Indoor Baseball Facility Layout: Best Practices
I’ve had a lot of great experiences working with baseball facility owners when they’re just starting out. Because of the conversations I’ve had with these owners, I know that indoor baseball facility layout is a big concern.
Many are proactive enough to look for baseball facility scheduling software long before they open – sometimes before the facility is even constructed – so they contact me early in their planning process. I’m always happy to share and discuss what’s worked at my own own sports facility (DNA Sports Center in Milford, Ohio).
Top Priorities for Indoor Baseball Facility Layout
- Flexible Space. When possible, you should have the ability to change and move components of your facility to accommodate the highest revenue grossing activities. Retractable cages maximize space and give you more options for programming. For example, my sports center has a turf field ideal for team practices and camps. It can be subdivided into four large tunnels. Portable pitching machines added to a dynamic caging system offers the greatest flexibility. For example, we use a portable ATEC pitching machine that can be moved easily.
- Multiple uses for each space. Specialty cages, such as one for a ProBatter machine, can be a great draw to your facility. Just make sure you have other specialty tools or revenue channels for that cage. For example, you could add a HitTrax system that does evaluations, or you could host hitting leagues in the cage. Don’t leave any location vulnerable to just one type of revenue.
- Weight room. As youth sports become more competitive and take up more months of the year, weight rooms have become a necessity for all sports facilities, even those that are solely baseball-specific. Speed training and strength training should be offered as part of a baseball-specific sports performance program, so you’ll need a weight training area. It doesn’t have to be too complicated or expensive; my weight room has just a few squat racks with benches, a power runner, plenty of core stabilizing equipment (such as medicine balls) and a mirror so kids can watch their technique.
- Meeting Rooms. A separate room with a table is a versatile space that can add a lot of value. You can use it to hold team meetings, review video , or even host birthday parties.
Favorite Features
Overall, as you plan your facility, make sure that it conveys a feeling of excitement. That’s why I have college flags, hall of fame boards and music playing at my facility. You’ve been to plenty of baseball facilities and batting cages in your life. Which ones did you like the most? Why? Try to replicate those favorite features at your own facility. And remember that the space should be comfortable for athletes as well as their parents.
Want to talk more about your new baseball facility or try eSoft Planner? You can call me at (513) 791-4940.
Have another suggested priority for baseball facility design? Please leave a comment!
