As leaders in padel court and canopy construction, Portico Sport understands that building a successful padel facility requires more than just laying down courts. Avoiding common planning mistakes can save you time, money, and headaches — while ensuring your club thrives in a competitive market.
Whether you’re a first-time promoter or expanding your sports portfolio, learning from past errors is key to creating a profitable, durable, and popular padel venue.
Why a well-planned padel facility matters
A thoughtfully designed padel facility offers numerous benefits:
✔️ Maximized court usage through smart scheduling and lighting
✔️ Attracting a loyal membership with high-quality courts and amenities
✔️ Increased revenue opportunities from tournaments, lessons, and events
✔️ Lower maintenance costs thanks to durable materials and design
✔️ Increased revenue opportunities from tournaments, lessons, and events
With so much at stake, here are six common mistakes to avoid when planning your first padel facility — and how to steer clear of them.
1. Underestimating location and accessibility
Many promoters focus heavily on court design and construction details but underestimate how crucial the location is for long-term success. Whether your facility is in an urban area or a natural outdoor setting, accessibility plays a key role.
Urban locations benefit from proximity to public transport, parking, and local amenities, attracting busy players looking for convenience. On the other hand, natural or suburban settings appeal to players seeking a relaxed environment but require easy access via good roads and clear signage to avoid deterring visitors.
Avoidance tip: Select a location that balances your target audience’s preferences with excellent transport links, ample parking, and nearby services. Prioritizing accessibility ensures steady foot traffic from both casual visitors and dedicated members.
2. Neglecting climate and environmental factors
Outdoor padel courts offer a unique and attractive playing experience, connecting players with fresh air and natural surroundings — a key part of the sport’s appeal. However, extreme weather conditions such as strong sun, wind, rain, or temperature fluctuations can seriously affect court playability and durability if not properly addressed.
Ignoring factors like sun exposure, prevailing wind direction, or adequate drainage can result in frequent closures, accelerated material wear, and costly repairs — ultimately impacting player satisfaction and your bottom line.
Avoidance tip: While embracing the benefits of outdoor play, it’s essential to invest in high-quality, weather-resistant materials and protective features like canopies or covered courts tailored to your local climate. Proper site assessment and smart design ensure your courts remain playable and resilient year-round.
3. Overlooking court lighting quality
Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the padel experience, both for outdoor courts at night and indoor facilities where natural light may be limited. Poor or uneven lighting not only compromises playability and safety but can also frustrate players, reducing court usage during evening hours or in low-light conditions.
For outdoor courts, high-quality lighting extends playable hours and ensures consistent visibility regardless of weather or time of day. Indoors, well-designed lighting creates a comfortable environment that supports focus and performance.
Avoidance tip: Invest in professional-grade, tournament-compliant lighting systems that provide uniform illumination without glare. Proper lighting design improves player satisfaction, maximizes facility usage, and elevates the overall quality of your padel courts.
4. Failing to plan for growth and scalability
Starting small is wise, but not planning for expansion can lead to costly renovations and limit your club’s potential. Designing modular courts and flexible infrastructure allows you to add courts, amenities, and parking as demand grows. This foresight enables hosting bigger events, attracting more members, and increasing revenue without disrupting operations.
Avoidance tip: Build with scalability in mind to ensure your facility can grow smoothly and capitalize on future opportunities.
5. Skimping on quality materials and construction
Trying to save money by cutting corners on court surfaces, fencing, or roofing might seem appealing initially, but it often results in frequent repairs, player dissatisfaction, and increased costs over time. Using low-quality materials can also affect playability and the overall reputation of your facility.
At Portico Sport, we emphasize the use of premium, certified materials specifically designed for padel courts, ensuring durability, safety, and excellent performance. Investing in quality construction not only reduces maintenance but also creates a superior playing experience that attracts and retains players.
Avoidance tip: Choose experienced builders who prioritize top-grade materials and craftsmanship to protect your investment and elevate your club’s standards.
6. Ignoring the player experience
A successful padel facility isn’t just about quality courts — it’s about fostering a vibrant community. Neglecting seating, shade, social spaces, and coaching options can reduce player satisfaction and retention, while also limiting your ability to host events and attract new members.
Creating welcoming areas like comfortable seating zones, clubhouses, pro shops, and flexible spaces for lessons and social gatherings gives players a reason to stay longer and come back often. These social and leisure areas build a sense of belonging, encourage interaction, and transform your club into more than just a place to play — it becomes a hub for lifestyle and connection.
Avoidance tip: Design your facility with the player experience in mind by offering amenities that support both play and social engagement.
Build your padel club right from the start
Avoiding these six mistakes sets the foundation for a successful padel facility that attracts players, generates revenue, and stands the test of time.
At Portico Sport, we combine industry-leading expertise with tailored solutions to help promoters build padel courts and canopies that meet the highest standards. From site analysis and design to construction and installation, we’re your trusted partner every step of the way.
Ready to build a padel facility that lasts?
👉 Contact Portico Sport today to learn how our experience can make your project a success.
