The Importance of Third Place
2 MIN READ
“More than 610 million people play basketball” and there are “more than 3.3 billion basketball fans globally.” [1] However, the sport’s popularity is outpacing available infrastructure.
Access to indoor courts is scarce. Renting one can cost $200 to $400 an hour, making regular play unrealistic. Leagues require full teams, fees of $600 or more, and only offer full-length games, creating a higher risk of injury. Gym memberships seem like a solution, but even at $1,000 to $3,000 a year, courts are often closed for classes or events. This creates a systemic failure: indoor courts exist, but affordable, reliable access does not.
Ray Oldenburg, the sociologist who introduced the concept of the Third Place, argued that community “cries for the means for people to gather easily, inexpensively, regularly, and pleasurably.” Where “concerns of home are left behind, and the concerns of work are not yet encountered.” [2]
Our organization provides free access to indoor basketball courts with a consistent year-round schedule and opportunities to support mental and physical health through our Three Point Club.
James Naismith, the founder of basketball, said, “I decided that the only real satisfaction that I would ever derive from life was to help my fellow beings.” [3] To him, the court was a kind of chapel. “Naismith wanted to create a sanctuary in all its meanings—safety, refuge, retreat—in order for anyone to feel like they’re here and they’re okay here.” [4]
We want to give everyone—regardless of their experience or fitness level—a comfortable, welcoming place to play, learn, and feel included.
“When you’re on the court you get away from everything, everybody, the world. It’s your safe haven, just you and your teammates.” — Magic Johnson [5]
[1] FIBA. “FIBA Celebrates More Than 610 Million Players Globally on Second Edition of WBD.” FIBA Basketball, 24 Aug. 2024.
[2] Oldenburg, Ray. The Great Good Place. Paragon House, 1989.
[3] Naismith, James. Basketball: Its Origin and Development. University of Nebraska Press, 1996.
[4] Hollander, David. How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Principles for Reimagining What’s Possible. Harmony Books, 2023.
[5] Basketball: A Love Story. Directed by Dan Klores, ESPN Films, 2018.