Oulu and Technology: Nallisport Seeks Ways to Add Value for Its Customers
One of the northernmost tennis locations in the world. At the same time, one of the most active. Oulun Verkkopalloseura (OVS-Tennis) and the racket sports center Nallisport are continuously looking for ways to increase player satisfaction.
Serving the people of Oulu since 1990, this comprehensive racket sports facility today offers a wide range of sports and services: six indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, five squash/squash 57 courts, four indoor and two outdoor padel courts, eight badminton courts, two floorball/futsal courts, and two table tennis tables. Additionally, the center features a café building, a gym, and the facilities of Oulu PT Studio.
“We have significantly expanded the hall and our operations in recent years, making several improvements. Our latest expansion was in 2021 when we took down the old bubble structure and replaced it with a new tennis and padel hall,” says Nallisport CEO Juho Antila.
In terms of tennis technology, Nallisport took a step toward modernization in the summer of 2023.
“We acquired Zenniz for three courts in preparation for the Tennis League.”
Zenniz is the official technology partner of the Finnish Tennis Association. One of the cornerstones of the partnership is the TEHO Tennis League, the club championship series, where Zenniz enables line call challenges and streaming.
Thanks to positive experiences, Oulu decided to invest further, equipping the remaining three indoor tennis courts with Zenniz in the summer of 2024.
“The players’ first reaction is always ‘Wow, this is so cool!’ People started booking the Zenniz courts right away. There is a strong tennis boom in Finland, especially among adult recreational players who are extremely eager to absorb additional information and improve their game.”
Antila explains that players are very excited about the statistics, which help them analyze and develop their game regardless of skill level. Oulu is among the leading cities in Zenniz usage; while the ball is in play, the system is active over 70% of the time.
“It’s extremely rare for the device not to be in use.”
Even Antila himself has found a new perspective on his game.
“I used to think my one-handed backhand was weaker and that my forehand was better. The statistics showed that my backhand was actually more reliable than my forehand. Until then, I had based my belief on my own perception, but with data, I was able to challenge myself. Now, I confidently play more topspin backhands.”
What is behind Oulu’s high usage rates?
“Our usage rates are generally very high, and club activities are active. In addition, Oulu is not only a sports and tennis city but also a technology city—could there be a connection? This is where Nokia, Oura, and iLOQ originated.”
Antila emphasizes that all development work is done with the customer in mind.
“We keep asking ourselves: how can we create added value for our customers? Zenniz delivers that.”