LIFETIME Indoor Courts - honest feedback/experience

[dr325i]

I can share tons of details however, for those that have one of these indoor courts clubs in the area — STAY AWAY! The whole setup is a scam against Signature (monthly paying) members.

~$400/ month for “unlimited indoor courts”
Great deal, right?!

Reality:
- you are limited to one reservation per day, up to two hours. You can add additional time at the front desk with untrained personnel that mostly has no idea what to do and by then all slots are gone anyway.
- Here is the reality part - you will never be able to book a 60 or 90-minute (or 120) slot between 4pm and 8pm weekdays or Saturday mornings.

If you are flexible and can play 2pm, go for it - a great deal they have. Otherwise, all kids clinics, adults clinics and private lessons have priority over Signature members.

Things got progressively worse for Signature members over the last 12 months when they realized idiots are shelling out monthly fee and we can make real money with these clinics. I spent last 12 months waking up every single night at midnight to try to reserve a court a week ahead (when schedule opens up) and last 5 months was pretty much unable to get anything between 4 and 8pm. Ruined my sleep and quality of life.
They did nothing to solve this issue and additionally refused to get the all hands meeting with Signature members to hear our side.

One thing they won’t tell you during the sales pitch orientation is that the Corporate target is to allow 20% or less available courts for (hundreds of) signature members during prime time (4-9pm). I have corporate emails stating that.

A bunch of greedy crooks that claim that “members are always the priority”!

 

[thanu]

I can share tons of details however, for those that have one of these indoor courts clubs in the area — STAY AWAY! The whole setup is a scam against Signature (monthly paying) members.

~$400/ month for “unlimited indoor courts”
Great deal, right?!

Reality:
- you are limited to one reservation per day, up to two hours. You can add additional time at the front desk with untrained personnel that mostly has no idea what to do and by then all slots are gone anyway.
- Here is the reality part - you will never be able to book a 60 or 90-minute (or 120) slot between 4pm and 8pm weekdays or Saturday mornings.

If you are flexible and can play 2pm, go for it - a great deal they have. Otherwise, all kids clinics, adults clinics and private lessons have priority over Signature members.

Things got progressively worse for Signature members over the last 12 months when they realized idiots are shelling out monthly fee and we can make real money with these clinics. I spent last 12 months waking up every single night at midnight to try to reserve a court a week ahead (when schedule opens up) and last 5 months was pretty much unable to get anything between 4 and 8pm. Ruined my sleep and quality of life.
They did nothing to solve this issue and additionally refused to get the all hands meeting with Signature members to hear our side.

One thing they won’t tell you during the sales pitch orientation is that the Corporate target is to allow 20% or less available courts for (hundreds of) signature members during prime time (4-9pm). I have corporate emails stating that.

A bunch of greedy crooks that claim that “members are always the priority”!

What city is this? They’re building one near me and was thinking about joining if they build it with tennis courts. There is one about half an hour away with courts and I loved played there the one time I went (bought a guest pass for $50 and it was $16 an hour for court time). I wonder if all the locations are this bad.

 

[dr325i]

What city is this? They’re building one near me and was thinking about joining if they build it with tennis courts. There is one about half an hour away with courts and I loved played there the one time I went (bought a guest pass for $50 and it was $16 an hour for court time). I wonder if all the locations are this bad.

This is Plano, TX. According to their corporate, ALL prime time monthly paying Signature members allocated courts are 20% or less of all courts. This is the indoor courts policy. I am not sure if it applies to the outdoor courts at locations without indoor courts.

Our outdoor courts (5 of them) sat open because they would not shift kids or adult drills outside afraid that the revenue will go down.

Signature members prepay monthly, so that is a sure flow of cash…

 

[PMF]

Yeah, I agree, it’s difficult for signature members to get a court during peak club hours. I actually pay extra for permanent court time (PCT) on Saturday mornings with my doubles group.

On the bright side, it only takes a few court bookings for your signature membership to pay off each month, but you have to be flexible with the times.

 

[dr325i]

Yeah, I agree, it’s difficult for signature members to get a court during peak club hours. I actually pay extra for permanent court time (PCT) on Saturday mornings with my doubles group.

On the bright side, it only takes a few court bookings for your signature membership to pay off each month, but you have to be flexible with the times.

Hey there.

Well, the PCT is not allowed during prime time on week days (4-9pm).

Also, when I signed the contract with them, and when they walked me around, it was stated - unlimited indoor time and look, open courts, easy to reserve, a paradise!

And in all honesty - it was. It was easy to reserve, available for Signature members, we used to have dedicated parking spots, they took those away and converted 5 of them to “Wounded Veterans” that remain open all the time (I have seen their own coaches park in those spots multiple times), while they suggest members to part at a business next door after hours even though they may be towed.

The point is not that it pays off in 5 sessions, the point is I was promised and hooked to every day availability because I play every single day.

I have moved to the McKinney indoor courts that are bright, new and awesome, AC works properly (and a bit too much), the air inside is clean, I can book a court the very same day I want to play, and at $36 per 90 minute slot, at $18 a pop, no monthly membership fees - it makes so much more sense!

My goal is to expose all this LT nonsense to the public, nothing more than that

 

[PMF]

Hey there.

Well, the PCT is not allowed during prime time on week days (4-9pm).

Also, when I signed the contract with them, and when they walked me around, it was stated - unlimited indoor time and look, open courts, easy to reserve, a paradise!

And in all honesty - it was. It was easy to reserve, available for Signature members, we used to have dedicated parking spots, they took those away and converted 5 of them to “Wounded Veterans” that remain open all the time (I have seen their own coaches park in those spots multiple times), while they suggest members to part at a business next door after hours even though they may be towed.

The point is not that it pays off in 5 sessions, the point is I was promised and hooked to every day availability because I play every single day.

I have moved to the McKinney indoor courts that are bright, new and awesome, AC works properly (and a bit too much), the air inside is clean, I can book a court the very same day I want to play, and at $36 per 90 minute slot, at $18 a pop, no monthly membership fees - it makes so much more sense!

My goal is to expose all this LT nonsense to the public, nothing more than that

Yeah, I understand how you feel. I’ve thought about switching myself, but don’t want to lose my PCT group. The people who sell the memberships need to be more straight forward.

At my location in Michigan, there aren’t too many PCT groups left over during peak club hours, and are largely grandfathered in because we members have been there for many years.

To help offset some costs, I usually put my membership on hold during the summer months, and play outside. In the winter months, indoor courts are basically a requirement, unless you are an Ironman.

 

[dr325i]

Yeah, I understand how you feel. I’ve thought about switching myself, but don’t want to lose my PCT group. The people who sell the memberships need to be more straight forward.

At my location in Michigan, there aren’t too many PCT groups left over during peak club hours, and are largely grandfathered in because we members have been there for many years.

To help offset some costs, I usually put my membership on hold during the summer months, and play outside. In the winter months, indoor courts are basically a requirement, unless you are an Ironman.

Here, we have to play May-September and December-March indoors....pretty much (winter is a bit more flexible).
However, Since August 2022, I have been waking up every single morning 11:58 to be first in line with the App to reserve, and last 6 months that was impossible. A tiny slower connection than the other two guys -- you lose. I was insane, while pre-paying monthly fee.

The management here, Regional (DFW) management and Corporate wizz for racquet sports absolutely did not care about the Signature members.

 

[Crocodile]

We hardly have any proper buildings designed as indoor courts in Australia
Country New South Wales has an indoor centre ( orange ) but that’s because it gets cold ( cold for Aussies that is)

 

[dallastxtennis]

Hey there.

Well, the PCT is not allowed during prime time on week days (4-9pm).

Also, when I signed the contract with them, and when they walked me around, it was stated - unlimited indoor time and look, open courts, easy to reserve, a paradise!

And in all honesty - it was. It was easy to reserve, available for Signature members, we used to have dedicated parking spots, they took those away and converted 5 of them to “Wounded Veterans” that remain open all the time (I have seen their own coaches park in those spots multiple times), while they suggest members to part at a business next door after hours even though they may be towed.

The point is not that it pays off in 5 sessions, the point is I was promised and hooked to every day availability because I play every single day.

I have moved to the McKinney indoor courts that are bright, new and awesome, AC works properly (and a bit too much), the air inside is clean, I can book a court the very same day I want to play, and at $36 per 90 minute slot, at $18 a pop, no monthly membership fees - it makes so much more sense!

My goal is to expose all this LT nonsense to the public, nothing more than that

Would you please share with me the Tennis Indoor location in McKinney, I am in Garland TX.

 

[dr325i]

Would you please share with me the Tennis Indoor location in McKinney, I am in Garland TX.

McKinney | Impact Activities

www.impactactivities.com

Great people there and a wonderful facility

 

[ByeByePoly]

I can share tons of details however, for those that have one of these indoor courts clubs in the area — STAY AWAY! The whole setup is a scam against Signature (monthly paying) members.

~$400/ month for “unlimited indoor courts”
Great deal, right?!

Reality:
- you are limited to one reservation per day, up to two hours. You can add additional time at the front desk with untrained personnel that mostly has no idea what to do and by then all slots are gone anyway.
- Here is the reality part - you will never be able to book a 60 or 90-minute (or 120) slot between 4pm and 8pm weekdays or Saturday mornings.

If you are flexible and can play 2pm, go for it - a great deal they have. Otherwise, all kids clinics, adults clinics and private lessons have priority over Signature members.

Things got progressively worse for Signature members over the last 12 months when they realized idiots are shelling out monthly fee and we can make real money with these clinics. I spent last 12 months waking up every single night at midnight to try to reserve a court a week ahead (when schedule opens up) and last 5 months was pretty much unable to get anything between 4 and 8pm. Ruined my sleep and quality of life.
They did nothing to solve this issue and additionally refused to get the all hands meeting with Signature members to hear our side.

One thing they won’t tell you during the sales pitch orientation is that the Corporate target is to allow 20% or less available courts for (hundreds of) signature members during prime time (4-9pm). I have corporate emails stating that.

A bunch of greedy crooks that claim that “members are always the priority”!

Familiar with the Lifetime Fitness scheduling app race . We use it to book pickleball open play sessions (two hour blocks). It used to be at midnight … one week prior … that was when it was better. Wake up to pee and book pickleball … … usually got time slots I wanted. Now the booking window doesn’t open at midnight, but at the time of future week’s booking. So if you are scheduling Monday at 10:00 for next week, you can’t book until 10:00 on Monday the week before. You see all of us sitting on the bench during open play with our phones out booking next week … lol.

Also … it’s my understanding, at least with pickleball … Signature memberships vary per location. For example, some locations require signature memberships to get the free open play, and some get it with the standard cheaper membership. I’m sure they are making pricing decisions based on supply and demand, which means it could change from year to year, for the better or worse.

 

[dr325i]

Familiar with the Lifetime Fitness scheduling app race . We use it to book pickleball open play sessions (two hour blocks). It used to be at midnight … one week prior … that was when it was better. Wake up to pee and book pickleball … … usually got time slots I wanted. Now the booking window doesn’t open at midnight, but at the time of future week’s booking. So if you are scheduling Monday at 10:00 for next week, you can’t book until 10:00 on Monday the week before. You see all of us sitting on the bench during open play with our phones out booking next week … lol.

Also … it’s my understanding, at least with pickleball … Signature memberships vary per location. For example, some locations require signature memberships to get the free open play, and some get it with the standard cheaper membership. I’m sure they are making pricing decisions based on supply and demand, which means it could change from year to year, for the better or worse.

Lifetime management are incapable, greedy bunch that figured out how to get Signature members $$ while getting premium from the drill sessions. How about 10 courts, a few hundred monthly paying Signature members (someone mentioned 600 at this location, I doubt that more than 100-200 at tennis though).
The new way of booking makes no sense to me if competing for 2-3 available courts. The 9 o’clock group will book 9-11, so nothing left for the 10am group…

The whole setup is wrong and should be exposed and they keep bringing more new members.

 

[onehandbh]

Sounds a bit like how some gyms operate. Just sign up as many members as possible.

 

[tennis3]

Also … it’s my understanding, at least with pickleball … Signature memberships vary per location. For example, some locations require signature memberships to get the free open play, and some get it with the standard cheaper membership. I’m sure they are making pricing decisions based on supply and demand, which means it could change from year to year, for the better or worse.

I just had a buddy telling me about his $600 for 12 months ($50 / month) Pickleball deal. Nothing additional needs to be paid. Court fees, leagues, a few lessons, even use of the ball machine is included.

I asked him how likely is it that he will ever be able to reserve a court, especially during the winter. But despite my warnings, I think he's still going to do it (just too good of a deal to pass up).

I expect he'll be starting a similar thread to this at "Talk Pickleball" in a few months.

 

[ByeByePoly]

I just had a buddy telling me about his $600 for 12 months ($50 / month) Pickleball deal. Nothing additional needs to be paid. Court fees, leagues, a few lessons, even use of the ball machine is included.

I asked him how likely is it that he will ever be able to reserve a court, especially during the winter. But despite my warnings, I think he's still going to do it (just too good of a deal to pass up).

I expect he'll be starting a similar thread to this at "Talk Pickleball" in a few months.

Will be using that ball machine at 4 am.

Pickleball ball machine cracks me up … and that from someone who hit countless hours on my tennis ball machine. I have said before … for doubles … someone needs to invent a pickleball gatling gun. Set it on kitchen line … and face the fire from opposing kitchen line. Eye protection required.

 

[tennis3]

Will be using that ball machine at 4 am.

Pickleball ball machine cracks me up … and that from someone who hit countless hours on my tennis ball machine. I have said before … for doubles … someone needs to invent a pickleball gatling gun. Set it on kitchen line … and face the fire from opposing kitchen line. Eye protection required.

I think the Simon X might be an OK pickleball machine for practice.

SIMON X- The most powerful and advanced Pickleball Machine ever built.

Simon X is a Military grade built machine with a LIFETIME warranty on the two throw wheels. At 70 MPH it is the most powerful Machine in the World. 10-12 hour battery with AC plug and run all day. Internal "Stealth" oscillation. Super Ramp for multiple ball heights. Tri-Wheel mobile System. Top...

pickleballmachine.com

 

[ByeByePoly]

I think the Simon X might be an OK pickleball machine for practice.

SIMON X- The most powerful and advanced Pickleball Machine ever built.

Simon X is a Military grade built machine with a LIFETIME warranty on the two throw wheels. At 70 MPH it is the most powerful Machine in the World. 10-12 hour battery with AC plug and run all day. Internal "Stealth" oscillation. Super Ramp for multiple ball heights. Tri-Wheel mobile System. Top...

pickleballmachine.com

All of my ball machine hours was outside … in the land of 15-30 mph wind. I learned early on to minimize variety by setting speed to max, lower height over net, ball machine set several feet behind baseline (in the park court I used, that meant near back fence). No oscillation or topspin. This was the quickest path to setup each time depending on wind … avoiding 30 minutes of trial and error … got my baseline reps which is all I was after.

There would be zero chance with a 26g wiffle to be very productive outside on most of our windy days. Also … the idea of “grooving” strokes in pickleball isn’t the same need like tennis. Most of us are playing doubles only … and it’s all about the kitchen. I suspect there would be some utility in hitting volleys at the kitchen line … but replicating fire fights doesn’t seem doable with ball machine. I could see beginners getting some utility from ball machine.

 

[ByeByePoly]

Lifetime management are incapable, greedy bunch that figured out how to get Signature members $$ while getting premium from the drill sessions. How about 10 courts, a few hundred monthly paying Signature members (someone mentioned 600 at this location, I doubt that more than 100-200 at tennis though).
The new way of booking makes no sense to me if competing for 2-3 available courts. The 9 o’clock group will book 9-11, so nothing left for the 10am group…

The whole setup is wrong and should be exposed and they keep bringing more new members.

You saved me on next Monday’s booking. This thread reminded me at 10:05 to go book next week’s Monday 10-12 … we got two of the few openings left. We (wife) thank you.

fyi … you need to separate Lifetime corporate from local crew … our locals are like extended family you see every week.

 

[dr325i]

You saved me on next Monday’s booking. This thread reminded me at 10:05 to go book next week’s Monday 10-12 … we got two of the few openings left. We (wife) thank you.

fyi … you need to separate Lifetime corporate from local crew … our locals are like extended family you see every week.

Glad to hear things are better for you guys. I started with the Plano GM. Clueless guy, pure corporate player, liar, made promises he never kept. A pion that plays how the Corporate orders. If you go to reviews, you can see a bunch of complaints about his lies and empty promises and additionally about a specific Customer Service that I liked a lot and never had issues with her but man…after that many complaints about her in particular, I’d listen to the customers. I have heard very negative things about this person but as I said, she was always cool with me.
There are some great people at this location, for example the lady that manages all front desk teams. Awesome, human, always nice. Reports into this bag of doosh (GM) that is useless

 

[dr325i]

bumping this to the top so no one makes the same mistake with these people (until they get their act straight and bring back the fairness like it was in early 2022)

 

[TTMR]

Here, we have to play May-September and December-March indoors....pretty much (winter is a bit more flexible).
However, Since August 2022, I have been waking up every single morning 11:58 to be first in line with the App to reserve, and last 6 months that was impossible. A tiny slower connection than the other two guys -- you lose. I was insane, while pre-paying monthly fee.

The management here, Regional (DFW) management and Corporate wizz for racquet sports absolutely did not care about the Signature members.

Man, how did you manage to repeatedly wake up before 11:58 AM?! I couldn't lead that life, friend.

 

[dr325i]

Man, how did you manage to repeatedly wake up before 11:58 AM?! I couldn't lead that life, friend.

My body was under so much stress from this that it did by itself…terrible. And I am hearing things are getting even worse there!

 

[dr325i]

Up to the top so no one makes a costly mistake

 

[nyta2]

I can share tons of details however, for those that have one of these indoor courts clubs in the area — STAY AWAY! The whole setup is a scam against Signature (monthly paying) members.

~$400/ month for “unlimited indoor courts”
Great deal, right?!

Reality:
- you are limited to one reservation per day, up to two hours. You can add additional time at the front desk with untrained personnel that mostly has no idea what to do and by then all slots are gone anyway.
- Here is the reality part - you will never be able to book a 60 or 90-minute (or 120) slot between 4pm and 8pm weekdays or Saturday mornings.

If you are flexible and can play 2pm, go for it - a great deal they have. Otherwise, all kids clinics, adults clinics and private lessons have priority over Signature members.

Things got progressively worse for Signature members over the last 12 months when they realized idiots are shelling out monthly fee and we can make real money with these clinics. I spent last 12 months waking up every single night at midnight to try to reserve a court a week ahead (when schedule opens up) and last 5 months was pretty much unable to get anything between 4 and 8pm. Ruined my sleep and quality of life.
They did nothing to solve this issue and additionally refused to get the all hands meeting with Signature members to hear our side.

One thing they won’t tell you during the sales pitch orientation is that the Corporate target is to allow 20% or less available courts for (hundreds of) signature members during prime time (4-9pm). I have corporate emails stating that.

A bunch of greedy crooks that claim that “members are always the priority”!

same, for the LIFETIME i used to be a member of, in suburbs north of NYC

 

[dr325i]

same, for the LIFETIME i used to be a member of, in suburbs north of NYC

Such a ripoff and corporate greed. I hope they lose more and more of loyal signature members. Total management failure (at least the one here in the DFW area)

 

[nyta2]

Such a ripoff and corporate greed. I hope they lose more and more of loyal signature members. Total management failure (at least the one here in the DFW area)

to be fair, it's a common business model for all gyms... ie. oversubscribe and hope folks drop out after the first 1-6mos
it's just more obvious what's happening with tennis courts, because indoor courts are a scarce resource, and tennis players tend to be an addicted bunch that always go back...
i honestly preferred it when they charged an hourly (but discounted) rate to play... kept the casually-curious away

 

[dr325i]

to be fair, it's a common business model for all gyms... ie. oversubscribe and hope folks drop out after the first 1-6mos
it's just more obvious what's happening with tennis courts, because indoor courts are a scarce resource, and tennis players tend to be an addicted bunch that always go back...
i honestly preferred it when they charged an hourly (but discounted) rate to play... kept the casually-curious away

Well, I agree to some extend, however:
1) They paint a totally different picture during the intro/orientation
2) They lied for 12 months that they are doing something to improve situation
3) in the end they put the restrictions on the Signature members (limited time) vs. moving drills to solve the problem
I am not with the LT any more and the club I joined offers a competitive indoor rate as you go...

 

[nyta2]

Well, I agree to some extend, however:
1) They paint a totally different picture during the intro/orientation
2) They lied for 12 months that they are doing something to improve situation
3) in the end they put the restrictions on the Signature members (limited time) vs. moving drills to solve the problem
I am not with the LT any more and the club I joined offers a competitive indoor rate as you go...

Oh yeah, sales & operations are always going to differ
Kinda like architects & engineers
"Something" is so vague, so they probably didn't lie, but they also probably didn't make much/any improvement
Drills/lessons *IS* the cash cow of any tennis facility... they will *ALWAYS* take prime court time (eg. 9-11a for stay-at-home-moms, 3-6p for kids, 6-9p for working adults)...
For everyone else ("just hitting"), we have to settle for early morning (7a), lunch time (12p), and very late at night (after 9p)

 

[dr325i]

Oh yeah, sales & operations are always going to differ
Kinda like architects & engineers
"Something" is so vague, so they probably didn't lie, but they also probably didn't make much/any improvement
Drills/lessons *IS* the cash cow of any tennis facility... they will *ALWAYS* take prime court time (eg. 9-11a for stay-at-home-moms, 3-6p for kids, 6-9p for working adults)...
For everyone else ("just hitting"), we have to settle for early morning (7a), lunch time (12p), and very late at night (after 9p)

For 12 months I was communicating daily with the club GM, regional GM (DFW) and GM of Tennis Americas....so, pretty high up the chain.
They promised:
1) move kids to outer courts - did not happen
2) limit Adult drills expansion -- opposite happened
3) Fix the app so that we may be able to take the advantage of those 30-minute unused slots -- took them 5 months to fix that (after my departure)
4) Look into moving some Adult drills outside 5-8:30 window -- did not happen.

When I felt they lied to me and are doing nothing to improve our situation, I suggested to have an All hands Signature members meeting and tell them everyone's concerns and possible suggestions.

They decided to cancel my membership and ban me from the Tennis (and probably other) facilities

During those 12 months, they revealed that the company policy is to allocate up to 20% of indoor courts to Signature members during Prime time...something they would NEVER mention while selling you the pitch...

 

[nyta2]

For 12 months I was communicating daily with the club GM, regional GM (DFW) and GM of Tennis Americas....so, pretty high up the chain.
They promised:
1) move kids to outer courts - did not happen
2) limit Adult drills expansion -- opposite happened
3) Fix the app so that we may be able to take the advantage of those 30-minute unused slots -- took them 5 months to fix that (after my departure)
4) Look into moving some Adult drills outside 5-8:30 window -- did not happen.

When I felt they lied to me and are doing nothing to improve our situation, I suggested to have an All hands Signature members meeting and tell them everyone's concerns and possible suggestions.

They decided to cancel my membership and ban me from the Tennis (and probably other) facilities

During those 12 months, they revealed that the company policy is to allocate up to 20% of indoor courts to Signature members during Prime time...something they would NEVER mention while selling you the pitch...

Yeah, sounds like someone wasn't careful about their language...
Ideally should have just been up front & transparent about plans.. but that might mean a mass exodus, which they be trying to avoid generally (trickle attrition is usually expected)
If i were their business, I would cxl your membership too (lol, and mine), with a "sorry we couldn't provide the service you were looking for" note... and maybe a can of tennis balls and a hat as a parting gift .
Their business doesn't want seasoned tennis veterans, they want the ntrp0-3.5 crowd that take lessons... and maybe some ntrp4.0+ with flexible schedules to fill in the gaps of free court time.

 

[dr325i]

Yeah, sounds like someone wasn't careful about their language...
Ideally should have just been up front & transparent about plans.. but that might mean a mass exodus, which they be trying to avoid generally (trickle attrition is usually expected)
If i were their business, I would cxl your membership too (lol, and mine), with a "sorry we couldn't provide the service you were looking for" note... and maybe a can of tennis balls and a hat as a parting gift .
Their business doesn't want seasoned tennis veterans, they want the ntrp0-3.5 crowd that take lessons... and maybe some ntrp4.0+ with flexible schedules to fill in the gaps of free court time.

True, though, me leaving also pulled 4 or 5 others that used to hit with me a few times per week.
Plus, I have posted about this everywhere and keep adding.
Hopefully, it costs them some business as it definitely cost me (and others) numerous sleepless nights...

 

[dr325i]

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