What Is a Challenge Court? Inside The Lab's 4.5+ Court in Miami
The short answer
At The Lab Pickleball in Miami, the Challenge Court is one court reserved for 4.5+ players at every open play session, with DUPR verification. It runs next to the 3.0–3.6 and 3.7–4.4 levels, so the best players get the best games in the building. No DUPR rating yet? The weekly club rating session places you.
What is a Challenge Court?
At The Lab Pickleball in Miami, the Challenge Court is one court reserved for 4.5+ players at every open play session, with DUPR verification. It's where the best games in the building happen.
It isn't a separate event or a special night. It runs inside regular open play, on its own court, every session.
The Lab is the club for good players and competitive play, led by JC (Juan Carlos Saez), a former pro. The Challenge Court is the top of that.
Who is the Challenge Court for?
Players with a DUPR rating of 4.5 or higher, verified through DUPR.
At that level, games look different. Players usually:
- Hit consistent third-shot drops and resets.
- Win long dink exchanges with patience, not just pace.
- Control speed-ups and counters at the kitchen line.
- Make few unforced errors.
If you want to play good games against good players, this is the court.
How does it fit with the 3.0–3.6 and 3.7–4.4 levels?
Open play at The Lab is skill-verified. Every open play session runs three levels side by side:
| Level | Who it's for | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0–3.6 | Players rated 3.0 to 3.6 | Skill-verified open play |
| 3.7–4.4 | Players rated 3.7 to 4.4 | DUPR verification |
| 4.5+ Challenge Court | Players rated 4.5 and up | DUPR verification |
Because the levels are split, nobody has to carry a mixed game. The #1 thing keeping Miami players from playing more? Mixed-level games.
Not sure where you fit? Read which open play level to book. If you're between two levels, start in the lower one and move up.
How do you get on the Challenge Court?
- Get a verified DUPR rating of 4.5+. DUPR rates every player on one scale from 2.000 to 8.000, based on real match results.
- No DUPR rating yet? Players without a DUPR rating join our weekly club rating session first, so we can place you on the right court.
- Book the Challenge Court on Playbypoint: book.thelabpb.com.
Rated 3.7–4.4 today? Play the 3.7–4.4 level at the same session and move up when your DUPR reaches 4.5.
When does the Challenge Court run?
At every open play session. Open play runs 7 days a week:
| Day | Open play |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 6–9 PM |
| Friday | Friday Socials (times coming soon) |
| Saturday–Sunday | 9 AM–12 PM |
Coming from Doral, Midtown, South Beach or Surfside? Weeknights fit after work, and weekend mornings leave the rest of the day free. The club is at 1255 NW 135th St, North Miami, FL 33168, with free on-site parking. See the full schedule.
What does it cost?
The Challenge Court is part of founding membership: $99/month for the first 50 members, then $139/month. Members play unlimited, 7 days a week.
Want to try open play first? Create a free member account on Playbypoint for $18 drop-ins. Compare every option on the membership page.
The quick version
The Challenge Court at The Lab in Miami is one court reserved for 4.5+ players at every open play session, with DUPR verification. It runs next to the 3.0–3.6 and 3.7–4.4 levels, 7 days a week. Get a verified DUPR of 4.5+ (or come to the weekly club rating session), then book on Playbypoint. Founding members play unlimited for $99/month (first 50, then $139).
See the schedule · Compare memberships · Book the Challenge Court · Open play levels
FAQ
What is a challenge court in pickleball?
At The Lab in Miami, the Challenge Court is one court reserved for 4.5+ players at every open play session, with DUPR verification. It's where the strongest players in the building play each other.
Do I need a DUPR rating to play the Challenge Court?
Yes. The Challenge Court is for 4.5+ players with DUPR verification. No DUPR rating yet? Message us to book the weekly club rating session, which places you on the right court.
When does the Challenge Court run?
At every open play session: Monday to Thursday 6–9 PM and Saturday to Sunday 9 AM–12 PM. Book it on Playbypoint.
Is the Challenge Court included in membership?
Yes. The Challenge Court is part of founding membership, and members play unlimited. Founding membership is $99/month for the first 50 members, then $139/month.
What if my DUPR is between 3.7 and 4.4?
Book the 3.7–4.4 level, which also requires DUPR verification and runs at the same sessions. When your DUPR reaches 4.5, move up to the Challenge Court.