The Ultimate Guide for Pickleball Facility Design

Everywhere you look, pickleball is taking over.

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What started as a niche sport is now one of the most in-demand amenities in neighborhoods, schools, and athletic clubs across the country.

If you’re thinking about opening your own pickleball facility, the interest is already there. But turning a blank slate into a well-used, revenue-generating space takes more than just enthusiasm.

You need a smart plan and a solid pickleball court design that checks all the right boxes, space, surface, layout, lighting, and more.  

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what it takes to build a successful indoor pickleball facility or outdoor court setup. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan a facility players will keep coming back to.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: What Kind of Facility Makes Sense?

First, figure out if your pickleball facility will be indoor, outdoor, or a combination of both. Each option comes with different costs, design needs, and revenue potential. 

Outdoor Courts 

Outdoor pickleball courts are faster and more affordable to build. You’ll save on infrastructure because they don’t need insulation, ventilation, or lighting systems. Plus, they’re easier to maintain and a great fit for public spaces like parks, community centers, and school campuses.  

But the tradeoff is weather. Outdoor courts are limited by rain, wind, and seasonal temperature swings, which can affect scheduling and player turnout. You’ll also need to think about fencing, windscreens, and court orientation (ideally north-south) to avoid sun glare during play.

That said, if you’re working with a tight budget or want to expand an existing rec space, outdoor courts can be a great entry point. 

Indoor Pickleball Facilities 

If your goal is year-round access, indoor pickleball facilities are the way to go. These offer a controlled environment, with lighting, HVAC, and comfortable seating.  

Indoor setups also open the door to premium offerings: lessons, clinics, pro shops, spectator areas, snack bars, and even coworking lounges. You can host league play, private events, and competitive tournaments, giving you multiple ways to bring in revenue beyond court time.  

Yes, the upfront costs are higher, especially if you’re starting from scratch or renovating a large space. But for many owners, the long-term payoff is well worth it.

Choosing the Right Location

Location is everything. Look for a site that’s easy to get to by car and ideally near a major road, highway, or public transit stop. Ample parking is a must, especially during peak hours or events. You’ll also want to be close to where your ideal players live, work, or already spend time—think neighborhoods, school zones, senior communities, or athletic hubs.  

If you’re building from the ground up, zoning laws will be one of the first things to check. You’ll need the proper land use classification, and in some areas, special use permits or variances may be required.  

For indoor projects, old warehouses, gyms, or even big box retail stores can make excellent indoor pickleball facilities. You’ll want high ceilings (ideally 18+ feet), wide open spans, and minimal support columns to allow for multiple courts.   

A clean, open layout also makes it easier to design efficient foot traffic patterns, add viewing areas, and install key amenities like locker rooms and lounge spaces.  

Don’t settle for a space just because it’s available. The right location sets the foundation for everything that comes next.

Pickleball Court Design: Get the Details Right

A great pickleball court design goes beyond just painting lines on the floor. It’s about creating a space that plays well and feels good at the same time.

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Court Dimensions

The regulation size for a pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same for both singles and doubles. But if you’re planning a facility for public use, leagues, or tournaments, give each court a buffer zone of at least 5 feet on each side and 10 feet behind the baselines. That brings your recommended layout to 30×60 feet per court.

Also, consider future-proofing, such as group courts in pairs or quads with shared walkways and seating areas. 

Surface Materials

Choosing the right surface is key to long-term performance and safety.  

Outdoor courts: Post-tension concrete topped with an acrylic coating is the most common choice. It offers a consistent bounce, withstands weather, and requires minimal upkeep. Make sure the court has proper drainage to avoid puddles and water damage.  

Indoor pickleball facilities: Go with cushioned modular tiles or poured-in-place rubberized flooring. These surfaces reduce strain on knees and ankles during long matches or back-to-back games. They also improve traction without being too sticky.  

Whatever you choose, surface consistency and slip resistance matter more than aesthetics. 

Lighting and Acoustics

Install overhead LED fixtures that provide bright, even light with minimal glare. Aim for at least 75 foot-candles of light on the court surface.  

Pickleball is noisy. Without sound control, it gets overwhelming quickly. Install acoustic panels on walls and ceilings to absorb sound and cut down on reverberation. 

Color Schemes and Lines 

Color contrast improves visibility and helps players stay oriented. Most facilities go with blue or green playing areas and use white, yellow, or light grey lines for boundaries. 

 Stick to official USA Pickleball specs for line thickness and layout. Avoid double-lining for multiple sports, it confuses and hurts the playing experience. If you’re sharing the space with other sports, make pickleball the primary use and design accordingly. 

Equipment Essentials

Every pickleball facility should have high-quality, regulation-standard equipment on hand. This includes: 

• Nets: Get sturdy portable nets or fixed posts with center straps to maintain the correct 34-inch height at the center.  
• Balls: Indoor and outdoor pickleballs differ in material and hole pattern. Keep the right type in stock for your surface and setting.  
• Paddles: Stock a variety of paddles for lessons, rentals, and demo use, especially helpful for beginners who aren’t ready to invest in their own gear.
• Storage: Set up clean, organized storage for loaner gear, training aids, and extra nets. Wall-mounted racks or bins near each court keep things tidy and accessible. 

How to Start an Indoor Pickleball Facility: Step-by-Step 

Step 1: Market Research

Study your local area. How many courts are already nearby? What’s the population of active players? What’s missing in your region, open play, lessons, leagues, or tournaments? 

Step 3: Create a Business Plan 

Lay out your budget, pricing structure, staffing needs, and revenue projections. Decide if you’ll offer memberships, day passes, coaching, retail, or rentals. 

Step 4: Secure Funding

You may need a mix of personal capital, small business loans, or investors. Be ready to explain your financials, growth plan, and why pickleball is a smart play.

Step 5: Hire Your Team 

Bring on experienced instructors, front desk staff, and facilities managers. Friendly, knowledgeable employees help your facility thrive. 

Step 6: Market Your Opening 

Use marketing, social media, partnerships with local businesses, and community events to build buzz before launch. 

Final Thoughts 

A well-designed pickleball facility creates a great playing experience, builds community, and keeps people coming back. If you’re ready to break ground, start with the players in mind, and design a space that works for everyone.

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