Life Time CEO, Bahram Akradi, plans to remove the ONLY remaining basketball court at the Downtown Life Time without consideration of its members. 

Dear Mr. Akradi,

We write to you as concerned and loyal members of Life Time’s Downtown Minneapolis – Target Center location. It has come to our attention that the club plans to remove the remaining and only full basketball court, replacing it with CrossFit equipment. We respectfully urge you to reconsider this decision for the sake of your members, the local community, and the long-term health of the Life Time brand in the downtown Minneapolis market.

Basketball is more than just a recreational option at this location—it is a vital part of the club’s identity and a key reason many of us became (and remain) Life Time members. On any given day, you will find parents training their children, organized 5-on-5 competitive runs, and members of all ages using the court to stay active, build relationships, and find community in the heart of downtown.

This isn’t the first time basketball has taken a back seat. The previous removal of one basketball court in favor of pickleball may not have delivered the engagement and revenue it was projected to generate. We believe repeating that mistake—this time with LT Games equipment—will only further alienate a passionate and consistent segment of your membership base.

From a business perspective, the proposal is puzzling. From a community perspective, it feels dismissive. The court has long served as a gathering space and a wellness outlet for people from all walks of life. Its removal sends the message that Life Time is moving away from its commitment to providing holistic, community-driven health and fitness experiences.

We ask you to listen to the voices of your downtown members who value this amenity deeply. Reconsider this decision. Preserve the basketball court. Show us that Life Time continues to be the inclusive, member-first organization it promises to be.

Respectfully,

Life Time Target Center Members & Supporters