If you haven’t heard of padel yet, consider this your official heads-up. The sport that’s been quietly taking over Europe and Latin America has landed in the Valley, and it’s bringing a whole lot of energy with it.
Enter Padel Pals, a 44,000-square-foot indoor facility in Mesa that’s less country club, more come-as-you-are playground. With seven climate-controlled courts, no membership fees, and a social-first vibe, it’s designed to make jumping into the world’s fastest-growing sport feel easy, whether you’re a total beginner or already hooked.
Founded by CEO Armando Acevedo, coach and co-founder Carlos Pereyra, and professional boxer Oscar Valdez, the space was shaped by feedback from players around the globe. The result feels polished but not intimidating, competitive but still social, and most importantly, fun.
So what exactly is padel, and why is everyone suddenly talking about it?
Five Things to Know About Padel
Padel was invented by accident
Not every global phenomenon starts with a grand plan. In 1969, Enrique Corcuera built a smaller tennis court in his backyard in Mexico, adding walls simply because he didn’t have the space. Those walls ended up changing the game entirely, turning a limitation into the sport’s signature feature.
You can use the walls and you should
At first glance, padel looks like tennis. Then the ball hits the wall and stays in play, and everything changes. Similar to squash, wall play is part of the strategy. Beginners tend to avoid it, but experienced players use it to create angles, extend rallies, and outmaneuver opponents.
It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world
Padel now has more than 25 million players across over 90 countries, with explosive growth in places like Spain, Argentina, and the Middle East. The U.S. is catching up quickly, with courts popping up in warehouses, parking decks, and repurposed retail spaces.
It’s easy to learn but tough to master
One of padel’s biggest draws is how quickly you can get into a rally. The court is smaller, the serve is underhand, and the solid rackets make contact more forgiving. But once you get past the basics, the game becomes a chess match of angles, spins, and rebounds that keeps even seasoned athletes on their toes.
Celebrities and pro athletes are all in
Padel has built a quiet but powerful fan base among global stars, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, David Beckham, and Serena Williams. Many are not just playing, they are investing in clubs and leagues, helping fuel the sport’s rapid expansion.
At Padel Pals, all of that global momentum is wrapped into a local experience that feels refreshingly accessible. You don’t need a membership, you don’t need a background in racquet sports, and you don’t need to take it too seriously.
You just need to show up.
Padel Pals is located at 4945 S. 71st Street in Mesa, just off Loop 202. Courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and can be booked by calling 480-318-3219 or through the Playtomic app. Walk-ins are welcome, so if you’re even a little curious, this might be your sign to give it a shot. Visit padel-pals.com to learn more.
