The Rise of Pickleball: How SFC is Leading the Charge in Facility Development
The Rise of Pickleball: How America’s Fastest-Growing Sport is Shaping Community Planning and Facility Development
Pickleball, once a niche sport played mainly by retirees in retirement communities, has now taken America by storm. The rise of pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the country is not only changing the way we play sports but also how we plan and develop community facilities.
Leading the charge in this pickleball revolution is The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). With a growing network of sports and recreation facilities that now cater to the pickleball craze, SFC is at the forefront of this movement. According to SFC, the demand for facilities with pickleball courts has never been higher in 2024. Nearly half of SFC’s facilities now offer pickleball, with the recently opened Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events in Macon, Georgia, making headlines as the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility housed in a converted mall.
But pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a community builder and a social engagement tool that is shaping the future of urban sports facilities. SFC’s CEO, Jason Clement, believes that venues like Rhythm and Rally and the upcoming Lake Kennedy Racquet Center in Cape Coral, Florida, are setting the standard for future sports complexes.
Community planners and facility developers are taking notice of this trend, with over 90% now considering including pickleball in their feasibility studies for new complexes. Venues without permanent courts are easily converting their playing surfaces to accommodate the growing demand for pickleball courts.
Paul Midkiff, co-founder of Southern Pickleball, commended SFC for taking the lead in the pickleball movement and helping communities meet the demand for courts. Events at facilities like Rhythm and Rally are enhancing the player and spectator experience, further fueling the sport’s popularity.
With more venues across the country gearing up to embrace pickleball, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. For those interested in learning more about The Sports Facilities Companies and their pickleball initiatives, visit their website at sportsfacilities.com and follow them on social media for updates and job postings.
In conclusion, the rise of pickleball is not just a trend; it’s a movement that is reshaping how we think about community planning and facility development. As more and more facilities embrace pickleball, we can expect to see even greater growth and innovation in the world of sports and recreation. So grab a paddle, hit the court, and join the pickleball craze sweeping the nation!