You already know pickleball, but now it’s time for the other racquet sensation sweeping the globe. St. Pete Athletic just debuted the city’s first padel courts as part of their recently finished 20,000-sq-ft expansion.
Let’s get right to the main points here. First, the club remains open to the public, which means anyone can sign up for an available time slot to hop on the court and start working on your padel game. Membership at St. Pete Athletic does come with a host of benefits worth checking out, so if you think you’ll play often, we recommend joining the waitlist.
Second, we’ll answer the question that some are certainly wondering: what is padel? The answer, via St. Pete Athletic: “Padel, often described as a blend of tennis and squash, has seen explosive growth globally over the past decade, with millions of players across Europe and rapidly accelerating adoption in the United States. Its approachable, social nature has made it one of the most in-demand racquet sports worldwide.”
Like pickleball, it’s an approachable game. You can make it as competitive or laid back as you like, as intense or leisurely as you need. And of course, if you prefer to stick to pickleball, that’s the sport that inspired St. Pete Athletic from the start. There’s still plenty of room for both.
“From the beginning, our vision has been about creating a place where people come together through sport, wellness, and community” said Reuben Pressman, Owner of St. Pete Athletic. “Bringing padel to St. Pete is a natural extension of that vision. It’s a sport that’s inherently social, incredibly fun, and accessible to all levels. This expansion allows us to continue building something that feels bigger than just courts; it’s about community.”
The new courts are part of St. Pete Athletic’s recently completed expansion, adding nearly 20,000 square feet to the indoor facility. The addition includes two padel courts and 6 new pickleball courts, bringing the club’s total to 14 pickleball courts, alongside its existing table tennis and hospitality offerings, including Rose’s Dining & Drinks, a classic Florida-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar, and cafe.
Overall, the 50,000 square foot facility has quickly become a hub for the community, from families and professionals to serious sportsmen alike. Learn more about St. Pete Athletic here.
