With the rise of streaming services keeping people in their homes, movie theaters want to bring audiences back. One of the most surprising ideas that has already been put into action is pickleball at the movie theater. You heard that right—people are currently playing pickleball at the movie theater.
How Does Pickleball At The Movie Theater Work?
At first glance, the idea of playing pickleball at a movie theater might seem odd. Pickleball is an energetic, paddle-based sport, while movie theaters are known for their calm, immersive vibes. So, how do they blend together? Well, many theaters have unused or underutilized spaces that can easily be converted into pickleball courts during off-hours. For example, some unused space by the parking lot or next to the theater can be a great location for some pickleball courts.
This concept is gaining attention as theaters look for ways to stay relevant in the modern world. In fact, the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) recently announced that the eight largest theater chains in the U.S. and Canada will invest over $2.2 billion in modernizing and upgrading theaters of all sizes over the next three years. With that kind of investment, it's clear theaters are ready to experiment with bold new ideas like pickleball to enhance the moviegoing experience for consumers.
One great example of pickleball at the movies has already is the B&B Theatres' Red Oak 12 in Texas. At this location guests will find pickleball courts right outside the theater. And there is also a climbing wall, an arcade, a bowling alley, bocce ball courts, an outdoor bar and more!
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed with an estimated 36 million players in the United States. The sport is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and requires less space than tennis. For these reasons, the sport is an ideal fit for a movie theater with some unused space. Picture this: you play a couple games of pickleball with friends, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a movie. It’s the ultimate mix of staying active and kicking back, all in one trip.
In addition to utilizing space, playing pickleball at the movies taps into two growing trends: people are craving unique experiences and are also prioritizing their health more than ever. Pickleball is a social, low-barrier way to stay active. Watching a movie after you play lets you relax. It’s a win-win for theaters as it attracts more people that want something unique to do on a night out.
Turning theaters into pickleball hotspots could breathe new life into these venues. Imagine weekend tournaments where winners score free movie tickets, or regular pickleball leagues where players can hang out, compete, and cheer each other on. These events could draw bigger crowds during slower times like weekday afternoons or early evenings.
Pickleball and The Future of Entertainment
As entertainment options evolve over time, it’s exciting to see how movie theaters are blending different experiences to attract wider audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just looking for a unique night out, playing pickleball at the movie theater is now a reality. So, the next time you’re scrolling through theater showtimes, don’t be surprised if you see a pickleball tournament on the schedule too!
