Pickleball in the Sky? San Francisco Eyes Rooftop Courts

San Francisco’s transit agency, Muni, is considering an unexpected revenue stream to help address its looming $322 million budget deficit—pickleball. This past Tuesday, the Board of Directors discussed transforming the rooftops of the city’s underused Fifth and Mission and Sutter-Stockton parking garages into pickleball or tennis courts. As parking revenues continue to decline—down over 50% in some areas—the agency is exploring creative ways to repurpose its 39 parking facilities. With 19,000 square feet available on each rooftop, these spaces could accommodate at least 12 pickleball courts, offering a potential new revenue stream while addressing the city’s demand for more courts.

While the idea is still in its early stages, local pickleball advocates see potential. Competitive pricing could make rooftop courts an attractive alternative to high-end clubs like Bay Club. However, success will depend on amenities such as wind screens, restrooms, and food options, particularly if the city aims to draw corporate events—an increasingly lucrative sector for pickleball venues. The East Cut courts near the Transbay Transit Center, which charge $100 per hour per court for corporate events, provide a model for profitability. If Muni plays its cards right, these garages could transform into pickleball hubs, bringing energy back to underutilized downtown spaces.

Beyond revenue, the plan could also serve San Francisco’s growing young pickleball community. Coach Lisa Shaw notes that players aged 23 to 35 are packing city courts, particularly on weekends and after work, with limited nighttime options. A centrally located rooftop pickleball club could provide a much-needed urban play space while making the return to office life more enticing. Whether this proposal gains traction remains to be seen, but if successful, it could mark a shift in how cities think about urban recreation and underutilized infrastructure.