A Swedish brand is set to open a significant UK padel venue in Bristol next month. With 14-courts, Rocket Padel claims its forthcoming site in St Annes will be the largest padel venue in the country.
Padel is a racket sport mainly played in doubles on an enclosed indoor court surrounded by glass and three-quarters the size of a tennis court. It is also likened to squash, first originating in Mexico in the 1960s, using the same scoring and similar rules to tennis.
The sport has soared in popularity recently, particularly in Spain, with famous fans, including tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and footballer Lionel Messi. With an estimated 25 million regular players worldwide, its current vogue has been attributed to how simple it is to pick up and take part in fast-paced games.
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Rocket Padel also claims that its centre will create an accessible social experience for players of all ages and abilities at an affordable price. Many players are also said to enjoy the convivial element of the sport, something that Rocket Padel will be fostering in its new venue with social spaces, a shop, a bar, food and drink vendors, as well as heated locker rooms, breakout areas, and an on-site conference room.
In terms of sports facilities, Rocket Padel Bristol will house 12 panoramic doubles courts and two dedicated singles courts, which will be the first of its kind in the UK. Four courts will also have audience stands for exhibition and tournament matches. Rocket Padel’s network of Lawn Tennis Association-qualified coaches and managers will be available to provide both individual and group coaching.
Rocket Padel said it plans to open more centres across the UK in 2023 and 2024, but the sport already has a strong foothold in the South West, with Padel4All in Lockleaze, We are Padel in Lawrence Hill and Surge Padel opening in Fishponds at the end of this month.
Sebastian Gordon, founder of Rocket Padel, said: “Padel is growing at a phenomenal rate, and we are thrilled to be building a strong and sustainable grassroots foundation for the growth of the sport in the UK. The beauty of Padel is in its accessibility, it is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
"With high-quality courts, LTA-trained coaching, and a premium service that doesn’t cost the world, Rocket Padel will open up an activity that we adore to a whole new country of players.”
Rocket Padel currently has over 50 courts across Scandinavia and plans to open more venues in the UK in 2023 and 2024. Rocket padel Bristol is situated on St Annes Road, BS4 4EB and will open to the public on Saturday, April 22.
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