[Matchless]

SlowHuck, I was actually writing an article for one of the magazines on this very subject, but I did not get it done in time for this past indoor season....
Anyway, to answer your question, here are some answers....

What kind of place? ---> Churches, Private Schools, Public Schools, Multi-Use facilities (hold everything from rodeos to flea markets) Colleges, Ice Skating rinks, Local Armory's, older airports (former military is a plus because of the size of their hangars). ETC.

How to approach them? ---> I think you have to decide your intended purpose first? Is this a short term deal? Do you want to make a longer term, ongoing club thing? Do you want to host an event there eventually?
After I've answered the questions above, I typically walk in in my business dress clothes and ask to speak to the facility administrator (It helps me a little bit that I have facilities under me at my work). I then explain what I am inquiring about and for what term. I also always have my AMA card handy and explain what the AMA can do (insurance certificates, etc).

I've been lucky. I've been told 'no' a few times and 'yes' a few times - and I have not yet had to pay for a facility I arranged for myself.... I also have a handful of friends that are much better at this stuff than I am......

Some other things I've experienced-- Private schools and churches are more likely to say yes than a public school. Some of those listed above make money renting to people like ourselves, and some are just happy to allow someone to use the facility when others are not. You are typically fighting for floor time against little-league basketball and volleyball at the schools and churches. It helps greatly to get on their schedule early whatever the facility is that you are talking to.......

Good luck Les!