Building your new recreation center is the first step. Now, you need to get people in the door.

Congratulations on successfully opening your new community recreation center! Here at Sports Facilities Advisory, we are familiar with all the hard work that goes into planning, funding, constructing and opening a new facility and clearly, you are too. Even so, you’re no doubt aware that your work has just begun – now you need to get people in the door of your new community center. Fortunately, there are many creative ways you can do so! Below are just a few.

Get Out Into the Community

As the owner/manager of a community recreation center, it’s important that you and your staff get out into the community to spread the word about the awesome resources you’re providing to those who live and work around you. Get in contact with community event organizers and set up informational booths to talk to interested individuals about the services your complex offers. Pass out flyers, promotional goods and business cards to get the word out. This could also a great opportunity for you to talk to other community leaders about sports tourism prospects.

Offer Discounts for First Members

It’s safe to assume that one of the goals of your new recreation center is to gain new members and what better way to do that than by offering special discounts? Run a promotion that offers exclusive deals for the first 100 members that sign up for a membership. Or you could even offer special savings on exercise classes, party rentals and other services that are unique to your recreation center.

Integrate Social Media Marketing

Social media has a huge impact on the everyday lives of people everywhere, so why not use it to promote your recreation center? Encourage Facebook, Instagram and Twitter users to “like” or “follow” your pages by running special promotions. You could also offer “online only” coupons for those that take the time to follow your page and encourage participation with photo or trivia contests.

Offer Sponsorship Programs

One of the best things you can do after (or before!) the opening of your new recreation center is to partner with local organizations. Offering sponsorship programs is a great way to initiate good relationships with other organizations that support your cause and goals of a healthy community.

Plan a Special Open House Event

Just because your community recreation center is already open doesn’t mean you can’t also plan a special open house event a few weeks later. Some community members may still not even know you’re there! An open house event can help promote your facility services while encouraging people to come out and see it for themselves. Promote your open house event with social media and offer free classes, events, vendors and food to encourage attendance and participation.
Sports Facilities Advisory has been helping private investors, government entities, faith-based organizations and more plan, fund, build and manage sports complexes and recreation centers for years. If you need assistance managing the day-to-day operations of your facility, funding a facility or would like additional marketing and strategy help, contact us today. We love what we do, we are great at it, and we’re waiting to help you make the most of your new recreation center!