As sports facilities expand their hours and diversify their offerings, one thing is becoming clear: secure, automated access is no longer optional - it’s essential. Whether you're managing a small batting cage or a large indoor multi-sport complex, smart door locks and digital access control systems can help you do more with less: fewer staff, fewer interruptions, and more revenue opportunities during off-peak hours.
In this post, we’ll cover what access control is, how smart locks work in sports environments, and how the right setup can increase both security and profitability. We’ll also link to specific tools and technologies to help you take the next step.
What Is Access Control, and Why Does It Matter for Sports Facilities?
Access control refers to the ability to manage who enters your facility, when, and under what conditions. With smart door locks and a connected scheduling system, you can grant access based on memberships, bookings, staff schedules, or special events, eliminating the need for someone to be present at the front desk.
This is particularly valuable in environments like:
- 24-hour gyms
- Turf and court rentals
- Personal training studios
- Seasonal or multi-sport fieldhouses
- Off-peak drop-in facilities like batting cages, basketball courts, etc.
Why Facilities Are Turning to Smart Locks
We’ve previously talked about the importance of increasing space utilization in off-peak hours. Automated remote access is a key enabler. By securely opening your doors at 5 a.m. or keeping them available after 10 p.m., you can attract new members, accommodate solo training sessions, or even rent out space to local coaches and teams.
It also means:
- No more lost keys or rekeying costs
- No need for reception staff during low-traffic times
- Clear access logs for every door use
- Peace of mind with PIN, app, or card access
Smart Lock Options for Different Facility Types
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to door locks. Your setup will depend on the type of doors you have, the level of access control you need, and your budget.
🏢 Standard Studio or Office Doors (Deadbolts)
These are common in boutique fitness studios, smaller gyms, and training facilities.
Recommended locks:
- Salto XS4 Keypad or Wall Reader – Enterprise-grade, great for member fobs or cards
- Avigilon Smart Readers – High-security, multi-access method
- Brivo Systems – Suitable for shared entries or commercial installs
💰 Cost estimate: $200–$400 (plus optional keypad or bridge)
🪟 Glass Doors with Metal Frames (Commercial/Shared Buildings)
Often found in larger indoor complexes or retail units, and commercial buildings adapted for sports usage.
Recommended locks:
- Salto XS4 Keypad or Wall Reader – Enterprise-grade, great for member fobs or cards
- Avigilon Smart Readers – High-security, multi-access method
- Brivo Systems – Suitable for shared entries or commercial installs
💰 Cost estimate: $2,000–$5,000 (typically requires professional installation)
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Revenue & Operational Benefits of Smart Access
Our guide on maximizing profitability highlighted how resource optimization and automation are key to growing a sustainable facility. Access control supports this in several ways:
✅ Expand usable hours without adding staff
✅ Enable self-service rentals and drop-in access
✅ Increase perceived security and professionalism
✅ Track access data to monitor usage trends
And for facilities renting space to third parties, it allows you to grant temporary access to coaches, event organizers, or after-hours clients without needing someone on-site.
Concerns with 24x7 & unstaffed hours
Generating additional revenue at all hours of the day sounds great in theory; however, there are some concerns to be aware of. Two of the biggest problems we hear from facility owners are liability and equipment damage/theft. Let’s touch on these two risks and how you can overcome them.
How Do We Protect Against Liability?
Injuries can happen whether your facility is staffed or not, which makes having a signed release of liability waiver essential for protecting your business.
If you’re planning to offer 24/7 access, it’s a good idea to include specific language in your waiver that addresses the risks of using the facility during unstaffed hours. This helps set expectations and adds an extra layer of legal protection.
Not sure what to include? Read our full guide on why every sports facility needs a liability waiver.
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How Do We Keep Equipment Safe During Unstaffed Hours?
One common concern with 24/7 access is equipment security. Without staff on-site, the risk of theft or damage can feel higher. However, Swift helps reduce that risk by tying access codes directly to bookings, so you’ll always know who was in the facility at any given time. When paired with security cameras, you can easily narrow down when something went missing and identify potential culprits.
Some facilities also choose to lock away high-value gear or tech during unstaffed hours for added protection.
That said, operating without staff does come with some hidden costs. Things like clogged toilets, missing baseballs, or lights left on overnight can lead to additional maintenance, utilities, or after-hours cleaning fees. While these issues are manageable, they’re worth factoring in when weighing the benefits of increased revenue through automated access.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before installing any lock, consider:
- What type of door and frame do you have
- What kind of access methods will your members prefer (PIN, app, card)
- Whether your lock needs to be Wi-Fi-enabled, Zapier-compatible, or professionally installed
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Final Thoughts: Smart Access Is Smart Business
If you’re looking for ways to increase revenue, streamline operations, and enhance your facility’s security, access control is one of the highest ROI upgrades you can make. With the right smart lock system, you can serve more members, open up new time slots, and take back your own time - all while keeping your facility secure and professional.
Ready to explore how this fits into your operations? Book a free demo with a member of our team to see access control in action and get set up with automated door codes in a matter of hours.
