Sports fans and local athletes are in luck, a new way to work out and have some fun is coming to Philly this spring.
Plans for VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club (1300 N 8th St), a new state-of-the-art sports club facility, is set to open this year. The venue will house professional-grade padel and pickleball courts, a pro shop, and modern amenities for all Philadelphians at any skill level.
“Our vision with VIVA is to create a welcoming space where people can connect through their love of padel and pickleball,” said Mehdi Rhazali, founder of VIVA, in a statement. “These sports are more than just games; they’re a way to build community, stay active, and have fun. We’re excited to bring this experience to Philadelphia and can’t wait to see players of all ages and levels enjoying our courts.”
Rhazali, a seasoned racquet sports professional and sports advocate, brings a wealth of experience to this new venture.
As a release notes, a Drexel Dragon alum, Rhazali has led the tennis program at Drexel University since 2012, and currently serves as the Director of Tennis and Head Men’s Tennis Coach. While there, he has developed and coached many Division One all-conference players. With years of experience managing racquet sports programs, Rhazali is bringing that same expertise to VIVA to elevate Philadelphia’s racquet sports scene.
The 90,000-square-foot venue was once a train depot for SEPTA and a parking lot in the 2000s. Now, VIVA will feature four professional-grade padel courts and four pickleball courts to host a variety of leagues, tournaments, clinics, social events, full locker rooms, and amenities designed to enhance the player experience.
The brand’s pro-shop is housed in a revamped 1968 Airstream Overlander 28, and will focus on high-quality gear and apparel for both padel and pickleball, while the social and viewing area will provide a welcoming space to “relax, watch matches, and connect with fellow players.”
Padel and Pickleball have had somewhat of a resurgence over the past 10 years. The sports activity originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has spread across Europe and the US. It’s said to blend tennis and squash elements and is played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, with walls and a net.
The release also notes that the appeal lies in being easy to learn yet challenging to master, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Its rising popularity can be attributed to its social nature, fitness benefits, and the fun, fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.
With VIVA, Rhazali hopes to build a space that hones in on the idea of community.
“Beyond the courts, we want this to be a social club and a hub for the booming popularity behind padel and pickleball,” said Rhazali. “VIVA is designed to cater to this growing demand, creating an inviting community where players of all levels can come together, have fun, and enjoy the game in a vibrant and social atmosphere.”
The club is currently projected to open in Spring 2025. For more information and updates, follow VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club on Instagram (@vivapadelpickleball) or check their website at vivapadelpickleball.playbypoint.com
