By: Natalie Brown
Brooklyn appears to be embracing the emerging trend of utilizing technology to identify underutilized space with by-the-hour rentals. This innovative approach reflects a forward-thinking mindset and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of urban living.
Local sports facilities are experiencing a huge surge in revenue with the introduction of CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a new app for mobile and desktop, that allows users to reserve playing times by the hour.
Similar to booking a restaurant table online, CatchCorner allows users to easily reserve playing times at various sports facilities across Brooklyn. This includes everything from basketball and soccer to tennis and pickleball.
“Our mission is to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, fostering growth and sustainability for local businesses,” CEO and co-founder Jonathan Azouri says in a press release.
He, along with his sister Maya, was recognized for his achievements in sports technology, earning a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List for 2023.
Brooklyn facilities that partnered with CatchCorner, like Major Owens Community Center, are very pleased with the results.
“Since we have started working together, the rentals of our available court time have increased by over 50%,” says Adam Berkowitz, COO of New Heights Youth who oversees Major Owens Community Center.
Similarly, the partnership between Globall Sports Centers and CatchCorner has resulted in a significant increase in visitors. This influx of foot traffic demonstrates the positive impact of their collaboration on the indoor turf field’s popularity and usage.
The surge in popularity for basketball and soccer in Brooklyn has been remarkable, with the Brooklyn Stuy Dome witnessing an impressive 65% surge in bookings ever since establishing a partnership with CatchCorner.
This massive growth highlights the growing appetite for recreational sports in the community, as more and more individuals seek the appropriate spaces for physical activity and perhaps even social engagement.
“With their innovative platform, we’ve witnessed a remarkable increase in customer engagement, breathing fresh life into our facility. We’re ecstatic about the overwhelmingly positive influence this partnership has had on both our business and the Brooklyn community,” says Operations Director Veronica Washington in a press release.
The app boasts a robust user base of 30,000 individuals in New York City alone, with an extensive network of 70 facilities scattered throughout the city. Notably, a significant portion of these facilities are located in Brooklyn, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.
Additional venues available for booking on CatchCorner in New York City include Stadium Tennis NYC, located in the Bronx; St. Bart’s Church, situated in Manhattan; and the Northwell Health Ice Center on Long Island, which serves as the practice facility for the New York Islanders.
The app is even available in New Jersey, catering to the needs of individuals looking for sports facilities outside of New York City, showcasing its versatility and convenience for users throughout the tri-state area.
No matter where you are, whether it’s in urban centers, suburban areas, or even visiting from smaller towns, this app provides a seamless experience for discovering and reserving sports facilities nearby. It’s an essential tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Published by: Martin De Juan
