Philadelphia is set to welcome its first dedicated padel and pickleball club as VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club prepares to open in Spring 2025. Offering professional-grade courts, a vibrant social scene, and modern amenities, VIVA is positioning itself as a new hub for racquet sports enthusiasts in the City of Brotherly Love.
Located at 1300 N 8th Street, just minutes from Temple University, VIVA will transform a former elevated parking lot into a sprawling 90,000-square-foot facility. The site, originally a train depot for SEPTA, was converted into a parking lot in the early 2000s and is now being reimagined as a state-of-the-art racquet sports venue. The club will feature four top-tier padel courts and four pickleball courts, catering to both casual players and competitive athletes. Beyond the courts, players can enjoy leagues, tournaments, clinics, and social events, creating an atmosphere that extends beyond gameplay.
A Vision for Connection Through Sport
At the heart of VIVA’s mission is the community aspect of racquet sports. Founder Mehdi Rhazali, a seasoned tennis professional and Drexel University coach, is dedicated to fostering an environment where players of all levels can connect, compete, and grow their passion for the sport.
“Our vision with VIVA is to create a welcoming space where people can connect through their love of padel and pickleball,” said Rhazali. “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 brings extensive coaching and management experience to the project. Having led Drexel University’s tennis program since 2012 and served as the Director of Tennis and Head Men’s Tennis Coach, he has helped develop multiple Division One all-conference players. His expertise in building successful racquet sports programs will be instrumental in establishing VIVA as a premier padel and pickleball destination in Philadelphia.
A Club Designed for Play and Social Connection
VIVA isn’t just about sports—it’s about creating an immersive experience both on and off the court. The club will feature a revamped 1968 Airstream Overlander 28 as its pro shop, offering high-quality padel and pickleball gear and apparel. The social and viewing area will serve as a hub for spectators and players, providing a welcoming environment to watch matches, meet fellow enthusiasts, and unwind after games. The facility will also include modern bathrooms and showers, ensuring maximum comfort for visitors.
“Beyond the courts, we want this to be a social club and a hub for the booming popularity behind padel and pickleball,” Rhazali added. “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.”
Bringing Padel and Pickleball to Philadelphia
Padel, which originated in Mexico in the 1960s, has gained massive popularity worldwide, especially in Europe and the United States. Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is played on a smaller enclosed court, making it an accessible yet highly strategic sport. Its fast-paced gameplay, social appeal, and fitness benefits have made it one of the fastest-growing racquet sports globally.
Pickleball, another rapidly growing sport, has taken the U.S. by storm, with millions of players picking up paddles in recent years. Its easy-to-learn nature, competitive yet fun gameplay, and ability to bring together people of all ages make it a perfect fit for VIVA’s mission.
With VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club set to open in Spring 2025, Philadelphia’s racquet sports community is about to experience a game-changing new destination.
