#tonsley

Squash South Australia (SA) has opened the world’s first 24 hour permanent, public access glass show court squash facility in Tonsley. The modern technology and round-the-clock hours of the court have been designed to appeal to more people in the area.

While normally, only professional squash players get the experience of playing on a glass court, this facility gives everyone that opportunity. The court also has automated lighting and welcome messages, along with Bluetooth hook up for players to stream their own music while playing.

The court has already drawn a large amount of attention, and the Squash SA staff have been promoting the facility to those interested, along with local news stations. The launch party attracted 130 guests from across Adelaide, including players, local council members, and residents of the Tonsley Innovation District, all keen to see the court in action.

Since the opening, the court has seen a steady increase in bookings. Even more impressive, the bookings are from people who are new to squash entirely, particularly university students. This result is exactly what the facility aims to do: give anyone the opportunity to go from a first-time player to an experienced regular.

Squash SA’s CEO, Phil Sinnott believes the technology of this facility will raise the image of squash as a modern sport.

“Through the court at Tonsley, Squash SA hopes to introduce new innovative programs that use visual projections to modernise the way we play, appeal to wider populations, and increase the ability for one-person play. Innovative game structure will promote the sport as fun and healthy, and introduce competition without the traditional structure of commitment,” Sinnott said.