Pickleball Is Taking Over Corporate Events: The rapid rise of pickleball continues to reshape recreational and corporate landscapes. According to a 2023 survey by Pickleball Canada, 1.37 million Canadians now play the sport at least once a month, a significant increase from 350,000 in 2021 and around one million in 2022. This growth is notably driven by the 18-34 age group, expanding the sport’s demographic beyond its traditional senior base.
This surge in popularity is also impacting the business world. PodPlay, a sports venue booking platform, reported a sharp increase in corporate event bookings at pickleball clubs across the U.S. in June.
Drummond Munro, co-founder of Fairgrounds, a Toronto-based public racket club, notes a shift in corporate event preferences. “We’re definitely seeing this shift post-COVID, of people craving social experiences that aren’t entirely based around drinking and eating,” Munro observes. Fairgrounds, which opened a new location in Toronto in mid-July, hosted seven corporate events last month and has over 20 more scheduled for August.
Munro describes pickleball as a unique phenomenon that fosters social interaction through the enjoyment of sport. The sport’s advantages include lower costs, shorter playtimes, and ease of learning, making it an appealing choice for corporate events. At Fairgrounds, court rentals start at $40 per hour, and many events feature optional coaching, allowing participants to quickly grasp the game.
While Munro acknowledges that pickleball is unlikely to replace golf, he emphasizes its role in creating accessible opportunities for connection. “There’s usually some food and beverage being served, and music for people to enjoy, to create a really fun and exciting atmosphere,” he adds.
Despite pickleball’s growing popularity, it remains less prevalent than golf, which continues to attract more players since the pandemic. Recent data from Vividata shows over 3.6 million Canadians golfed at least once in the past year.
News in Brief: Pickleball Is Taking Over Corporate Events
Pickleball’s popularity is rapidly growing in Canada, with 1.37 million players in 2023, up from 350,000 in 2021. The 18-34 age group is driving this expansion, shifting the sport’s demographic beyond its traditional senior base. The rise is influencing the corporate world, with increased bookings for corporate events at pickleball clubs. Drummond Munro, co-founder of Toronto-based Fairgrounds, notes the sport’s appeal for social interaction and its advantages of lower costs, shorter playtimes, and ease of learning. Although less prevalent than golf, pickleball provides accessible opportunities for connection and fun, making it a popular choice for corporate events.
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