Facility Operations6 min read
How to Set Up a Pickleball Facility: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about converting courts for pickleball
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Mike Chen
VP of Customer Success
May 15, 2026
Pickleball isn't just a trend—it's a movement. With over 4.8 million players in the US and growing 40% year over year, facilities that don't adapt are missing out. Here's how to set up (or convert) for pickleball success.
Court Setup Basics
The good news? Pickleball courts can share space with tennis. A standard tennis court can accommodate 4 pickleball courts (using portable nets and taped lines). This gives you flexibility:
- Dedicate certain times to pickleball-only
- •Dedicate certain times to pickleball-only
- •Run "open play" sessions during slow periods
- •Host tournaments that fill the space completely
Essential Equipment
You don't need much to start:
- •Portable pickleball nets (~$100-200 each)
- •Temporary court lines (tape or paint)
- •Scorekeepers and paddles for open play
Programming Ideas
The beauty of pickleball is that it works for all ages:
- •Senior open play (mornings are perfect)
- •Competitive leagues (evenings work well)
- •Junior programs (after school)
- •Mixed skill open play
Revenue Opportunities
- Court time fees
- •Court time fees
- •Membership tiers with pickleball access
- •Lessons and clinics
- •Tournament entry fees
- •Pro shop (paddles, balls, shoes)
Most facilities see pickleball generate 30-40% of their revenue within the first year of adding programming.
#pickleball#facility setup#court conversion#sports business
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