Padel Pals has opened in Mesa, introducing Arizona’s first indoor padel venue. The 44,000‑square‑foot, climate‑controlled facility at 4945 S. 71st St. features seven courts and aims to attract players to a sport that already counts an estimated 25 million participants worldwide.
A social and competitive hub
The club emphasizes accessibility with no membership fees and a strong focus on community. A spokeswoman explained that Padel Pals is “positioning Arizona as the newest hotspot for a sport that blends the strategy of tennis, the energy of pickleball, and the cultural buzz of an international phenomenon.”
What is padel
Padel resembles doubles tennis but is played on a smaller court surrounded by walls, incorporating elements of squash. Every match is doubles, and the ball can bounce off the walls after landing on the court, adding unique tactical dimensions to the game.
Global growth and U.S. expansion
Invented in Mexico in 1969, padel has grown rapidly in Europe and Latin America but has been slower to expand in the United States. In 2023, there were 56 venues with 180 courts across the country, compared to Spain’s 15,000 courts. The United States Padel Association projects more than 30,000 courts nationwide by 2030.
Leadership and vision
Padel Pals is backed by CEO Armando Acevedo, coach and co‑founder Carlos Pereyra, and world champion boxer Oscar Valdez. “We built a club ahead of its time, designed from feedback from players around the world,” Acevedo said. “Mesa stood out for its growth, diversity, and energy — it’s the perfect place to bring an international sport to a community that’s ready for it.”
Facilities and programs
The venue includes a bar, lounge, co‑working spaces, and a kids’ zone. Pereyra’s Padel Academy offers private lessons, free community clinics, and structured training programs. Weekly leagues, USPA‑sanctioned tournaments, and themed “Padel Pals Nights” with DJs and food trucks are also planned.
The appeal of padel
“The magic of padel is that it makes people feel like athletes again,” Pereyra said. “You can pick up a racket for the first time and be rallying within minutes. We’ve created a space where anyone—from first‑timers to seasoned competitors—can train hard, play with purpose, and still unwind afterward.”
Future plans
With padel under consideration for inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games, Padel Pals intends to host two to three USPA tournaments in its first year and expand with a second location in Tempe or Scottsdale by early 2026.
Courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and can be booked via phone or the Playtomic app.
