A Conceptual Business Model and Strategy

The popularity of pickleball is rapidly increasing, as illustrated by the rise of dedicated single-use indoor Pickleball facilities nationwide. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether these single-use membership venues can effectively compete with local parks and recreation centers, which are primarily free and attract the recreational player base, 

The Pick a Ball Club conceptual business model has three components: The Recreational Player, Club Access, Target Markets, and the Club Footprint. 

The Recreational Player - Recreational players are diverse individuals who engage in sports for enjoyment, fitness, and social interaction, rather than competition. This demographic is the bedrock of all sports participation, progressing seamlessly from recreational activities to social engagements, competitive leagues, and ultimately to elite professional levels. The Pick a Ball Club concept will assertively target this recreational player base with a robust business model designed to foster their enjoyment, growth, and development. This strategic initiative will enhance opportunities for these players and cultivate a strong fan base for professional Pickleball teams and athletes.

Club Access—The Pick a Ball Club concept features a comprehensive design and business model that enables access for players in nine different sports, available 24/7 year-round. The facility will offer hybrid memberships and discounts for military personnel, students, and seniors. Its fully enclosed 800-square-foot courts will support independent contractors conducting lifestyle activities such as Tai Chi and aerobics. Additionally, fractional court ownership will be available for corporations and individuals.

Target Market – The Pick a Ball Club concept will focus on the growing popularity of pickleball, specifically featuring 4-Wall Pickleball, which represents the next evolution of the sport. The Pick a Ball Court will accommodate nine sports: Pickleball, Racquetball, Basketball, Wallyball, Badminton, Dodgeball, Squash, Handball, and Platform Tennis. Many of these sports rely heavily on access to high school and college gymnasiums; however, court time is often in high demand and limited. By targeting these various sports and their demographics, the Pick a Ball Club concept will expand its visibility and notably increase its customer base.

Club Footprint – Official Pickleball court dimensions with boundaries are 60 feet long by 30 feet wide or 1,800 square feet of playing surface. A 4-wall Racquetball court is 20 feet wide by 40 feet long by 20 feet high or an 800 square foot playing surface. Thirty pickleball courts would cover 54,000 square feet. Thirty Racquetball courts would cover 24,000 square feet. Construction savings can be substantial depending on the number of courts, layout, property footprint, floors, club amenities, parking, zoning, and building design. 

The 4-Wall Glass Court, Designed for live streaming by the Pick a Ball Club, serves as an innovative platform for developers and club owners seeking to promote and showcase 4-Wall Pickleball effectively on both national and international stages. Given that established amateur and professional associations govern Pickleball and similar court sports, there exists a significant built-in market and demographic conducive to live-streaming events that encompass both professional and amateur competitions. This specially designed 4-wall glass court acts as a premier marketing and promotional tool, providing extensive opportunities for naming rights, sponsorships, and signage placements for sponsors, both on the glass court and across individual courts.

The 4-wall glass court offers an exceptional venue for sports and television producers to broadcast live events, featuring numerous unobstructed and versatile camera positions. Monitors strategically located outside each glass wall present statistics, scores, and instant replays, thereby enhancing the viewing experience for spectators. Additionally, microphones installed within the court capture the players' sounds during gameplay, while external microphones record the dynamic atmosphere created by the audience, thus enriching the overall spectator experience.he 

Each 800-square-foot Pickleball Club Court is designed to provide an immersive experience. With a width of 20 feet, a height of 20 feet, and a length of 40 feet, the fully enclosed court features a state-of-the-art 10-foot glass back wall for the ultimate spectator experience. The court's sound-dampening design ensures that every sport played here is noise-free and enjoyable. Additionally, all the courts have touchscreen monitors that offer player- and spectator-friendly features, making their time here more engaging and interactive.

• Embedded LED  floor and wall markings for each sport and activity.
• Court lights,      floor, and wall markings are automatically turned on and off during court rental time.
• Nets and basketball hoops are installed in court walls for easy setup and storage.
• Movable back wall for designated Squash courts.
• LED scoreboard and display on the front wall for players and spectators.
• Video cameras are on the front and back walls for facility security and allow players to livestream publicly and privately.
• Touchscreen monitors allow users to input statistics and league scores, locate playing partners, and more.
• All courts will be ADA-compliant.

The Pick a Ball Club will offer an advanced access and court reservation system. Powered by cutting-edge computer, biometric, and AI technology, players will enjoy the convenience of purchasing court time online or via kiosks located throughout the facility. Additionally, touchscreen monitors installed within each court will provide players with the ability to manage court amenities with ease. This state-of-the-art technology will ensure that club operations run smoothly, providing players with a seamless and enjoyable experience.  

Developers and proprietors will have access to a diverse array of unique franchising and licensing opportunities. For example, professional pickleball teams in major markets may establish their Pick a Ball Club and collaborate with fellow owners to create a national league. This initiative would promote team rivalries, cultivate prominent players, and foster a dedicated fan base within each market. Additionally, team/club owners offer numerous local and national sponsorship opportunities:

• Building naming rights.
• Team merchandise. 
• Arena court floor naming rights and digital banners on top of arena court walls.
• Individual court signage on the court floor, walls, and electronic scoreboard.D

To boost revenue and enhance customer satisfaction, Pick a Ball Clubs will set up fully staffed food and beverage stations within their facilities during peak hours. Additionally, strategically placed vending machines will provide year-round access to food and drinks and the rental and sale of racquets, balls, eye guards, and gloves, ensuring a seamless experience for patrons. By implementing these measures, Pick a Ball Clubs can maximize their profits while fulfilling the needs of players and spectators.