Pickleball and Padel Venue in Boston: A new 30,000-square-foot outdoor sports and social complex called Ballers is opening in Boston’s Seaport this July. The venue will feature five pickleball courts and three padel courts, along with a bar, an outdoor café, and community events like tournaments and theme nights.
Courts and social areas will be open to everyone. No membership is required, though optional two-tier memberships will offer extra perks. When winter arrives, the pickleball courts will become an ice rink with heaters and seasonal drinks like hot toddies to keep guests warm.
Major Names Backing the Launch
Ballers is supported by several well-known athletes. Tennis legends Kim Clijsters, Sloane Stephens, and Andre Agassi (now playing pickleball), along with pickleball pro Connor Garnett and NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey, are all investors.
The first Ballers location will open in Philadelphia in mid-June, followed by the Boston opening in mid-July. The company hopes to expand to over 50 locations across the U.S. in the next 7 to 10 years.
Founder and CEO David Gutstadt says Boston was an easy choice. Gutstadt, a former college tennis player, is now a big fan of padel. He says the goal is to bring people together through fun, fast-paced racquet sports in a city setting.
A Club Feel Without the Club Fees
Ballers aims to give guests a premium club experience—without needing to join one. The Boston location will be home to the city’s first-ever padel courts.
Padel, a fast-paced doubles game from Mexico, is played on courts with glass walls. According to the International Padel Federation, the sport has about 25 million players in over 90 countries, with big followings in Mexico, Argentina, and Spain.
The courts at Ballers are designed for year-round play. In the winter, the pickleball area will turn into a synthetic ice rink. Beginners are welcome: lessons and group sessions will be available for pickleball and padel.
Pickleball Keeps Growing
David Gutstadt says the rise in pickleball is still going strong. According to the Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report, 19.8 million Americans played pickleball last year. That’s a 311 percent jump over the past three years. The average age of players is now 34.8, showing strong interest among younger adults.
Drinks and Dining On-Site
Ballers will also offer food and drinks for players and guests. Starting in July, drinks like beer, wine, and hard seltzers will be available. A month later, an outdoor café will open under a shaded pergola.
It will be run in partnership with chef Mitch Prensky, a James Beard Award semi-finalist known for his work with Supper Philly, L’Ecole, and Lutece. The menu will focus on local favorites.
News in Brief: Pickleball and Padel Venue in Boston
Ballers, a 30,000-square-foot outdoor pickleball and padel venue, will open in Boston’s Seaport in July. Backed by athletes like Andre Agassi and Tyrese Maxey, the space will offer sports, lessons, drinks, and food by chef Mitch Prensky. Courts become an ice rink in winter.
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