Padel, a fast-growing sport often described as a mix between tennis and squash, is gaining momentum in Arizona… and Mesa is quickly becoming a hub for the action.
From February 28 to March 1, Padel Pals, the state’s first fully indoor padel club, is hosting a national-level tournament, giving fans and players alike a chance to experience the sport up close. The USPA 250 Tournament takes place at Padel Pals’ courts, drawing competitors and enthusiasts from across the region.
“We built Padel Pals as one of the cornerstones to help grow padel in the U.S.,” said CEO Armando Acevedo. “Everything about this club was designed to welcome the best players in the world and let them play at peak performance. Hosting a tournament allows people who may not know padel yet to see the game played the way it’s meant to be played. Once you watch it live, it’s easy to understand why people fall in love with it.”
The event features D1-D4 competitions in both men’s and women’s divisions, providing an exciting opportunity for participants to measure their skills and for fans to witness high-level play.
“For players, competing in a tournament like this opens the opportunity to measure your level and identify where you can keep improving,” said Carlos Pereyra, co-founder and head coach of Pereyra’s Padel Academy. “For fans, it’s exciting because you get to see well-known players compete live and feel the energy of the game. Even if you’ve never picked up a racket, you can follow the action and enjoy the atmosphere.”
Padel Pals is a social-forward venue with a bar, lounge and areas designed for spectators to connect and enjoy the game. For those who can’t attend, Padel Pals plans to host multiple events each year, aiming to attract higher-level tournaments as interest and participation continue to grow across the Valley.
“Awareness is everything,” Acevedo said. “Tournaments bring visibility, visibility creates curiosity, and curiosity is what brings people through our doors. From there, our academy and certified coaches help guide players through their journey, whether they want to play socially, compete, or simply be part of the community.”
The courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering plenty of time to practice and sharpen skills before the next big matchup. Learn more at padel-pals.com.
