Pickleball is no longer just a casual backyard game—it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. With over 4.8 million active players, the sport is making its way into gyms, recreation centers, schools, and even professional arenas.
What started as a niche sport has now become a mainstream fitness and social phenomenon, drawing in players of all different skill levels and ages.
This rapid rise in popularity is mainly due to the sport’s simplicity, inclusivity, and adaptability. Unlike other sports that require many years of practice or high levels of endurance, pickleball is easy to learn. Still, it can be challenging to master, making it engaging for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
It blends the best aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, offering a fast-paced but low-impact experience that keeps players coming back for more.
The fitness industry has evolved beyond just weights and cardio machines. Today, people seek interactive and engaging activities that provide both physical and mental benefits. Traditional fitness programs often suffer from high dropout rates, as many gym-goers lose motivation without social or structured engagement.
Pickleball combats this by providing:
For gym and rec center owners looking to capitalize on this growing trend, working with professional sports court installers in Pittsburgh ensures that your pickleball court installation is done correctly and efficiently. From selecting the right court surface to ensuring proper layout and durability, a professional installation guarantees a top-tier playing experience for members.
Pickleball is more than just a passing trend—it’s a game-changer for fitness facilities. Whether it’s attracting new members, increasing engagement, or driving additional revenue, adding pickleball courts is an investment that pays off in the long run.
In 1965, pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island in Washington by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who were trying to create a fun game for their families. Using a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and handmade paddles, they developed a game that was easy to learn but still competitive.
The name “pickleball” has a debated origin. Some say it was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball. In contrast, others claim it came from the term “pickle boat,” which referred to a crew made up of leftover rowers from other teams, much like how pickleball combined elements from multiple sports.
What started as a backyard pastime has now become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Millions play it in gyms, recreation centers, and professional tournaments. Pickleball’s rise has been fueled by professional leagues, media coverage, and increased recreational access.
Organizations like USA Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) are leading the charge, with sponsorships, media coverage, and professional rankings making the sport more visible than ever. Even major athletic brands are taking notice, with companies like Nike and Adidas expanding their pickleball gear lines.
Additionally, pickleball is being embraced by corporate wellness programs, retirement communities, and schools—broadening its reach far beyond traditional gym settings. Many workplaces are integrating pickleball as part of their employee wellness initiatives, recognizing its ability to encourage physical activity while fostering team-building and social engagement.
Unlike high-impact sports that require extreme agility or endurance, pickleball is accessible to multiple generations.
Pickleball creates intergenerational engagement, allowing a gym or rec center to serve a broader audience with one sport.
Compared to tennis or basketball, pickleball is gentler on the joints while still offering an excellent cardiovascular workout. The smaller court size also means less running and abrupt movement, reducing the likelihood of injury.
This makes pickleball an ideal sport for rehab patients, seniors, and those looking for a moderate workout—a key selling point for gyms seeking to appeal to diverse fitness needs.
Pickleball brings in new gym members by offering an alternative to traditional fitness routines.
Social engagement is a significant factor in gym retention. Unlike solitary workouts, pickleball creates:
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), gyms that include pickleball court installation see a 15% increase in member retention—a significant boost for any facility looking to sustain long-term memberships.
Beyond just attracting new members, adding pickleball courts is a smart business move. Facilities with pickleball court installation can:
Selecting the right court surface is crucial for creating a high-quality pickleball experience. The right flooring enhances gameplay, player safety, and long-term durability, making it an essential decision for gyms and recreation centers.
Different surfaces offer unique benefits, so it’s critical to consider factors like cost, durability, and maintenance before installation.
Modular sports tiles have become the preferred choice for indoor pickleball courts due to their versatility, durability, and low-maintenance features.
Designed specifically for high-traffic sports facilities, these tiles offer excellent shock absorption and traction, ensuring a safe and consistent playing experience.
If a gym or rec center is looking for a reliable, long-term indoor pickleball solution, modular sports tiles are the best investment.
Hardwood flooring is commonly found in basketball and multi-purpose gymnasiums. While it provides consistent ball bounce and a smooth playing surface, it also comes with significant maintenance and durability concerns for pickleball courts.
For facilities that already have a well-maintained hardwood floor, adding pickleball lines can be a cost-effective way to integrate the sport. However, gyms looking to install a dedicated pickleball court should strongly consider modular sports tiles for better longevity and player comfort.
Outdoor pickleball courts must be weather-resistant, durable, and provide excellent traction. Here are the most common surface options:
Acrylic-coated concrete is commonly used for tournament-level outdoor pickleball courts. It provides a fast, smooth playing surface with high ball responsiveness, making it a popular choice for competitive play.
While acrylic surfaces deliver a premium playing experience, they require ongoing maintenance and are not ideal for facilities needing multi-purpose use.
For gyms and recreation centers that need a versatile, lower-maintenance alternative to acrylic, cushioned modular tiles provide a superior blend of durability, comfort, and adaptability.
For gyms looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor pickleball surface, cushioned modular tiles are an excellent investment.
For gyms that need a flexible surface that supports multiple sports, multi-sport flooring is a practical solution.
Multi-sport flooring can be a cost-effective solution for facilities that primarily cater to casual players or those who need versatile spaces. However, for a dedicated pickleball experience, modular cushioned tiles or acrylic-coated courts are better choices.
Before installing a pickleball court, gym owners and recreation center managers should evaluate the following:
Best Choice: Modular sports tiles – Highly durable and long-lasting with minimal upkeep.
Best Choice: Modular sports tiles – Easy to install over existing flooring and lower maintenance costs.
Best Choice: Modular sports tiles – Low maintenance and easy to clean.
Consulting with experts like Sport Court of Pittsburgh ensures you make the best long-term investment. We offer a range of sport flooring products, including safe, high-performance options, to help you create your pickleball court.
A well-maintained pickleball program helps attract and retain gym members, leading to consistent membership revenue.
A well-maintained pickleball program helps gyms and recreation centers attract a broader demographic, from seniors looking for a low-impact workout to younger adults who enjoy social and competitive sports. Unlike traditional gym memberships, which often lose members due to lack of engagement, pickleball creates an interactive experience that encourages members to return.
By adding pickleball courts, owners of gyms and rec centers can tap into a new market of potential members who may not have considered a gym membership otherwise.
Beyond membership growth, pickleball courts create additional revenue streams through structured events and skill-based programs.
Many new players want to improve their skills, creating an opportunity for gyms to offer private or group lessons led by experienced instructors.
By structuring a coaching program with tiered pricing, gyms can generate steady income while enhancing the overall player experience.
These events can be priced separately or bundled as part of a premium membership package, increasing revenue while adding value to existing memberships.
Another high-ROI strategy is renting out pickleball courts to schools, businesses, and private groups. Many organizations look for affordable, local spaces to play recreational sports, and pickleball courts can serve this demand.
Court rentals can be structured as hourly, half-day, or full-day options, providing a steady income stream in addition to traditional gym memberships.
Facilities can rent courts to schools, businesses, and private groups, creating non-membership-based revenue streams.
Adding a pickleball court to your gym or recreation center is an exciting investment that can enhance member engagement, maximize space utilization, and increase revenue. However, proper planning and professional installation are key to ensuring a high-quality playing experience. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Before installing a pickleball court, it’s essential to evaluate the available space within your facility. A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same size as a doubles badminton court. However, for optimal gameplay, additional space is needed around the court for movement and safety.
Indoor Court Considerations:
Outdoor Court Considerations:
If your facility serves multiple sports, modular sports flooring or court striping can allow for multi-purpose use. Some gyms overlay pickleball courts on existing tennis or basketball courts, using temporary nets or adjustable systems to accommodate different activities.
The playing surface is one of the most critical factors in pickleball court installation. Selecting the right material affects gameplay, durability, maintenance, and player safety.
Indoor Pickleball Court Surfaces:
Outdoor Pickleball Court Surfaces:
Each surface has its advantages, and the best choice will depend on factors like budget, player demographics, expected usage, and maintenance capacity. Consulting with our experts at Sport Court of Pittsburgh can help determine the best surface for your gym or rec center.
Installing a high-quality pickleball court requires expertise in court design, surfacing, and equipment installation. Choosing the right professional installer ensures that your court meets official playing standards, offers maximum durability, and provides an optimal experience for your members.
What to Look for in a Pickleball Court Installer:
Working with Sport Court of Pittsburgh guarantees that your court will be installed efficiently and professionally, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
If you’re ready to capitalize on the pickleball boom, now is the perfect time to explore pickleball court installation. Whether you’re looking to convert an existing space, install a new indoor or outdoor court, or expand your facility’s sports offerings, working with Sport Court of Pittsburgh ensures a professional, high-quality installation that meets your facility’s needs.
Contact Sport Court of Pittsburgh to discuss your project, explore design options, and bring the most exciting sport in America to your facility.
Call now or visit our website to request a consultation!
Owner & Founded of J Bird's Landscaping & Owner Sport Court of PA. 18+ Years of experience in Pittsburgh Sport court installation, lawn cutting, patio installation, trucking/hauling, French drain installation, and other landscape/design services.
