaments at local clubs and eventually reached the point where they wanted a facility of their own. They found an abandoned tennis court facility, converted it to pickleball, and Pickleball Virginia Beach was born in 2021.
What began as seven courts is now home to 44 pickleball courts, with active plans to reach 56 by 2027, and more than 1,000 members. And while growth can be a path to bigger profits, Jack believes investing in the sport, the members, the community, and the facility itself is what secures a stronger future for the club.
Building a Stadium Worthy of the PPA Virginia Beach Open
The club is in its third year of hosting the Professional Pickleball Association’s (PPA Tour) Virginia Beach Open. To meet the needs of a growing club and large tournaments, construction will soon begin on stadium court seating for 3,000 spectators, complete with a large video board and an adjacent warm-up court.
The club also secured approval to install a large overhanging roof on 18 courts for sun and rain protection, with plans for fully enclosed courts featuring air conditioning and heat as well.
These improvements don’t just elevate tournament play; they create a better experience for spectators and everyday players alike. The club currently seats 700 around its center courts; the stadium takes it to the next level.
“We love hosting the PPA tournament and are happy to provide a stadium for their players, and ours,” Jack says.
Signature Tournaments: From the YOLO Spring Classic to 24 Hours of Pickleball
Beyond the PPA stop, Pickleball Virginia Beach hosts a full slate of tournaments: the YOLO Spring Classic with roughly 500 players, the Pickleboo Halloween Tournament averaging 750 players, and, as Jack puts it, their infamous 24 Hours of Pickleball, inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
During that event, all 44 courts fill with rotating teams of four to six players who play continuously from 10:00 AM Saturday to 10:00 AM Sunday.
“The tournament is so much fun. We are cooking pancakes, hot dogs, and burgers the entire time and having a blast with all of our players,” Jack says. Teams range from super serious to campers with margarita blenders running all night. Whatever the competition-level, the event creates unforgettable memories and has become a can’t-miss tournament for many players year after year.
Run Tournaments In-House to Keep Revenue, and Relationships
The club recently renewed its five-year contract with the city and credits a few key factors for its continued profitability.
First and foremost, Jack encourages clubs interested in tournaments to run them internally whenever possible. Beyond keeping more money in owners’ pockets, in-house tournaments build stronger member relationships through added interactions and let owners shape their club’s identity.
Sponsorships: A Revenue Stream Hiding in Plain Sight
Another way to lock in revenue is through sponsorships. Pickleball players are dedicated to the game and often ready to spend to keep playing and support their club. Creating tiered sponsorship packages, from posters around the facility to court naming rights and on-site sessions, is a smart way to build an additional revenue stream.
From physical therapists to eye doctors and local car dealerships, Jack recommends making contacts after you’ve developed your sponsorship offerings. A captive, loyal audience is hard for businesses to resist.
A Rising Tide: Why Nearby Clubs Aren’t the Competition
Jack emphasizes that he and Jim maintain positive relationships with nearby facilities, there are enough players for everyone, and successful clubs grow the sport as a whole.
“There are plenty of players and not enough locations,” says Jack. “When we play at other clubs, it isn’t hurting our club; it is helping the sport rise.”
Listen to Your Members, Then Act
Jack also stresses listening to members to make sure your club stays the club you want it to be. If a few members start saying the same thing about the vibe of the club or how they feel when they play, it’s worth a closer look.
“We want players of all levels to feel comfortable and want to be here. It’s important to recognize that you can’t make everyone happy, and at the same time, if you hear the same thing from different groups, it shouldn’t be ignored.”
Give Beginners a Pathway to Get Hooked
Lastly, Jack says it’s important to make beginners feel comfortable and give them opportunities to get addicted, just like he did.
“We offer introductory pickleball classes along with beginner ladder leagues to create a clear pathway from learning to participating,” Jack says. Helping players meet others and find teammates is a sure way to build loyalty and repeat business, and to encourage new players to bring friends.
While Jack and Jim stumbled onto pickleball unexpectedly, building a successful pickleball club takes intentionality and planning. Keeping an eye on the bottom line, planning for the future, and creating an atmosphere people want to be part of makes it all a little easier.
Want more club growth playbooks like this one? Read how Cedar Falls Pickleball Club grew from 27 to roughly 450 members, get a look inside high-performing club TapNPaddle, or explore the full In The Kitchen archive. And subscribe to the newsletter so the next one lands in your inbox.
FAQs
How many courts does Pickleball Virginia Beach have?
Pickleball Virginia Beach has 44 pickleball courts, with plans to expand to 56 courts by 2027. The club opened in 2021 with seven courts on a converted tennis facility.
What tournaments does Pickleball Virginia Beach host?
The club hosts the PPA Virginia Beach Open, the YOLO Spring Classic (~500 players), the Pickleboo Halloween Tournament (~750 players), and its signature 24 Hours of Pickleball, a Le Mans–inspired event running from 10 AM Saturday to 10 AM Sunday.
How do pickleball clubs make money from tournaments?
Co-owner Jack Singer recommends running tournaments in-house to keep more revenue, strengthen member relationships, and shape club identity, plus building tiered sponsorship packages ranging from facility posters to court naming rights.
