Introduction to Indoor Sports
Indoor sports like pickleball and futsal are becoming increasingly popular, especially during the hot summer months. The Sports Illustrated-powered app, CatchCorner, has made it easier for people to book a spot for a quick game without any membership fees. The app soft-launched in Houston this spring and has seen a huge success, with over 30,000 users joining in the last 30 days.
The Success of CatchCorner in Houston
According to Maya Azouri, co-founder and chief operating officer of CatchCorner, the Houston expansion has been incredibly successful. "The Houston expansion has been jaw-dropping," she says. "Up until now, CatchCorner’s launch in New York City had been our most successful market, but Houston has launched on par with it." The app has already seen a large number of users and venues joining, with over 70 venues in the process of launching, providing users with around 700 unique recreational spaces to choose from.
Available Sports and Venues
CatchCorner in Houston currently offers bookings for a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball, padel, baseball, and badminton. The app plans to include tennis, golf simulators, and ice rink sports soon. The most popular sports on the app are basketball, soccer, volleyball, and pickleball, with popular venues including The Zone Sports, Toros HTX, PAC Gym, and Houston Pickleball Center.
How to Use the App
Using CatchCorner is easy and straightforward. Users can pick their sport and browse venues with available slots, including distance from their location and booking schedules. The app also includes pictures of the facilities, allowing users to get a sense of the venue before booking. While the app is generally easy to use, occasional error messages may pop up when trying to book a slot, but it’s usually a three-click process.
Google Integration and Booking
In June, CatchCorner announced its integration with Google, allowing users to book venues directly from search results. This feature is available on both mobile and desktop versions and makes it even easier for people to schedule a quick pickup game. As Azouri explains, "It’s especially useful for casual players or people who want to organize something on short notice. Whether it’s a weekend basketball run, a weekday futsal match, or a spontaneous pickleball game with friends, CatchCorner makes it easy to coordinate without the usual logistical headaches."
Conclusion
CatchCorner has made it easy for people to book indoor sports facilities and organize games with friends. With its user-friendly interface, wide range of sports and venues, and Google integration, the app is a great resource for anyone looking to stay active and have fun. As Azouri notes, booking a game or workout should be as simple as booking a flight online, and CatchCorner is making that a reality. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, CatchCorner is definitely worth checking out.
