Why You Should Move from Meetup to OpenSports
If you're looking for a powerful alternative to Meetup for organizing sports and recreation events, OpenSports is the comprehensive solution you've been searching for.
Why Switch from Meetup to OpenSports?
Many organizers ask us, "Why should we choose OpenSports over Meetup?" The reality is that as groups grow and expand, they often encounter limitations and frustrations with Meetup. Here are some key reasons why OpenSports is a superior, sports-specific alternative:
Organizer Feedback Matters: Meetup rarely incorporates organizer feedback into product decisions. At OpenSports, we actively collaborate with our organizers to improve the platform.
Automatic Waitlists for Prepaid Games: Meetup does not support automatic waitlists for prepaid games, whereas OpenSports does.
Integrated Waivers: Meetup lacks built-in waiver functionality, a crucial feature for liability protection.
Advanced Discount Tools: OpenSports allows organizers to set up automatic or manual discounts with ease.
Sports-Specific Features: OpenSports enables organizers to manage multiple player roles (e.g., goalie vs. regular player) and set up teams seamlessly.
Granular Invitation System: OpenSports allows organizers to invite players based on sport, gender, skill level, availability, tags, membership status, and past event participation.
Enhanced RSVP and Payment System: OpenSports provides a more sophisticated system for RSVP management, payments, discounts, and on-site check-ins.
Customizable Event Filters: Organizers can set up filters to help players quickly find events that match their interests.
Reliable System: Meetup has been known to experience glitches that result in overbooked and uneven games. OpenSports ensures a smoother experience.
Membership Management: OpenSports allows you to create and manage memberships, such as 10-game passes, automatically.
In short, OpenSports offers a complete suite of features tailored to the needs of sports organizers. If you're hesitant about making the switch, as one of our satisfied customers put it, "The bandaid has to come off eventually!"
Who Uses OpenSports as a Meetup Alternative?
Across North America, the UK, Colombia, France, Australia, and New Zealand, hundreds of sports and social clubs, as well as pickup and drop-in sports groups, have successfully transitioned to OpenSports. These groups range from small communities of 15 members to large organizations with thousands of players.
Common sports organized through OpenSports include:
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Pickleball
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Tennis
- Kickball
- Hockey
- Cycling
- And many more!
Organizers who make the switch are often dedicated to their communities and willing to invest time in learning the platform. Once they transition, they experience a significant improvement in efficiency and player engagement.
Success Stories: Groups That Switched from Meetup to OpenSports
Several large sports organizations have moved from Meetup to OpenSports and continue to grow:
- Chicago Fire Recreational Soccer
- Philadelphia Volleyball – here is an announcement they made on Meetup to inform members about the transition:
- Sons of Pitches FC – Check out their pickup soccer page to see how they seamlessly integrate OpenSports events into their website.
How to Transition from Meetup to OpenSports
Making the switch is easy! Simply follow these three steps:
Create a Group on OpenSports via the web platform.
Set Up Events and explore the full range of features available to organizers.
Invite Your Members and encourage them to join your new community.
Concerned About Losing Meetup Members?
A common concern among organizers is whether they will lose their Meetup members. However, based on feedback from groups that have switched, the real focus should be on retaining active members rather than passive ones.
As one Meetup organizer in Florida noted:
"Out of 150 new people joining via Meetup every season, maybe 60 actually attend an event, 30 come three times, 10 come six times, and only four become regulars attending 10+ times per year."
Most OpenSports adopters successfully migrate around 90% of their active users, as these individuals are genuinely engaged in sports and willing to move to a new platform.
What Organizers Are Saying About OpenSports
"Changed our whole sports club operations. Fewer no-shows, managed memberships and payments all in one place, and a great messaging system." — Jeremiah Thomas, Doylestown Pickleball
"Since switching to OpenSports, management has become so easy. Members appreciate the fairness and automation, and payment collection is effortless." — Pittsburgh Badminton
Ready to Make the Switch?
We’d love to help you transition to OpenSports!
Questions? Send them our way: support@opensports.net
Let’s build a better sports community together! ✌️