How to Start a Whirlyball Arena Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
How to Start a Whirlyball Arena Business
So you want to open your own Whirlyball arena? That’s an awesome idea! Whirlyball is such a unique and fun sport — it combines lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars into one fast-paced game. It’s great for parties, team building, or just friendly competition. Starting your own Whirlyball business can definitely be profitable if you make some smart moves.
Picking the Right Location
The first big decision is nailing down the perfect location. You’ll need at least 10,000 square feet of space, preferably somewhere with high foot traffic like a retail center or entertainment district. Being near colleges, major highways, bars, restaurants, theaters, or arcades is ideal — you want tons of potential customers nearby. Check out both leasing and purchasing options for spaces.
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Designing Your Arena
Now for the really fun part — designing your arena! Work with an architect who knows how to design awesome entertainment facilities. You’ll need a court surrounded by Dasherboards to contain the Whirlybugs, seating for spectators, arcade/redemption games, restrooms, concessions, staff rooms, etc. Make the layout maximize energy and excitement. The court flooring needs to be seamless and durable.
Getting the Gear
Buy all the essential Whirlyball equipment including the Whirlybugs (bumper cars), lacrosse sticks, balls, goals, helmets, paddles — enough stuff for at least 8 players at a time. Invest in a quality sound system, lighting, neon signs to give your place atmosphere.
Building Your Team
You’ll need staff to operate the arena, referee games, work concessions/arcade, and provide customer service. Create an organizational chart and job descriptions. Hire refs with actual sports officiating experience. Train everyone on safety and customer service skills.
Setting Up Your Business Model
Figure out how you’ll structure play times and charge for them. Popular options are open hourly play, tournaments/leagues, corporate events, individual reservations, unlimited play packages, etc. Price competitively and offer group discounts or loyalty programs. Develop your concession menu and arcade pricing model to maximize profits.
Focusing on Safety
Safety should be priority #1. Create and enforce strict gameplay and equipment rules. Require liability waivers to be signed. Provide helmets, guards, non-slip surfaces, padded walls/goals, etc. Inspect equipment regularly for issues. Have trained first responders on staff.
Getting Insured
Work with your insurance broker to get necessary coverage including liability, property, workers comp, etc. This is crucial for protecting your business given the risks of an action sport facility.
Spreading the Word
Market your new arena on your website, social media, print/radio ads, direct mailers, search engine optimization, partnerships with local businesses, special events and tournaments, etc. Offer great intro deals.
Once you’ve executed these key steps, it’ll be time to open up and start the fun! With smart management, a Whirlyball arena can be an extremely rewarding business. The energetic game brings in customers and keeps them coming back for more. Here’s to your new venture!
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Whirlyball Arena Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
FAQ
What are the startup costs for a Whirlyball arena?
Startup costs can range from $750,000 to over $1 million. Key expenses are the facility/construction costs, Whirlybug bumper cars ($5,000 each), staffing, insurance, equipment like sticks and balls, sound system and lighting. Leasing a space is cheaper than buying initially.
What size facility do I need?
You need at least 10,000 sq ft for one court. More space allows for larger courts, arcades, concessions and party areas. Most arenas have 15,000–25,000+ sq ft. The more courts, the more revenue potential through high capacity.
How much revenue can a Whirlyball arena make?
Revenue can vary widely based on location, size, and popularity. Typical numbers are $300,000 to $1 million+ in annual gross revenue. The business model depends on hourly play, events, leagues, concessions, and arcade games. Maximizing all revenue streams is key.
Do I need a sports or entertainment background to run this business?
While not essential, experience in customer service, facility operations, food service, refereeing or amusement/activity management is extremely helpful knowledge to start and manage a Whirlyball arena. You can always hire those skills.
What are the ongoing costs after startup?
Key operating costs are labor, insurance, marketing, maintenance/repairs, equipment replacement, utilities, rent (or mortgage payments), consumables and cost of goods sold for concessions/arcade. labor costs include refs and other staffing needs. Proper budgeting is crucial.
What permits and licenses are needed?
Typical requirements include a business license, sales tax ID, food handler permits for concessions, liquor license if serving alcohol, music licensing fees, facility occupancy permit, liability insurance, and state/city recreation facility licenses.
Does this business require particular insurance?
Yes, you need substantial liability insurance given the full-contact nature of Whirlyball and risks of injury. Work with an insurance broker to secure necessary coverage including liability, property, workers comp, business interruption and more.
How can I best advertise and promote a Whirlyball arena?
Effective tactics include search engine and social media marketing, email/text promotions to customers, partnerships with tourist groups and hotels, corporate team building outreach, radio ads, flyers, in-location promotions like discounted play times, and special events like tournaments.
What tips help ensure a successful Whirlyball arena?
Tips for success include exceptional customer service, smart financial management, keeping equipment well maintained, creating league/tournament play to build community, cultivating corporate clients, diversifying revenue streams, monitoring industry trends, enforcing strict safety policies, and leveraging positive online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.
