My main question is why isn't there a gym like that in the Bay Area -- is it more popular in LA (or more popular with people who have money to fund these projects)? From what I understand, they have a lifetime membership fee you can pay ($1000 or something like that). Other than how they structured their membership fees, what other hurdles did they have to go through? Anyone care to theorize why we can't (or better yet, why we can) do this in the Bay Area? ..and if we can, why don't we start organizing now? I don't really know any of the badminton bigwigs of the Bay Area -- what would they say? What if got the support of all the clubs in the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula and the City -- surely something could happen if someone were to get things moving?
I assume you're talking bout OCBC...and one big thing they have going is US Badminton holds much of their training there, so it's a 'major' site, easy to concentrate revenue and advertising. Perhaps a potential beginning in the bay area was that of City Beach, with a club membership set up in colloboration with Badminton Alley and others, but unfortunately, that ended promptly. Another problem may be that the bay is so far spread out, and one site wouldn't be able to satisfy the pennisula, east, or south bays
maybe like OCBC, but more like the San Gabriel Badminton Club gym ...the San Gabriel Badminton Club gym on 9255 Telstar Street (El Monte, California) is the gym I'm talking about. It's this converted warehouse with over 12 courts -- and it's only for badminton. I'm wondering what the story was on who how they got this organized. I don't think the bay area is that spread out. I'd say people in San Jose probably wouldn't like to travel all the way up 101 to San Francisco and vice versa. If this gym where somewhere in the middle like the San Mateo area I think that would be best.
Maybe it's time that someone in the Bay Area think about leasing some warehouse space and converting it into badminton courts. I did some research (for Vancouver) and figured that it would cost upwards of Cdn$70,000 a year in rent for about 10 courts (1400 square feet per court). The floor is gonna cost a bundle because you are looking at 14,000 square feet and you probably want wood flooring which can last up to 50 years. You will need at least 28 feet ceiling height and have to put in the proper lighting, etc. It's ain't cheap. The floor will need polishing twice a year and needed to be swept daily. But upside is that you can probably charge $500+ for membership per year and membership can be quite large with 10 courts available 24x7.
it is being attempted. USABNC (USA Badminton Northern California) is a recently formed organization. they are trying to do exactly that, find a place to have a full time, badminton only gym. obviously, things like this takes time and money, and a lot of dedication. so i guess for now, be patient, or if you think you have the resource, give them a hand instead of just complaining about it? they have a website www.usabnc.org
My only complaint is... "so i guess for now, be patient, or if you think you have the resource, give them a hand instead of just complaining about it? " Who's complaining? Hey man, I just figured I'd use badmintonforum.com as a forum on badminton... If it's true that there is currently an organized effort to create one of these gyms -- that's great, fantastic. I didn't realize this was going on. I just think it's better for the sport in general, a small step toward the popularization of badminton in the United States... but I'd say quite a large step for badminton in the Bay Area.
I've been to the San Gabriel/Pasadena BC site. It took the place of the old Pasadena BC site that was closed down in old-town Pasadena (which was home to many great players). Anyone can walk in to the San Gabriel Club any evening or weekend and pay for that session. If you become a member, they give you a key to get in anytime. The playing surface is some kind of mat, not wood. It takes some getting used to if you've always played on wood.
Pacifica attempt I remember a proposal for a facility in Pacifica back in the 80s. Pacifica is hardly a convenient location for much of the bay area. The facility was to be set up primarily for junior development. Players in the bay area were asked for donations to make this proposal a reality. However, no assurances were made that the gym would be open to the general public. It didn't sound as if it was even going to be available to those who made donations. It is no wonder that this proposal never made it.
well, two years later, we still don't have a 24 hrs gym like San Gabriel, but we do have a much nicer dedicated badminton gym now. Bintang opened up less than a year ago and there are 11 courts. the gym imho is much nicer than SG. it is a much more opened an environment. SG has a bit of a run down feel to it. the only complaints i have heard is that the floor is a bit hard on the knees.
New facility like SGVBC Hello all, I noticed you had some interesting numbers and stats for setting up a badminton facility. I am currently in process of writing a business proposal for a badminton facility that I would like to open in the City of Industry/Diamond Bar area in LA county. Do u have any other current info and stats?
How about insurance bill? Since there are a lot of Hsu Ha Pee families (Mr. Sr. Jr. and Ms) living in Bay area...
well list a few then thats what im asking thats all. also that doesnt charge alot i dont want to pay a membership fee or anything like that
