Molly Baggett

Diversifying Revenue Streams at Smash Park

Diversifying revenue streams has been a strategic goal for Smash Park, driven by a desire to ensure long-term sustainability. Not only is it a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment, it is an establishment that mitigates risks associated with overreliance on memberships and offers new avenues for customer engagement. Monty Lockyear, Founder and CEO of Smash Park says, “By offering a variety of services and experiences, we can appeal to a broader audience and create multiple touchpoints for customer engagement.”

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DETA Pickleball: How Fundamentals Lead to Member’s Confidence on the Court

DETA Pickleball is a space for players of all levels to build their confidence on the court. Mastering fundamental skills is essential for members to feel competent in their abilities and maintain composure during challenging moments. Club Director and Head Pro Stéphane Jolicoeur says, “Having solid fundamentals gives a player a lot of confidence because they know that they can rely on going back to the basics to regain or gain the necessary consistency that will help them get back in the match if they are not playing well.” These fundamentals are currently offered in an “Introduction to Pickleball” class where beginners are taught the rules of the game. They get familiar with the ball and paddle and go through a few easy drills to get used to the movements. There’s also a “basics” class for people who already play the sport. Players practice the different strokes, learn where to position themselves on the court, and grasp the flow of the game.

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How The Yards Market Themselves to Attract Corporate Functions and Events 

The Yards is a unique location that mixes sports with entertainment. In addition to their golf course, pickleball courts, and tennis center, there are three event venues that host a wide range of occasions. They have an impressive track record of hosting corporate events, in particular, and have successfully marketed themselves to draw in big names like Barstool Sports Pickleball Open, Tim Tebow Foundation, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, to name a few. Avery White, Social Media & Communications Coordinator, says, “We use a mix of digital and print advertising, social media marketing, email campaigns, and business directories such as Yelp. Several of our leads also come from word-of-mouth, whether that be through a networking group or event, a previous event guest, or groups referring us to their friends and local partners.” Additionally, the team created a website that focuses solely on events and can be found in the “events” tab on their main page. It has made it easier for potential leads to get directly to an inquiry form and any streamlined event information. 

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Examining the Benefits of Indoor Clubs in Big Cities: Court 16 in New York City

In the bustling environment of New York City, finding the time and the space to play recreational sports can be challenging. Court 16 is a pickleball club that offers indoor locations in downtown Brooklyn, Long Island City, and Manhattan- FiDi, providing members with continual access to the sport. There are lots of benefits surrounding an indoor space in big cities, but the prevailing advantage is that players can engage in pickleball regardless of the season. “New York City’s weather can be very unpredictable,” says Anthony Evrard, Co-Founder & CEO of Court 16. “Having an indoor club allows players to enjoy the game regardless of weather conditions.” Unlike many outdoor clubs that have to close during the winter months, Court 16 is able to offer year-round play. 

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The Dream Team: The Flying Pickle Partners with Cushing Terrell to Convert Warehouse Space into Successful Pickleball Club

The Flying Pickle came to life in a partnership with Cushing Terrell, a multidisciplinary design team that focuses on providing systems and spaces that help people live their best lives. At its inception, “we were the core and shell designers for the industrial warehouse that would become the home of The Flying Pickle,” explains Josh Shiverick, Project Manager at Cushing Terrell. The overall design layout and construction process took about a year to complete. Starting the design in January 2023, the team finished it in a compressed schedule of eight weeks. 

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Keeping Members Engaged at Pickleball Charlotte

It’s one thing to get players to become members at a club; but, maintaining member participation is something Pickleball Charlotte have actively strived for. In 2019, Owner Allan Haseley had the idea to open a club and formed partnerships that led to its establishment. Haseley believes that, “keeping the customer retention high comes from treating everyone like family.” The club works hard to ensure that people want to be there. There are multiple customer appreciation events, charity events, and social events held annually to establish connections among the players and staff. Finding the balance between social play and competitive play “to ensure we have options for everyone is key to creating a facility with inclusivity,” says Haseley.

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