Let's talk about what's really working in pickleball facilities right now.
The semi-autonomous model is gaining serious traction, and for good reason. It's the sweet spot between fully staffed facilities (expensive to run) and completely autonomous setups (which can feel cold and impersonal).
What makes this model so compelling? Just look at JDC’s flagship semi-autonomous facility in New York: Gotham Pickleball.
They're generating a mind-blowing $30,000 per court per month using this exact model. That's probably the highest revenue per court in the country for an autonomous facility!
Let's break down why this approach gives you the best of both worlds: operational efficiency when you need it and personal connections where they matter most.
What is a Semi-Autonomous Facility?
Think of the semi-autonomous model as having staff where and when they add the most value, while letting technology handle the rest.
Here's what it looks like in practice:
- Staff on-site during busy hours to run programs, events, and help players
- Automated access during off-peak times so players can play whenever they want
- Online booking system that works without staff intervention
- Self-service amenities available during unstaffed hours
Players still get access around the clock, but you're not paying someone to sit at a desk when courts are quiet.
How Gotham Pickleball Found Success
Gotham Pickleball has absolutely crushed it with the semi-autonomous approach.
They opened less than 200 yards from City Pickle (an established competitor), but found massive success by targeting a different player segment.
While City Pickle focuses on social players who want drinks and a party atmosphere, Gotham built their facility for serious players.
They knew exactly who their customer was: players who wanted better playing conditions and more opportunities to develop their skills.
They've been so successful that they recently acquired Pickleville CT in New Haven, Connecticut to expand their proven model to a new location.
This is why market research and site selection are so important. By understanding nearby player demographics and catering to a different customer base, Gotham Pickleball seized an untapped corner of the market.
Why Semi-Autonomous Makes Financial Sense
The financial advantages of going semi-autonomous are pretty compelling:
- Cut labor costs by a third or more: You're staffing strategically during peak times, not paying for coverage when it's not needed.
- Capture revenue 24/7: Even at 2 AM, players can book courts and play, which generates revenue you'd miss with limited hours.
- Focus staff on revenue-generating activities: Your team can run programs and coach instead of just checking people in.
- Better understand your customers: Today's technology lets you understand customer data in a granular way: your top users, when they play, what programs they sign up for, etc. This lets you allocate staff and resources where they make the most impact.
- Keep more working capital: Lower ongoing expenses mean more cash for marketing and growth, which are critical in the first year of operations.
Setting Up Your Semi-Autonomous Facility
Want to make this work for your facility? Focus on these key areas:
- Technology That Works For You
The right tech stack makes everything possible, and that's where PodPlay comes in. As JDC's technology partner, PodPlay provides the comprehensive solution you need to run a successful semi-autonomous facility:
- Secure access control system for 24/7 facility entry
- Intuitive court booking software that players love
- Automated lighting and climate control systems
- Round-the-clock remote security monitoring by real people
- Member management and communication tools
- Smart Staffing When You Need It
It's not just about having less staff. It's about using them where they matter most:
- Schedule staff during your busiest times (typically evenings and weekends)
- Train your team to focus on programming and community building
- Have backup support available for technical issues during unstaffed hours
- Programming That Keeps Players Coming Back
The right mix of programs engages players and creates predictable revenue streams:
- Prioritize open play sessions: JDC is seeing a higher demand for more open play across almost all facilities. These sessions build community naturally and keep players coming back.
- Create clear player development pathways: Don't just offer random classes or stop at 101 intro clinics. Build a progression that moves players from beginners to regular players.
- Target 3.5 level players: JDC has found that 3.5 players have the highest returning value of a player because they can play in every event, yet they still take lessons and clinics. They’re community builders and also your highest spenders.
Gotham Pickleball has a robust programming schedule to help players at all levels improve.
- A Facility Vibe That’s Welcoming
Don't overlook the atmosphere of your facility! Spaces that feel light and fun tend to attract and retain more players than “sterile” spaces. Your facility should reflect the sport's welcoming community vibe.
Solving Common Challenges
Every business model has its challenges. Here's how to tackle some of the common challenges of a semi-autonomous pickleball facility.
Finding Good Coaches
JDC is seeing a coaching crisis in the pickleball industry. There simply aren’t enough dedicated coaches to keep up with the influx of new players.
The solution? Train your own coaches. JDC uses a proprietary RPO Certification program to help facilities develop coaching skills and create standardized programming they can deliver effectively.
Balancing Community Input
Listen to your players, but don't let them completely direct your business decisions. JDC has seen facilities that put too much emphasis on community emphasis change up their offerings to the detriment of their business.
Maintain core business principles while being responsive to feedback.
Having Enough Working Capital
Even with lower staffing costs, you need a financial cushion. JDC recommends at least three months of runway, but more comfortably six months of working capital.
Don't count on immediate profitability–be prepared for the growing pains during the startup phase.
Building Your Player Development Funnel
One of the biggest opportunities in semi-autonomous facilities is creating a clear path for player improvement. Most facilities are missing this entirely.
Instead of offering random classes, create a structured journey:
- Intro to Pickleball: Basic rules and fundamentals
- Skill-Based 101 Classes: Focused training on specific skills
- Guided Play Sessions: Supervised games with coaching support
- Level-Based Leagues: Competitive play with similar skill levels
Part of this player development is also training coaches in how to talk to new players and get them back in the door.
For example, at the end of an intro to pickleball class, your coach might say:
“Hey, we loved having you guys out today! You're going to want to make sure you sign up for any of the classes that have ‘101’ at the beginning of them so that you learn all the basics first... Once you're done with all those 101 courses, you're going to be at a position where you can go out and sign up for your first 3.0 league.”
This approach not only improves player retention but also increases their lifetime value by creating multiple touchpoints for coaching, clinics, and league play.
The Bottom Line: Why This Model Wins
For anyone building or operating a pickleball facility today, the semi-autonomous model offers the most balanced path to profitability and growth.
It's not just about saving on staffing costs. It's about deploying your resources where they create the most value for your facility and players.
Facilities like Gotham Pickleball show what's possible when you implement this model well: incredible financial performance and an environment where players love to gather.
Interested in learning what it takes to become a JDC-certified facility like Gotham Pickleball? Contact us today to see if we’re the right fit for your partner in pickleball success.
