As pickleball’s popularity continues to rise, new courts are opening across the Philadelphia region, including Viva Padel & Pickleball’s upcoming expansion in Flourtown, writes Terri Akman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Viva Padel & Pickleball launched its first location in Philadelphia’s East Poplar neighborhood in June, costing just under $1 million. The outdoor venue offers four pickleball courts and four padel courts. Its tiered business model caters to all players, from the pay-as-you-go for casual visitors to a monthly premium plan for dedicated enthusiasts.
“The flexible business model allows people to buy in and test it out,” said cofounder and CEO Mehdi Rhazali. “We can target many different audiences.”
The club acquired 150 members within the first three months of operation and numerous drop-in players.
The second location in Montgomery County is a repurposed tennis club owned by the McGarity family, who partnered on the project. It will operate independently from the Philadelphia location, with separate memberships required for each.
“With an indoor model, you have to cap your membership” to avoid overcrowding, said Rhazali. “We are planning on offering a lot of programming and options for members and nonmembers in the Flourtown location.”
Read more about Viva Padel & Pickleball and their Flourtown expansion in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
