Renting out facility space for your sports organization can be stressful. Here, we share our tips from sourcing and renting great spaces.
How to Get Started:
Make a list of ideal spaces for your needs. If you prefer an indoor practice facility but an outdoor space meets your practice needs all the same, add it to the list. Casting a wide net will lead to a more successful attempt at finding a facility for your youth sports organization.
Getting Your Foot in The Door:
Don’t be afraid to call, email, and even mail handwritten notes to sports facilities or schools. University sports organizations and K-12 schools typically have amazing facilities. We’ve seen principals, facility managers, custodians, or even active parents have decision-making power over space rentals. If you’re having trouble connecting with sport facility managers, test out the below tactics.
- Donate to a school auction; Can be a gift card or low cost event
- Offer a free clinic or event
- Connect with parents or other members in your program connected to local schools
- Offer discounts program discounts to the school’s students
- Clarify your mission
- Ask facilities how you can add value
- Anticipate why a space will say “no” and prepare accordingly
Securing the Space:
Some spaces have phone numbers readily available for rent. However, chances are most of the space, for example, a new indoor practice facility space, is booked. If you’re looking for a one-time use for a championship game or camp then get a sense of what a facilities calendar looks like first. Sometimes reservations fall through the cracks and you’re able to book a slot off of someone’s cancellation. Always communicate with the facility manager if that happens.
Sport Facility Software:
Some spaces utilize sports facility booking software. In our experience, usability can be complicated and frustrating. That’s why we have recently added many facility capabilities to our own software. Working with school facilities and sports organization management teams can lead to great partnerships in the future.
Although there’s not a one-size-fits-all way to rent facilities, Playbook is committed to making it easier for both partners to rent and rent out practice facilities, courts, and fields. If you’d like to learn more about Playbook Sports software and hear from our sports business consultants be sure to fill out the contact form here.
