14 New Pickleball Courts Added Daily: Aerial Images Reveal Rapid Growth Across the U.S.
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14 New Pickleball Courts Added Daily: Aerial Images Reveal Rapid Growth Across the U.S.
Outdoor sports facilities in the United States are generally insufficient. Yet, pickleball continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. Despite the sport’s popularity surge, the construction of pickleball courts has struggled to keep up with demand, especially in urban areas.
Pickleball’s Explosive Growth Across the U.S.
New York Times reporter Ethan Singer analyzed tens of thousands of aerial images from the past seven years, tracking the conversion of tennis courts into pickleball courts. He concluded that the sport is expanding faster than facilities can be built.
While the competition between tennis and pickleball courts is well-known, Singer’s visual analysis provides striking evidence of this transformation. A single tennis court can often accommodate two to four pickleball courts, demonstrating the sport’s land efficiency and appeal for facility operators.
Aerial Images Show Tennis Courts Converted to Pickleball
The aerial images highlight the rapid conversion of tennis courts across the U.S., a trend that accelerated after the 2020 pandemic. Over the past seven years, more than 26,000 new outdoor pickleball courts have been built nationwide, with many replacing existing tennis courts. Overall, more than 8,000 tennis courts have been converted for pickleball use. This signals the sport’s rising dominance in outdoor recreational spaces.
Economic Impact of Switching to Pickleball
Jon Nitt, operator of the Santa Monica Pickleball Center, shared that his tennis business once thrived with only one tennis court and a specialty shop. After transitioning to pickleball, the facility’s revenue had grown sevenfold by 2024.
This example reflects a broader trend: facility owners are increasingly seeing higher revenue potential in pickleball facilities. With increased participation, tournaments, and lessons, converting tennis courts into multiple pickleball courts maximizes both usage and profitability.
| Number of Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Courts by Month | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Pickleball Courts | 21,864 | 22,129 | 22,407 | 22,867 | 24,165 | 24,584 | 24,941 | 25,297 | 25,703 | 25,887 |
| Outdoor Pickleball Courts | 45,567 | 45,853 | 46,099 | 46,672 | 47,075 | 47,662 | 48,319 | 49,063 | 49,933 | 50,953 |
| Total Pickleball Courts (Indoor + Outdoor) | 67,431 | 67,982 | 68,506 | 69,539 | 71,240 | 72,246 | 73,260 | 74,360 | 75,636 | 76,840 |
Data sources: Pickleheads
Current Numbers: Outdoor and Indoor Pickleball Courts
By 2024, an average of 14 new pickleball courts were being added daily across the U.S. According to data from Pickleball Business, the country now has roughly 50,000 outdoor and 25,000 indoor pickleball courts, totaling nearly 75,000 facilities.
This surge highlights the popularity of pickleball and its ability to thrive in spaces originally designed for tennis. For those interested in learning more about pickleball facility construction or tips for choosing the right court, internal resources such as Pickleball Court Dimensions & DIY Guide can provide guidance.
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