The fastest growing sports facilities aren’t just rolling with the status quo.
Some sports facilities are packed with athletes, hosting back-to-back tournaments, and pulling in solid revenue. Others? Struggling to fill their schedule and barely covering operating costs.
So, what’s the difference?
If you’re looking to grow your facility and stand out in a competitive market, here’s what the top-performing facilities are doing differently—and how you can apply their tactics to your business.
Gone are the days of single-use sports venues. The most successful facilities are designed for flexibility, allowing them to host multiple types of events year-round. By maximizing the use of their space, these facilities increase revenue and community engagement.
Example: SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe (Springfield, IL)
This state-of-the-art facility includes a massive 170,000-square-foot indoor dome and a championship field with stadium-style seating. On any given weekend, it can host 60 to 100 teams for tournaments, making it a go-to venue for large-scale sports events. The ability to accommodate different sports and activities ensures continuous use and financial sustainability.
Takeaway: If you want to scale your facility, think beyond just one sport or season. Consider adding adaptable spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, from tournaments and training sessions to community events and fitness programs.
Technology is revolutionizing sports facilities, making operations more efficient and enhancing the experience for athletes and spectators alike. Facilities that invest in smart systems and interactive technology are pulling ahead.
Example: WYO Sports Ranch (Casper, WY)
Set to open in 2025, this facility is a leader in integrating technology to engage youth and amateur athletes. From high-tech training equipment to real-time performance tracking, WYO Sports Ranch is designed to give athletes a competitive edge while streamlining operations for facility managers.
Takeaway: Consider implementing tech upgrades like online booking systems, smart lighting, or performance tracking tools. These improvements not only make management easier but also add value for customers, making your facility stand out.
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s becoming an expectation. Fast-growing sports facilities are investing in energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly initiatives to reduce costs and appeal to environmentally conscious athletes and event organizers.
Example: AI-Driven Energy Management
Many modern sports complexes are using artificial intelligence to optimize heating, cooling, and lighting systems. These smart HVAC and lighting controls adjust based on real-time occupancy, significantly cutting down on energy waste.
Takeaway: Simple changes, like LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems, can lower operating costs and improve your facility’s reputation. Going green isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a smart business move.
The fastest-growing facilities aren’t just sticking to traditional sports; they’re embracing emerging trends and adapting to what athletes want today. By offering specialized spaces for growing sports, they attract new audiences and stand out from the competition.
Example: Burlington Pickleball (Burlington, NC)
With pickleball skyrocketing in popularity, Burlington Pickleball has tapped into a growing demand by creating dedicated courts and amenities. This move has drawn both recreational players and high-level competitions, turning the venue into a hub for the sport.
Takeaway: Pay attention to sports trends in your area. Whether it’s pickleball, esports, or adaptive sports, adding new offerings can help you attract a wider audience and increase bookings.
A sports facility isn’t just about the athletes—it’s also about the fans. The most successful venues are designing their spaces with spectators in mind, offering better seating, entertainment options, and amenities to create a more engaging experience.
Example: Davis Center, Central Park (New York, NY)
Set to reopen in 2025, this facility is undergoing a major transformation to enhance outdoor activities, improve spectator seating, and add new amenities. The goal is to create a welcoming space that keeps fans engaged and coming back for more.
Takeaway: Think about ways to improve the experience for visitors. Comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and interactive elements like live game stats can make a big difference in keeping fans excited about your facility.
The fastest-growing sports facilities are thriving because they’re not afraid to innovate. By embracing multi-purpose design, leveraging technology, prioritizing sustainability, catering to new sports trends, and enhancing the fan experience, they are staying ahead of the competition.
If you’re looking to scale your facility, consider which of these strategies you can implement. Small changes can make a big impact, helping you attract more athletes, events, and revenue. The future of sports facilities is all about adaptability—how will you evolve to keep up?
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for ways to take your sports facility to the next level, there are resources and tools available to help you achieve your goals and succeed in the competitive youth sports industry. We’ve compiled a list of ten of our most popular sports facility management resources that can help you gain a competitive edge.
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