In a significant development for the growing padel community in Florida, Sarasota-Manatee has launched its first-ever indoor padel facility, The Pad Sarasota. This new venture is spearheaded by Ellie Berdusco, a former college athlete who has transformed her passion for padel into a groundbreaking business venture.

The Pad Sarasota, located near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, officially opened its doors in late July. The facility spans an impressive 19,000 square feet and features four padel courts, along with dedicated areas for socializing. The space, a converted warehouse, was meticulously designed to provide an optimal environment for padel enthusiasts. Berdusco, who is a partner and the general manager, noted that the investment required to transform the empty warehouse into a state-of-the-art padel facility was substantial. The endeavor reflects the growing demand for high-quality padel venues in the region.

“I came here, I saw the high ceilings, and I thought, this needs to be padel”

“Globally, it’s a huge success story,” says Berdusco of padel, a sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since spread across Europe and South America. The sport’s popularity is rapidly increasing in the United States, with new facilities emerging in cities like Miami, Texas, New York, and Southern California. Now, Sarasota-Manatee joins the ranks of these padel hotspots with the introduction of The Pad Sarasota.

Berdusco’s vision for the facility was clear from the moment she saw the building. “I came here, I saw the high ceilings, and I thought, this needs to be padel,” she recalls. The building’s 28-foot-high ceilings are particularly well-suited for padel, where lobbing the ball is a key element of the game. “In padel, a big element of the game is the lob,” Berdusco explains. “It’s a lot of rushing to the net and then getting lobbed and having to defend and try to win the point at the net.”

“That’s been the most fun for me—seeing the padel happiness of everyone who steps off the court; everyone is just smiling and having a good time,”

Padel’s appeal lies in its accessibility and social nature. The game requires doubles, making it an ideal way to meet new people and build a community. Berdusco has plans to capitalize on this social aspect by hosting events, tournaments, and corporate gatherings at The Pad Sarasota. Additionally, the facility will offer lessons, catering to players of all levels. “In a new market, it is all about awareness and having people try it,” Berdusco says. “We need to be providing tools and services that facilitate people being able to meet and play with other people of their level.”

The Pad Sarasota is not just a place to play; it’s a place to connect and experience the joy of padel. “That’s been the most fun for me—seeing the padel happiness of everyone who steps off the court; everyone is just smiling and having a good time,” Berdusco shares. The facility is designed for players to enjoy the sport while also offering comfortable spaces to relax and socialize.

Looking ahead, Berdusco and her partners have ambitious plans. The Pad Sarasota is part of a broader strategy, with another location already established in Toronto and another set to open in Arizona. While there are no immediate plans for franchising, Berdusco hints that it remains an option for the future.

For those in Sarasota-Manatee eager to try their hand at padel, The Pad Sarasota offers an exciting new venue to learn, play, and connect. As the sport continues to gain traction in the U.S., facilities like The Pad Sarasota are at the forefront of this growing movement.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Pad Sarasota and the latest developments in the padel world. Keep it here at The Padel Weekly, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights.

For more detailed information, check out the full Business Observer article.