How to Integrate Padel Courts into Existing Sports Facilities

As padel attracts growing interest from sports clubs, hotels, leisure centers and facility developers, many operators are exploring how to introduce the sport into their existing venues.

Building a new sports facility is not always necessary. In some cases, an existing tennis club, fitness center, leisure complex or commercial property may offer a suitable starting point for a padel project.

However, successful integration requires more than finding enough space for a court. Site conditions, access, foundations, drainage, lighting, player circulation and future expansion all need to be considered before installation begins.

This guide explains the key factors to evaluate when adding padel courts to an existing sports facility.

  1. Assess the Available Space and Site Conditions

The first step is to determine whether the existing site can accommodate padel courts without compromising the facility's other activities.

A standard doubles padel court has a playing area of 10 × 20 meters. However, the overall space requirement is greater once access routes, maintenance areas, surrounding circulation and any spectator zones are considered.

Before selecting a location, evaluate:

- Available land or indoor floor area

- Building columns, walls and overhead obstructions

- Access routes for players and maintenance personnel

- Existing parking and pedestrian circulation

- Utility services and drainage infrastructure

- Space reserved for future expansion

For indoor projects, building height and clear playing space are particularly important. For outdoor projects, ground levels, surrounding buildings, trees and exposure to wind should also be assessed.

A professional site assessment helps identify potential constraints before they become expensive construction problems.

  2. Choose the Right Location Within the Facility

The best location is not necessarily the largest empty area. It should also fit naturally into the existing facility's layout and operating model.

For example, a tennis club may be able to integrate padel courts alongside its existing tennis courts, allowing the two sports to share reception, changing rooms and other amenities.

A hotel or resort may prefer to place padel courts near its recreational facilities, while a multi-sport center may need to balance court access with other activities and visitor circulation.

When planning the layout, consider:

- How players will enter and leave the court area

- Whether existing amenities can be shared

- How spectators and waiting players will move around the courts

- Whether construction will disrupt current operations

- Whether the layout allows additional courts to be installed later

The objective is to create a connected sports environment rather than an isolated court installation.

  3. Evaluate Foundations and Drainage Before Installation

The existing ground or floor must be suitable for the selected padel court system.

Outdoor installations commonly require a properly engineered foundation and an effective drainage strategy. Existing paving or an old sports surface should not automatically be assumed suitable without checking its condition, levels and structural requirements.

Key considerations include:

 Foundation and ground conditions 

The foundation must provide the required stability and support for the court structure. Anchor positions, foundation dimensions and installation tolerances should follow the approved project drawings.

 Surface levels 

Uneven surfaces can create installation difficulties and affect the finished playing area.

 Drainage 

Rainwater needs a suitable route away from the court and surrounding foundation. Drainage design should account for site levels, local rainfall and available discharge points.

 Existing utilities 

Underground electrical services, drainage pipes and other utilities should be identified before excavation or foundation work begins.

For indoor projects, the existing floor should be assessed for levelness, condition and compatibility with the proposed installation system.

Resolving these issues during planning can help avoid costly modifications after the court components arrive.

  4. Consider Indoor, Outdoor and Covered Court Options

The right court configuration depends on the building, climate, budget and intended operating model.

 Outdoor padel courts 

Outdoor courts may suit tennis clubs, parks, hotels and sports facilities with sufficient land and suitable weather conditions. Site preparation, drainage and environmental exposure should be evaluated carefully.

 Indoor padel courts 

Indoor installations can make use of existing warehouses, sports halls or other suitable buildings. However, sufficient clear height, ventilation, lighting, access and fire-safety requirements must be assessed.

 Covered padel courts 

A canopy can provide additional protection from rain and direct sunlight while maintaining an open-air playing environment. The suitability of this option depends on the project's structural design, local wind conditions and weather-protection requirements.

Each option has different construction and operating implications. Buyers should compare the complete project requirements rather than selecting a court type based on the product price alone.

  5. Integrate Lighting, Access and Supporting Facilities

Padel courts are only one part of a successful sports venue. The surrounding infrastructure also affects how comfortably and efficiently the facility operates.

When adding courts, consider whether existing systems can support the additional demand.

 Lighting:  Confirm that the lighting layout meets the intended playing requirements and does not create unacceptable glare or disturbance to nearby properties.

 Electrical services:  Check the availability and capacity of electrical connections for lighting and any other installed equipment.

 Player amenities:  Existing reception areas, changing rooms, toilets, lockers and refreshments may be shared if their capacity and layout are suitable.

 Access and safety:  Maintain appropriate circulation routes, accessible facilities where required, emergency exits and safe access for maintenance.

 Noise and neighboring uses:  Consider the proximity of residential buildings, other sports activities and noise-sensitive areas.

These details are particularly important when integrating padel into a venue that must continue operating during and after construction.

  6. Plan Construction to Minimize Disruption

Existing sports facilities often need to remain open while new courts are being installed.

A phased construction plan can help operators manage this transition more effectively.

Before work begins, coordinate site preparation, material deliveries, foundation construction, court assembly, glass installation, turf installation and lighting works.

It is also important to confirm vehicle access, temporary storage areas and the availability of space for installation equipment.

Where possible, separate the construction zone from active sports areas and communicate any temporary access restrictions to members and visitors.

Factory-prepared components and modular installation systems can help simplify on-site assembly, although actual installation time depends on site readiness, project complexity and local conditions.

A clear division of responsibilities between the court supplier, site contractor and facility operator can reduce coordination problems.

  7. Evaluate the Total Project Cost and Future Expansion

Adding padel courts to an existing venue may allow some infrastructure and amenities to be reused. However, the actual savings depend on the condition and capacity of the existing facilities.

A complete project budget should consider:

- Court equipment and accessories

- Site preparation and foundations

- Drainage and electrical work

- Transportation and installation

- Lighting and optional weather protection

- Any required upgrades to access or supporting amenities

- Ongoing inspection and maintenance

Operators should also consider whether the initial layout leaves room for future expansion.

Planning for additional courts, utilities, circulation routes and shared amenities from the beginning may reduce the complexity of later upgrades.

The goal is to develop a facility that fits current demand while remaining adaptable as operational needs change.

  8. Use an Integrated Approach to Padel Facility Development

Integrating padel into an existing sports facility is an opportunity to make better use of available space and broaden the range of activities offered to customers.

The most successful projects begin with a clear understanding of the site, followed by appropriate court selection, engineering coordination, installation planning and consideration of long-term operating needs.

Rather than treating the court as a standalone product, operators should evaluate how it will work within the wider facility.

  Planning to Add Padel Courts to Your Existing Facility?

Fortune Padel provides padel court systems and project support for sports clubs, hotels, leisure centers and facility developers.

From outdoor panoramic court systems to indoor commercial solutions, our team can help customers evaluate suitable configurations based on site conditions, project objectives and installation requirements.

 Contact Fortune Padel to discuss your facility and explore a padel court solution for your project.