In the ever-expanding world of pickleball, one club is setting itself apart by blending strategic business acumen with a deep commitment to community. Chris Sears, the founder of Indianapolis Pickleball Club (IPC) and Pickleball Club Marketing, has created more than just a place to play — he’s built an experience that caters to players’ love for the game while smartly addressing the needs of the business landscape. Here’s how IPC has emerged as a model for independent pickleball clubs and what other operators can learn from their success.
Rooted in Community, Built for Growth
Chris Sears’ journey began not with outside investors but with a vision to serve his local community. Drawing on his background in enterprise software sales and digital marketing, he launched IPC in 2021, inspired by the vibrant open play sessions at Indianapolis’ Ellenberger Park. Recognizing a demand for a high-quality, indoor pickleball experience, Sears brought to life a club that feels more like a community hub than a business venture.
The result? A thriving membership base that considers IPC the “best place to play in the city.” This community-first approach has been the bedrock of IPC’s rapid growth and success.
“We found a great place, designed awesome courts and it’s been a rocket ship since,” said Sears.
Affordable Excellence
One of IPC’s most compelling offerings is its open play model. For just $39.99 per month, members enjoy unlimited access to high-quality courts, an offering Sears describes as “a Mercedes at the price of a Kia.” This combination of affordability and excellence has attracted a loyal following and made the sport more accessible to a broader audience.
IPC’s commitment to fair and engaging play is evident in their daily moderation of open play sessions. Staff are assigned to:
- Ensure fair play and prevent private games from taking over open sessions.
- Group players by skill level, using DUPR ratings or on-site assessments.
This thoughtful approach ensures open play remains enjoyable for beginners and seasoned players alike, keeping members coming back for more.
Leveraging Niche Digital Marketing
Sears’ background in digital marketing isn’t just a footnote — it’s a core part of IPC’s success story. Recognizing a gap in marketing services tailored to independent pickleball clubs, he founded Pickleball Club Marketing, a boutique agency.
This dual role as a club operator and marketing specialist allows Sears to apply proven strategies to grow IPC while helping other clubs elevate their presence.
Innovative Expansion Strategies
IPC’s growth isn’t limited to one location. Sears has his eyes set on underserved areas, such as the south side of Indianapolis, where pickleball facilities are scarce. IPC plans to open a second 12-court facility in Fall 2025, but in the meantime, they’re testing the waters with a creative solution: a temporary pop-up club.
This December, IPC took over the former Zip City facility, outfitting it with courts. This low-investment, high-impact approach will allow IPC to meet immediate demand and expand their community-driven model without the financial strain of a permanent buildout.
“This temporary location has generated a lot of buzz,” said Sears.
Indianapolis Pickleball Club’s story is a powerful lesson in how to balance community focus, affordability, innovation and strategic marketing. By prioritizing the player experience and adopting smart, scalable business practices, Sears has created a blueprint that other pickleball operators can follow.
Whether you’re looking to build a new facility or enhance an existing one, IPC’s success underscores that the key to thriving in the pickleball business is to create a place where people don’t just play the game — they fall in love with it.
With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
