Pickleball is still booming everywhere, so it makes sense that in a city where you can discover, do, and eat almost anything you’d want, that you can also find top-end pickleball facilities. Life Time is leading that effort in Manhattan as the operator of the most dedicated indoor pickleball courts.
Life Time is on track to have 21 pickleball courts in the state of New York in 2024, including nine in Manhattan — and the goal is to add even more to the greater area in the coming years.
The newly opened Life Time at PENN 1 houses seven indoor courts. “This is a big splash in the center of Manhattan — you can’t be more central than Penn Station,” notes Ryan Brister, vice president of northeast club operations at Life Time.
Life Time at PENN 1 is located directly above Penn Station and steps from Madison Square Garden, with offerings that include a private court and private viewing area, along with a general viewing area and lounge.
Life Time Sky, located a few blocks from Times Square, has two indoor courts, spanning 9,500 square feet of space. “We’ve had overwhelming demand for court time at Life Time Sky and have hosted many sold-out tournaments,” says Brister.
The other 12 pickleball courts in New York are at Life Time Westchester in West Harrison (six courts), Life Time in Syosset (three courts), and Life Time in Garden City (three courts).
To provide the best member experience with optimal court capacity, both Life Time at PENN 1 and Life Time Sky require a Premier Membership to access the pickleball courts and participate in open play, leagues, and other pickleball programming.
“If you’re new to the sport, start by taking our Intro to Pickleball class,” suggests Brister. “You are likely to excel quickly due to this lively community and how often you’ll want to play.”
The expansion also offers experienced pickleballers the facilities, coaching, and programming to up their game, plus new opportunities for competition. “We’ve had members start playing at Life Time at an intermediate level and grow to an advanced level, then reach the professional level,” shares Brister.
It’s not solely the number of courts that sets Life Time apart as a pickleball operator, but the quality of the courts is a differentiator as well. “I keep hearing pickleball players say, ‘These are the best courts in New York City,’” says Andy Peeke, pickleball pro at Life Time at PENN 1. “The quality of the court surface, the space around the courts, the nets, the ceiling height, the lighting — it’s all the best.” Being in an indoor environment also eliminates weather and other outdoor variables.
With the Premier Membership, members can travel between the Life Time at PENN 1 and Life Time Sky clubs, taking advantage of the pickleball courts at both locations.
“We’re seeing that members are wanting to play three or four times a week on average, and this membership model benefits them regarding access to court reservations and all the offerings at our Life Time athletic country clubs,” says Peeke.
