Warehouse to Winner: 5 Conversion Tips for Indoor Racquet Sports

The booming popularity of racquet sports like pickleball and padel is driving a surge in demand for high-quality indoor facilities. Clubs and investors are seizing the opportunity to convert existing warehouses and big-box stores into revenue-generating venues that cater to this growing market. These conversions can be a game-changer for making the numbers work—but only if you get the details right. Before you sign the lease or break ground, here are five critical factors that can make or break your project.

Structural Grid Spacing: Will the Courts Fit?

Court layout is everything, and standard court sizes require specific clearances. A pickleball court has a 20-foot-by-44-foot playing surface with a 34-foot-by-64-foot clearance, a padel court is 33 feet by 66 feet and fully enclosed, but needs minimal clearance and runout space, while a tennis court measures 36 feet by 78 feet with a 60-foot-by-120-foot clearance. Many big-box stores and warehouses have column grids ranging from 30 feet to 60 feet on center, which can limit how efficiently courts can be arranged. If your spacing doesn’t line up, you could be leaving money on the table with wasted square footage or fewer courts than planned.

Ceiling Height: Is There Enough Overhead Clearance?

Minimum clearance is non-negotiable for competitive play. Pickleball requires 18 feet, padel just over 26 feet, and tennis courts need 35 feet over the net line and 21 feet over the baseline. While a facility may technically meet these height requirements, the placement of beams, joists, lighting, and mechanical equipment can create costly obstacles or interfere with the playing experience.

Floor Condition: Is the Surface Play-Ready?

A flawless playing surface is essential. Existing concrete slabs may have dips, cracks, or spalling that will telegraph through an acrylic court finish. If the slab isn’t level, you could be looking at expensive repairs, concrete leveling, or even a full replacement. For padel, anchoring the glass walls and frame requires a structurally sound slab. If the existing slab isn’t reinforced or thick enough, additional footings or reinforcement may be needed—a crucial consideration before finalizing a location.

Building and Energy Code Compliance: Are You Permitted to Operate?

Converting a warehouse to a racquet sports facility often means a change in occupancy, which triggers updated building code requirements. Most warehouses are designed for low occupancy, whereas sports facilities require more exits and restrooms. Additionally, many storage warehouses or shell buildings were originally exempt from strict insulation requirements, meaning a racquet sports facility might need thermal insulation, vapor barriers, or upgraded HVAC systems to meet current energy codes. Failing to account for these changes early can mean unexpected costs and delays.

Parking: Do You Have Enough Spaces?

A good rule of thumb is four parking spaces per court, assuming four active players, four waiting, and two players per vehicle. But that’s just the start. Spectator seating, office space, retail areas, and food and beverage services also require parking per local zoning laws. If your chosen facility lacks sufficient parking, expanding it may trigger additional site design requirements, including stormwater management. Planning accordingly will help you avoid costly surprises.

Transforming an existing industrial or mercantile facility into a top-tier racquet sports venue requires careful planning. LaBella’s Sports & Entertainment practice features a dedicated Racquet Sports Studio specializing in the evaluation and design of high-performance facilities. From feasibility studies to full-scale design, we ensure your venue aligns with player expectations and code requirements.

If you’d like to explore possibilities for your space, please contact Bryan Fike, Market Leader—Racquet Sports Development, at (980) 985-0162 or bfike@labellapc.com.