Between rising entertainment options and everyone's favorite excuse, “I've been meaning to come by,” just existing isn't enough to drive foot traffic anymore.

You need a game plan.

Whether you're in a small town or a big city, batting cages are competing with everything from TikTok trends to Topgolf-style experiences. But baseball still has a devoted fanbase and they're hungry for more ways to engage with the sport they love.

This guide is your playbook for getting them through the door. From online SEO tactics to old-school community events, we're covering the exact moves to make your batting cage the go-to spot for local sluggers, curious parents, high school teams, and more.

10 Ways to Get Baseball Fans Through Your Doors (and Keep Them Coming Back)

1. Partner with local schools and teams

If you're starting a batting cage business (or trying to grow one), your first MVPs are already out there: school teams, youth leagues, and local coaches.

These groups are always looking for reliable, weatherproof practice spaces, and they've got a built-in roster of players and parents who'll keep coming back if you deliver.

Reach out directly to athletic directors and team managers. Offer discounted packages, recurring time slots, or fundraising tie-ins that benefit their programs. Even something as simple as hosting a “Team Night” with custom cage time and a pizza table can build serious goodwill.

2. Show up in local search results

Most parents and players will type something like “batting cage near me” into Google. If your business doesn't show up, you're losing customers before you even know they exist.

Set up a Google Business Profile with up-to-date hours, photos, and contact info. Add keywords like “batting cages in [your city]” to your website and social media bios. And most importantly, ask happy customers to leave reviews; they carry more weight than you think.

3. Run themed promotions during baseball season

Baseball fans already have their calendars marked. Use that to your advantage.

Tie your promotions to big-league moments like Opening Day, All-Star Week, playoffs, or local championship games. Offer discounted cage time when the home team wins, or set up a “swing for prizes” challenge during the World Series.

Even something simple like “Buy 30 minutes, get 10 free during Game 7” can bring in repeat traffic and create buzz.

4. Use social media like a fan, not a brand

If your posts feel like ads, people will treat them like ads and scroll right past.

Instead, lean into the fandom. Share short videos of your best hitters, behind-the-scenes clips, or tips from coaches who train at your cages. Celebrate local wins. Ask followers to share their favorite walk-up song. Run giveaways tied to home runs or strikeout challenges.

Make it easy for visitors to tag you. Create a simple hashtag, encourage check-ins, and reshare anything your fans post.

5. Create packages for birthdays and team parties

Batting cages are perfect for group celebrations, too. Offer all-in-one packages to make it easy for parents, coaches, and team organizers to book parties. Think cage time, a party area, pizza add-ons, and maybe a few fun extras like speed pitch challenges or mini trophies.

Include pricing upfront, offer online booking, and keep the process simple. People are more likely to book when it feels turnkey and stress-free. Word spreads fast when you host a good party. Make sure every group leaves with a smile and a reason to tell others.

6. Offer beginner clinics or pro coaching

Not everyone walking into your batting cage is a seasoned hitter. Some are trying it for the first time. Others want to level up their swing.

Offering beginner clinics makes your space more welcoming to new players, while private or small-group coaching attracts serious athletes looking to improve. You can bring in local coaches, retired players, or even high-performing high schoolers to lead sessions.

Promote these options clearly on your site and social channels. Frame it as skill-building, not just cage time.

7. Host community events or mini competitions

Want to create a loyal fanbase? Give people something to show up for.

Organize home run derbies, speed pitch contests, or themed nights like “Parents vs. Kids” or “Lefty Challenge.” Keep it light, fun, and brag-worthy. Offer small prizes, post the winners on your wall, and make it a recurring thing.

These events turn your batting cage into more than just a facility. They create shared memories, friendly rivalries, and word-of-mouth marketing you can't buy.

8. Tap into nostalgia

Baseball fans aren't just kids. Many adults grew up playing and still miss the thrill of stepping into the cage.

Use nostalgia to bring them back. Create targeted promos like “Hit Like It's 1999” or “High School Heroes Night” where adults get discounted sessions and a scoreboard to track their best hits. Run a friendly leaderboard for former players. Offer special rates for father-son or sibling cage sessions.

These touches are sentimental and strategic. Adults have spending power, crave connection, and are more likely to bring friends or family along for the ride.

9. Get local press and PR

You don't need national coverage to make a splash. Local press can drive serious awareness, especially when you're part of the community story.

Reach out to neighborhood papers, radio stations, and community blogs with a simple pitch. Highlight a new event, a local athlete training at your facility, or a partnership with a school or charity. Invite reporters to try the cages or cover a fun competition. Provide quotes, photos, and a clear reason why it matters to their audience.

Don't wait to be discovered. Be newsworthy on purpose. Local coverage builds credibility, improves search visibility, and puts your business in front of the people who are most likely to visit.

10. Offer membership perks and loyalty rewards

Offer punch cards, monthly membership deals, or digital check-in rewards. Give loyal visitors early access to events, free cage time after a set number of visits, or small perks like branded merch or guest passes.

Keep the system simple and visible. Use signs near the register, a rewards section on your website, and regular reminders on social.

Grow the Game, Grow Your Business

Whether it's a Little League team, a nostalgic dad, or a group of friends looking for something fun to do on a Friday night, your batting cage can be a favorite hangout, a training ground, and a local staple.

Start small. Stay consistent. And keep swinging.