By: Curtis Blake
In a world where every inch of space matters, innovative solutions are emerging to unlock the potential of underutilized facilities. CatchCorner, a leading player in the hourly rental space, is revolutionizing how sports facilities operate.
Launched in Toronto in 2019, CatchCorner is a desktop and mobile app that allows users to find Cand book ice rinks, basketball courts, soccer fields, and other spaces in just a few clicks.
It provides a platform where sports enthusiasts can easily rent out these spaces by the hour, injecting life into facilities that would otherwise sit vacant. Gone are the days of idle basketball courts or empty ice rinks during off-peak hours.
Backed by Sports Illustrated, this app is already up and running in several US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston.
The app’s user-friendly interface allows users to effortlessly locate and reserve spaces for activities like basketball, soccer, or hockey. This benefits facility owners and enhances the experience for athletes seeking a game or practice session.
While exploring the app’s facilities, users can catch a glimpse of the space they’re interested in using interactive 360° view technology.
CatchCorner features various facilities tailored to each city, ranging from community centers and family-owned venues to NHL team practice arenas, schools, and even churches. There’s something for everyone at every price point.
In Chicago, for instance, users can rent Fifth Third Arena, a state-of-the-art community ice rink and the practice home of the Chicago Blackhawks. This space offers two NHL-sized ice rinks, ideal for birthday or bachelor parties or sports teams seeking optimal training grounds before important matches.
CatchCorner’s website states that customers who book Fifth Third Arena through the platform can also arrange an exclusive tour of the Blackhawks VIP locker room, providing a unique experience tailored for avid NHL enthusiasts.
Fifth Third Arena is the sixth NHL practice hub to collaborate with CatchCorner. Other renowned teams, such as the Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators, are joining the ranks, offering their practice facilities on the app.
CatchCorner expands its offerings beyond conventional sports facilities by featuring a variety of unique spaces.
In August 2023, the company introduced the inclusion of St. Bart’s, a historic church located in midtown Manhattan. Groups or individuals seeking to rent the church’s athletic space, complete with a swimming pool and gymnasium, can conveniently do so online in a few clicks.
“In our endeavor to cater to diverse preferences, we enthusiastically collaborate with sports facilities of all sizes. Less conventional venues also boast a multitude of offerings for our community. As such, we are very excited to be partnering with St. Bart’s Church in Manhattan to offer more accessible rentals in its gym,” CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri said in a press release.
Hockey appears to be a sought-after sport, given the number of ice rinks and NHL practice arenas listed on the app. Users can also find a plethora of other facilities, including indoor basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, batting cages, and golf simulators. Some cities even offer batting cages and golf simulators.
Users can effortlessly narrow their search on the app by selecting their preferred city and sport, ensuring they find the perfect space to meet their specific needs and preferences.
While existing apps efficiently cater to our needs for finding flights, restaurants, and even nearby dog walkers, there’s a noticeable gap in the market regarding finding sports facilities. This gap uniquely positions CatchCorner to spearhead the modernization of the booking experience for sports venues.
It’s also a prime example of how technology can revitalize underutilized spaces and turn them into dynamic centers of activity.
Published by: Holy Minoza
