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Sky Zone
Sky Zone
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Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park operator company based in Provo, Utah, often credited with opening the first indoor trampoline park in 2004.[1][2] SkyZone has been the location of lawsuits, criticism, and multiple over-100-person brawls. A number of injuries have been reported in toddlers, children, and adults, related to services offered by SkyZone which have been found unsafe by news investigations, lawsuits, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Sky Zone was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Rick Platt in the Las Vegas Valley, with the hope that the trampoline courts to be used as part of a new sport with professional athletes.[3] Platt spent US$2 million to build a 17,000 square foot (1,600 m2) trampoline arena in Las Vegas and to hire athletes for the sport, which would have included rotating hoops and mid-air acrobatics.[4] The sport failed to generate interest at the time, but local skateboarders learned of the facility and wanted to bounce on the court, which led to Platt charging admission.[3] Within six months, the facility had hosted 10,000 visitors.[3]

In 2006, Platt's son Jeff, who was a student at Washington University in St. Louis, opened a similar park in Missouri.[3]

In 2011, Sky Zone organized Ultimate Dodgeball, an extreme dodgeball competition played inside Sky Zone trampoline parks. The competition ran from that year to 2018, with championships featured on ESPN until the competition was closed.[5]

In 2012, Sky Zone became one of the founding members of the International Association of Trampoline Parks.[6]

In 2013, Sky Zone announced a master franchise license with Strike Bowling Bar to build 10 parks in Australia as well as future parks in New Zealand.[7] In May 2014, the company's Sky Zone Australia subsidiary began opening locations across Australia.[citation needed] In 2016, it was reported that the owner of Sky Zone Australia, Funlab, was putting up the Australian operation for sale. Funlab was also selling its Strike Bowling business.[8]

Also in 2016, trade publication Franchise Times ranked Sky Zone as No. 2 on the list of fastest growing franchises.[9]

In May 2017, the company announced the world's largest trampoline park was being built in Hyderabad, India.[10] In August, the company opened Sky Zone Hyderabad, the first trampoline park in India.[11][12][13] In December, the company opened a park in Cecil Township, Pennsylvania that included the company's first American Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.[14]

By 2018, Sky Zone had over 200 locations.[15] In February, American park operator CircusTrix, backed by private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners, announced that it had acquired Sky Zone.[16][15] In November, the company was featured in an episode of the American television program Undercover Boss.[17]

In 2019, the company reported 30 million annual visitors, and $380 million in revenue.[9] In November, the company announced a partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines, to put a Sky Zone trampoline park on the Carnival Panorama cruise ship.[18]

By November 2021, the company had more than 150 trampoline parks around the world.[9]

Attractions

[edit]

Typical Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Parks consist of several trampoline courts, which have trampolines for floors and walls.[19] Some Sky Zone parks include non-trampolining activities such as climbing, ninja warrior courses, slides, zip lines, toddler zones, challenge courses, and stunt bags.[20][10][14]

Larger courts allow for many visitors to bounce and jump simultaneously, while smaller courts are used for games of baseball and basketball, where players can bounce around to avoid being hit by other players' throws. Some courts allow visitors to bounce into a pit filled with foam blocks, and others feature basketball goals placed above trampolines, permitting visitors to bounce and slam dunk balls into the goals.[19] Some centers have started exercise classes using the trampoline courts.[4]

Injuries and lawsuits

[edit]

Sky Zone has been the subject of individual and class-action lawsuits due to injuries that have occurred in its trampoline parks.[21] According to research from the Children’s Hospital Colorado, presented through the American Academy of Pediatrics, the likelihood of sustaining a trampoline injury was 32% greater at a trampoline park than at home.[22][23]

To warn customers of injuries and discourage risky behavior, the company requires customers to watch a safety video, and sign waivers acknowledging the inherent danger of trampolining.[21][24] The company also trains its employees to separate customers by size, but investigative reports suggest that those guidelines are not always followed.[25] The waivers also require injuries to be addressed by arbitration.[21]

In 2017, a three-year-old suffered a broken bone at a "toddler time" jump activity offered by a Florida Sky Zone after an impact with a mat. Two years previously, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons stated that children under six should not be allowed to use trampolines, due to safety concerns.[26]

On September 12, 2020, an estimated 700 to 1000 people, mostly children, were trapped inside a Sky Zone park in Orland Park, Illinois during a large scale fight that included 200 children. The Sky Zone was shut down for safety violations, and reopened after going to court for an emergency order to stay in business.[27] The park sued to retain its business license and in December 2021 was allowed to remain open after agreeing to implement additional security and other safety measures.[28]

In November 2021, nearly 200 teenagers were involved in a brawl at a Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Tampa, Florida.[29] The park closed, and was evacuated, but the fight moved outside into the parking lot.[30] No arrests were made.[30]

A news investigation revealed a pattern of recurring injuries at Sky Zone parks, including broken bones. These injuries, the investigation found, were caused by people getting their feet caught in the trampolines' metal frame or by being fallen on by others.[25] A lawsuit connected to this investigation alleged dangerous design flaws, and pointed to internal Sky Zone worker manuals that warn about dangers with the pads, a warning reportedly not given to customers.[25]

Adults have also been part of these patterns of injuries. Joba Chamberlain, former New York Yankees pitcher, suffered from extreme blood loss after breaking his ankle at a Sky Zone park in 2012.[24]

Operations

[edit]

Sky Zone is headquartered in Provo, Utah. The company operates franchises in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Colombia, Guatemala, Kuwait, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.[31][32] It is a subsidiary of park operator CircusTrix.[16]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sky Zone is an American chain of indoor parks and active venues, founded in by Rick Platt as the world's first facility dedicated to wall-to-wall aerial activities. Headquartered in , it operates as the largest developer, operator, and franchisor of such parks, with more than 300 locations across the globe as of 2025. The company emphasizes safe, screen-free physical recreation for all ages, promoting benefits such as improved fitness, coordination, and social interaction through innovative play experiences. Sky Zone parks feature over 40 unique attractions, including freestyle jumping on interconnected trampolines, competitive and games adapted for aerial play, foam pits for safe landings, warped walls for climbing challenges, warrior-style obstacle courses, zip lines, and dedicated toddler zones for younger children. These activities cater to individuals, families, groups, and events like birthday parties and corporate team-building, with options for memberships providing recurring access and discounts. Since its inception, Sky Zone has expanded rapidly through franchising, achieving recognition on lists such as Franchise Times' Top 400 and Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, while serving over 800,000 members worldwide. In recent years, the company has announced openings of multiple new parks in key U.S. markets, including expansions in , New York, and , alongside international growth initiatives. Additionally, Sky Zone has introduced specialized concepts like Cloudbound, a play area for children aged 0–6, with initial locations planned in New York and

Founding and History

Founding

Sky Zone was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Rick Platt in the Las Vegas Valley, , marking the establishment of the world's first indoor . Platt, who had previously run a scrap metal business, envisioned an enclosed recreational space that would allow for free from outdoor variables such as weather, focusing on safe, continuous bouncing in a controlled environment. The initial single location emphasized wall-to-wall trampoline surfaces to create an immersive experience, drawing early visitors including local skate kids who paid $8 per session. The park's origins stemmed from Platt's ambition to develop a new professional sport involving , such as teams competing in while airborne, but this concept quickly proved unviable and was abandoned shortly after opening. Pivoting to general public access transformed the venue into a recreational destination, though early growth was hampered by the novelty of the indoor model, resulting in limited locations and reliance on local marketing like TV ads to attract around 10,000 visitors in the first few months. A key innovation during this period was the introduction of interconnected courts, featuring patented wall-to-wall and angled designs that enabled seamless, continuous bouncing across multiple surfaces without interruption. This engineering breakthrough enhanced safety and engagement in the enclosed space, setting the foundation for the business. In 2006, Platt's son, Jeff Platt, opened the first expansion location in , , which became profitable within six weeks and signaled the model's potential for broader adoption. Subsequent expansions and milestones are detailed in later sections of this entry.

Expansion and Milestones

From 2011 to 2018, Sky Zone hosted the annual Ultimate Dodgeball Championship, a competitive league featuring teams from across the competing on trampoline courts, with events broadcast on as part of its "The Ocho" programming. This media exposure significantly enhanced the brand's national visibility and contributed to rapid growth, culminating in nearly 300 owned and franchised locations by early 2018. In 2013, Sky Zone secured a agreement with Strike Bowling Bar to develop 10 locations in , along with plans for additional parks in , marking an early step in international expansion. By 2016, the company's aggressive growth trajectory earned it the No. 2 ranking on Franchise Times' Fast & Serious list of the smartest-growing franchise brands, highlighting its strong unit expansion and international momentum. A pivotal milestone occurred in 2018 when Holdings, a Provo, Utah-based operator of indoor recreation facilities backed by Equity Partners, acquired Sky Zone. This deal consolidated the two leading trampoline park chains, relocated Sky Zone's headquarters to Provo, and positioned the combined entity as the world's largest indoor active entertainment provider with enhanced resources for further development. In 2019, Sky Zone reported approximately 30 million annual visitors across its network and generated $380 million in systemwide revenue, underscoring its scale and market dominance prior to the disruptions. Following recovery and strategic investments post-2022, the company continued its expansion, reaching more than 300 locations worldwide as of 2025 and establishing a presence in markets including and .

Attractions and Activities

Core Attractions

Sky Zone's core attractions revolve around its expansive trampoline courts, which form the foundation of the park's offerings. The primary feature is the Freestyle Jump area, consisting of interconnected wall-to-wall s that allow visitors to bounce freely, perform flips, and engage in continuous aerial movement. This setup is designed to promote and coordination for participants of various ages, providing a large, open space for unrestricted jumping. Integrated into these courts are game-specific zones that enhance interactive play. Ultimate Dodgeball transforms the trampolines into a dynamic arena where players dodge soft foam balls while bouncing, fostering agility, quick reflexes, and teamwork. Similarly, SkySlam and SkyHoops incorporate lowered hoops positioned over trampoline surfaces, enabling participants to execute high-flying slam dunks and aerial shots that emphasize vertical leap and cardiovascular exercise. For safe execution of advanced maneuvers, Sky Zone includes foam pits and stunt bags as essential landing zones. The Foam Zone features deep pits filled with thousands of soft foam cubes, where jumpers can practice flips, dives, and tricks with minimal impact upon landing. Adjacent stunt bags, essentially large inflatable airbags, provide a cushioned surface for high-impact stunts, allowing users to launch from elevated platforms and land securely to build confidence in acrobatic skills. These attractions support a range of general activities centered on physical exercise and . Open jump sessions grant full access to the main courts, foam zones, and game areas during designated times, encouraging unstructured play and calorie-burning workouts. Fitness-oriented programs utilize the s for structured bouncing routines that target core strength, endurance, and full-body conditioning. Group games, including organized matches and team challenges, further promote collaborative fun while integrating the trampoline elements to amplify energy expenditure and enjoyment.

Specialized Zones and Programs

Sky Zone offers a variety of specialized zones designed to cater to specific age groups and skill levels, extending beyond standard activities to provide themed and interactive experiences. These zones incorporate elements like courses and aerial features to enhance engagement and physical challenges. The Toddler Zone is an enclosed, age-appropriate play area tailored for children aged 3 to 10, with a primary focus on those under 5, featuring soft mini-trampolines, padded s, and safe bouncing surfaces to promote physical and mental development without interference from older participants. This zone ensures a secure environment for young children and accompanying parents to explore and release energy, separated from main court areas to minimize risks. For more adventurous visitors, the Ninja Warrior Course draws inspiration from the television series, presenting an obstacle circuit that tests speed, strength, and agility through climbing walls, balance beams, and warped walls, suitable for participants of varying skill levels. These courses are available at select locations and encourage competitive play while building confidence and coordination. Aerial thrills are provided by the Zip Line, an indoor feature where participants soar across the park by gripping a line, culminating in a soft landing, accessible to all ages with supervision required for those under 13 to ensure safety. Complementing this, the Drop Slide delivers an exhilarating free-fall from significant heights into a padded landing area, appealing to thrill-seekers across age groups and fostering a in a controlled setting. In addition to these zones, Sky Zone runs structured programs that include themed events and organized activities. The Little Leapers program offers dedicated sessions for young children to enjoy play in a low-pressure, safe format, aligning with the Zone's focus. GLOW nights transform the park with glowing lights and effects for an immersive, after-dark experience suitable for all ages, adding a vibrant, party-like atmosphere. Birthday party packages are a cornerstone of Sky Zone's offerings, providing customizable options with reserved areas, staff supervision for setup and cleanup, and access to attractions like zip lines and slides, making them ideal for stress-free celebrations for children of various ages. Group events cater to schools, teams, and organizations, incorporating activities such as tournaments or team-building challenges on specialized zones. Fitness activities at select locations combine low-impact exercises and on trampolines, targeted at adults and older teens seeking an engaging workout alternative. Sensory Hours provide a calmer environment with adjusted and sound for individuals sensitive to stimulation, ensuring inclusivity across age groups. As of 2025, Sky Zone has introduced new attractions at select locations, including the Mega Launch Slide, a 25-foot slippery slide ending in an airbag landing, enhancing thrill options for visitors.

Operations and Business Model

Corporate Structure

Sky Zone functions as a subsidiary of CircusTrix Holdings, LLC, following its acquisition by the latter in 2018, with CircusTrix serving as a portfolio company of the Palladium Equity Partners. In 2023, CircusTrix rebranded to Sky Zone, aligning its more closely with the flagship trampoline park chain. The company's headquarters are situated in , at 86 North University Avenue, Suite 350, where it oversees central administration, marketing initiatives, and product development for its network of parks. Leadership at Sky Zone traces its roots to founders Rick Platt, who launched the initial concept in as an indoor venue in , and his son Jeff Platt, who joined as CEO and spearheaded franchising efforts that propelled the brand's growth. Following the 2018 acquisition, corporate strategy has emphasized scalable franchising models under the oversight of the parent entity to support expansion while maintaining brand standards. In October 2025, Sky Zone appointed new executives, including Sherin Sakr as President of International, to drive global growth initiatives. Sky Zone's relies primarily on ticket for admissions, recurring memberships for frequent visitors, and merchandise at its locations, contributing to total systemwide revenue of $380 million in 2019 and $642 million as of 2024.

Franchise and International Presence

Sky Zone operates as a franchised chain, having begun offering franchises in 2009, with the majority of its parks managed by independent franchisees under master franchise agreements, particularly for international markets. By 2025, the company has grown to over 300 locations worldwide, supported by more than 100 franchise owner groups across various regions. In the United States, Sky Zone maintains a strong domestic footprint, with more than 150 parks operating by 2021 and expansion continuing into 27 states by 2025. Concentrations are notable in populous states such as , where over 30 locations exist, alongside significant presences in and , driven by high-demand urban markets. Sky Zone's international expansion began in 2013 with a agreement for and , marking the first parks outside . By 2025, the brand has established presence in countries including , , , and , often through similar deals to adapt to local regulations and preferences. In October 2025, the company appointed executives to guide further international expansion.

Injury Risks and Safety Measures

Participation in trampoline park activities, such as those at Sky Zone, carries inherent risks of , with studies indicating a 32% higher likelihood of fractures among children at commercial facilities compared to home . Common injuries reported include sprains and strains, particularly to ankles and wrists; fractures, often in the lower extremities like the or ; and concussions resulting from collisions with other participants or falls from heights. These injuries typically occur during free-jumping sessions on interconnected trampoline surfaces, where the dynamic environment amplifies the potential for mishaps. Key risk factors contributing to these incidents involve the of interconnected courts, which facilitate user collisions as multiple individuals bounce unpredictably across linked surfaces. Additionally, the mixing of participants of varying ages and sizes in shared spaces can exacerbate dangers, as smaller children may be at higher when jumping alongside older or heavier individuals without consistent enforcement of grouping protocols. To mitigate these risks, Sky Zone implements several standardized safety measures, including mandatory viewing of pre-visit instructional videos that outline rules and proper techniques for all participants. All visitors must sign liability waivers acknowledging the activity's risks, and a strict policy requires wearing only designated non-slip SkySocks to enhance grip and prevent slips, while prohibiting street shoes and loose clothing. Sessions are actively monitored by trained staff who enforce rules such as one jumper per square where applicable and encourage body control to avoid head or neck landings. Furthermore, parks separate jumpers by age and weight in designated programs, such as times, to reduce collision risks.

Notable Incidents and Lawsuits

In 2017, a three-year-old boy suffered a broken while jumping on a during a "toddler time" session at the Sky Zone location in , requiring him to be placed in a full-body cast for several months. A large-scale disturbance occurred in September 2020 at the Sky Zone trampoline park in , where a fight broke out among an estimated 840 patrons, primarily juveniles, during an overcrowded "free jump" event, leading to chaos inside the facility and a disorderly evacuation that trapped individuals temporarily as police intervened. In November 2021, a brawl involving approximately 200 teenagers erupted at the Sky Zone in , starting from a minor altercation and escalating to widespread fighting that spilled into the parking lot, prompting an early closure and sheriff's deputy response with no arrests. In April 2025, police from multiple departments dispersed a crowd of approximately 200 juveniles from the in , following a fight during an at-capacity event; one juvenile was cited for battery, and the park received citations for reckless conduct and fire code occupancy violations, with no injuries reported. Several lawsuits have accused Sky Zone of defective designs contributing to injuries, including a 2024 case in where a nine-year-old boy allegedly sustained a compound fracture of his leg after his foot became caught in a frame, with the suit claiming the equipment was unreasonably dangerous due to inadequate padding and structural flaws. In September 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in Shultz v. Sky Zone, LLC that parents cannot bind their minor children to agreements or waive their right to a in claims arising from trampoline park incidents, invalidating such clauses in cases involving injuries to minors at Sky Zone facilities and emphasizing protections for non-signing parents and children. In January 2025, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries fined the owner of the Sky Zone in Tukwila more than $68,000 for labor violations, including denying meal breaks to teenage employees and allowing them to work excessive hours in violation of child labor laws, marking a repeat offense for the franchise. Reports from the 2020 Orland Park and 2021 Tampa incidents have drawn criticisms of inadequate supervision at Sky Zone locations, where overcrowding during promotional events allegedly enabled fights to escalate without timely intervention by staff. Recurring injury lawsuits against Sky Zone and affiliated parks, often citing similar design and oversight failures, have raised concerns about potential class-action litigation to address patterns of harm.

References

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