Validation that PodPlay is a Force for Good in Pickleball - Pickleball Kingdom, Largest Franchise Selects PodPlay
- Tim Montague
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Happy New Year friends of the CUPC. If you know me personally, you know that technology is a passion of mine, and that’s why I’ve selected PodPlay as our club membership management, court reservation, and facility access platform. At the end of December, 2024, Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest pickleball franchise announced that they too are using PodPlay.
Our upcoming state-of-the-art facility in Champaign, IL, will feature the same cutting-edge technology that's making waves across the pickleball world. The CUPC will be a 24/7 low-staff, no-staff club that provides easy access for members and drop-in guests all via their smart phone. You can play at the CUPC whenever it suits you in our climate controlled, four indoor courts + two outdoor courts - all with Laykold surfaces (the gold standard in tennis court construction). More about court surfaces next time.
CUPC's Vision Meets Advanced Technology
Our 6-court facility isn't just about providing more places to play – it's about creating the ultimate pickleball experience. With spacious 34' x 64' courts, excellent lighting, and year-round climate control, CUPC is set to become Champaign-Urbana's premier pickleball destination. With PodPlay's comprehensive technology platform, we're taking things to the next level.
What This Means for CUPC Members
As a 24/7 player-first club, CUPC will leverage PodPlay's innovative features to enhance your playing experience:
- Seamless court reservations and check-in
- Digital scoreboards updating in real-time
- User-initiated video replays of your best shots
- Direct sharing of game highlights to social media
- Integrated DUPR ratings
- Easy access to coaching programs and event registration
Our low-staff/no-staff model, enabled by PodPlay's technology, means we can offer extended hours for those early-morning or late-night sessions while keeping costs manageable. More importantly, it allows us to invest more resources into enhancing your playing experience.
Part of a Bigger Movement
This technology integration puts CUPC at the forefront of a national trend. PodPlay, which has been refined over five years and currently serves more than 400,000 players across over 100 venues, has become the fastest-growing technology solution in the pickleball market. The recent partnership between PodPlay and Pickleball Kingdom, bringing this technology to nearly 400 franchise locations, validates our choice to incorporate these advanced features into our facility.
Building a Vibrant Community
CUPC isn't just about technology – we're building a comprehensive pickleball community. Our facility will offer:
- Open play sessions for all skill levels
- Professional coaching and clinics
- Regular camps and leagues
- Competitive tournaments
- A welcoming lounge area for socializing
The combination of our premium facility, cutting-edge technology, and diverse programming creates an unmatched environment for players of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
As we prepare for our grand opening in Q3 2025, CUPC is actively seeking members and investors who share our vision for creating a world-class pickleball hub in Champaign-Urbana. This is your chance to be part of something special – a facility that combines the best of modern technology with the community spirit that makes pickleball such a special sport.
Looking Ahead
The future of pickleball in Champaign-Urbana is bright, and CUPC is leading the way. By incorporating the same technology trusted by the largest indoor pickleball network in the world, we're ensuring that our members will enjoy a playing experience that rivals any facility in the country.
Stay tuned for updates on our grand opening (Q3 2025) and opportunities to join our growing community. The revolution in pickleball isn't just happening nationwide – it's happening right here in CU, and it starts with CUPC!
For membership information or investment opportunities, contact me today! Thank you and let’s play more pickleball! Happy New Year! -Tim Montague
Connect with me on Linkedin or Facebook | email me at tim [at] pickleproadvisors.com | txt/voice: 217-722-0429 m

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