Description
Pickleball has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide — and hospitality venues are taking notice. From boutique bars to entertainment hubs, businesses are now adding pickleball courts to their commercial premises, creating a new hybrid experience that blends sport, social activity, food, and beverage into one destination.
This trend appeals to a wide demographic, increases dwell time, and boosts revenue. As pickleball grows across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, more bars are discovering how court installations can transform their atmosphere and customer offerings.
Why Bars Are Adding Pickleball Courts
Bars traditionally rely on atmosphere, food, and drink to attract guests — but incorporating pickleball adds a high-energy, interactive layer that today’s customers love.
• A Sport That Appeals to All Ages
Pickleball is:
Low-impact
Quick to learn
Social and fast-paced
This makes it perfect for adults, families, teenagers, and older players alike — an ideal fit for hospitality settings.
• Longer Visits = Higher Revenue
Players tend to:
Stay longer
Order more food and drinks
Bring larger groups
A single court can generate strong ancillary revenue every hour it’s available.
• Perfect for Events
Bars can host:
Corporate functions
Social leagues
Birthday groups
Friends’ nights out
Weekend competitions
Pickleball is both an entertainment activity and a commercial opportunity.
• A Competitive Point of Difference
Bars that offer pickleball instantly stand out, especially in crowded hospitality markets where unique experiences drive customer decisions.
How Bars Are Installing Pickleball Courts
Not every venue has the space for a full build — that’s why flooring technology has become essential for hospitality-led pickleball installations.
• PP Interlocking Sports Tiles
A durable outdoor option offering:
Excellent ball bounce
Shock absorption
Slip resistance
Fast installation
Weatherproof construction
Perfect for unused courtyards, rooftops, and carpark areas.
• PickleSand 3.5 Flooring Rolls
Ideal for bars and restaurants that want flexibility:
Softer and quieter surface
Suitable indoors or outdoors
Semi-permanent — can be rolled away
Easy to maintain
Popular with commercial venues looking for multi-use spaces
Examples of Pickleball Venues Combining Sport, Food & Social Spaces
Globally, many venues already integrate pickleball courts with bars and restaurants. These locations showcase how effective the sport can be in hospitality environments.
• Chicken N Pickle (USA)
A leading example of pickleball entertainment.
Features:
Indoor and outdoor courts
Full restaurant and bar
Corporate and private event spaces
Strong community leagues
• Camp Pickle (USA)
A themed pickleball venue with:
Courts integrated into a hospitality-focused environment
Elevated food and cocktail programmes
Social, corporate, and competitive events
• Smash Park (USA)
A multi-activity centre where pickleball is a key attraction.
Includes:
Courts, bars, and dining
Cornhole, darts, axe throwing
Leagues, tournaments, and community nights
• “The Pickle Bar” Venues (Various Locations)
Boutique hospitality spaces that pair:
Social pickleball courts
Bar-focused environments
Repurposed courtyards, warehouses, and rooftops
Emerging Trends in NZ, Australia & the Pacific
While the model is newer here, similar venues are appearing in:
Multi-sport entertainment centres
Breweries using pickleball to attract younger, active crowds
Coastal clubs in Australia opening social courts
Pacific Island resorts (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga) adding courts near beach bars and pool lounges
These examples show the global success of pickleball as a hospitality-driven attraction — with strong growth predicted in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Food + Drinks + Courts = The Modern Pickleball Experience
Bars are creatively combining the sport with hospitality to create memorable, high-energy social spaces.
Popular Additions Include:
Outdoor bar setups beside courts
Pickleball-themed food & drink menus
Lounge zones, fire pits, live music
Big screens for sport
Dedicated league nights and membership programmes
This model encourages customers to stay longer and return often.
Why New Zealand & Pacific Venues Are Adopting the Pickleball Trend
Pickleball participation is rapidly growing in NZ, with clubs and community centres reporting strong increases. Resorts in the Pacific Islands also see pickleball as an ideal activity for guests seeking something fun, social, and family-friendly.
Venues benefit from:
Outdoor-friendly climates
High tourist volumes
Increased group bookings
Demand for new entertainment options
Pickleball fits perfectly into this environment.
The Financial Benefits for Bars
Adding pickleball courts can significantly increase venue revenue streams.
• Court Hire Income
Hourly bookings
Premium time slots
Memberships
Private court reservations
• Increased Food & Beverage Sales
Players consume:
Drinks
Snacks
Meals before and after games
• Events, Functions & Corporate Bookings
Pickleball is becoming a top choice for:
Team-building days
Work functions
Social clubs
Birthday parties
• Sponsorship Opportunities
Local businesses can sponsor:
Court surfaces
Nets
Scoreboards
Tournaments
Is Your Venue Ready to Add Pickleball?
Whether you have a courtyard, rooftop, warehouse, or open outdoor area, modular court systems make it simple for bars and hospitality venues to introduce pickleball with minimal construction time.
Pickleball delivers:
Strong commercial return
High customer demand
Excellent social energy
A standout point of difference
For many venues, it’s becoming a must-have attraction.
