Autonomous padel and tennis courts: the challenges and benefits in 2024

Autonomous padel and tennis courts: the stakes and benefits in 2024

Yes, we are already in 2024 and at the time I am writing these lines, France has just surpassed the symbolic barrier of 2000 padel courts. So we can be pleased, but not too much, out of humility towards our Italian neighbors who now have a little over 9000 courts on their territory. Padel is booming all over the world and particularly in Europe, that’s a fact, but it’s just the beginning. And with 6 months to go until the Olympic Games in Paris, enthusiasm in France is only increasing. Hundreds of project holders want to join the celebration; we should reach 3000 courts by the end of 2024!
Their considerations are multiple: how to find the best warehouse to set up? What ceiling height is ideal for practicing padel? How to create a strong club spirit and thus maximize bar revenue?

And recently, one question has been particularly recurring: should I equip my padel club with courts that have autonomous access and lighting? 50% of project holders indeed wish to do so.
Focus on this question with stakes and concrete examples.

The stakes and benefits of automated access control for Padel and/or Tennis courts in 2024

Did you say profitability?

Obviously, the number one challenge for any padel project holder is to find relevant and effective levers to maximize its profitability.
This is even more true in 2024 in a context where it can be complicated to obtain financing from banks and other financial partners, even if the image of sport in France is changing positively thanks to the successive organization of major global events (2023 Rugby World Cup, 2024 Olympic Games, upcoming 2030 Winter Olympic Games).
Moreover, the price of land has been rising for many years, which further reinforces the importance of optimizing expenses.

So why are autonomous courts beneficial for the profitability of your club? It’s simple because you extend your opening hours and thus the maximum potential renting time of your courts, while limiting personnel costs, which are a very significant expense, especially at startup.
On paper, nothing prevents you from renting your courts 24/7 thanks to automated access control and lighting. This is even more relevant in summer when extreme heat pushes players to play much later in the evening, even at night.

Avoid the frustrations of some players

In most French regions, demand (players) greatly exceeds supply (courts), which prevents some players from practicing padel whenever they wish. Try to book a padel court in Marseille between 6 PM and 10 PM on any day for the next 5 days, and you will see how difficult, if not impossible, the task is.
By extending your opening hours effortlessly thanks to access control, you will surely attract players during late hours (after 10 PM, 11 PM) who could not find a free court earlier.
The virtuous circle then naturally kicks in: more players play padel daily, clubs develop further and can potentially add new courts in the coming years.
No more frustration of not being able to play when you want!
Are you following me?

Optimize the club experience effortlessly

In urban areas of French metropolises, players often arrive right on time or slightly late for their match.
Imagine, you finish work to play at 6 PM in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or Montpellier; we’ve all experienced it, it’s quite a challenge to be on time!
So what could be better than going directly to the court without having to pass through the clubhouse to avoid losing 5 precious minutes on the reservation?
And yes, the reservation has already been paid online, and all players have received the code. We will go to the clubhouse after the match for a drink; that, however, is non-negotiable!

And the light was made!

Beyond the access itself to the court, the autonomous access control offered by Doinsport is also connected simultaneously to the court lighting.
When unlocking the court and just as the start time of the reservation approaches, the light turns on. It also automatically turns off at the end of the reservation time. 0 effort!
And the guarantee to avoid abuses from groups that do not leave the court after their reservation, even if there is no negative impact if your court is not rented by another group afterwards. It’s simply a matter of principle unique to each.

Practicality and adaptability!

When adopting a new system, a major barrier can be the complexity of installation and use. Here, no problem: the system is very easy to install and power. Power supply can be through mains or photovoltaic. Connection via 4G and 5G. There is even a backup battery for assured operation 24/7. On average, we observe that the investment pays off in less than 3 months.

Sportingly,

Rémi CHEVALIER
Co-founder DOINSPORT

Are you interested in studying the feasibility of your project?

Contact us to get a personalized quote and benefit from expert advice to better manage your padel club!