St. Pete Athletic Paddle and Social Club is gearing up for its grand opening at The Factory St. Pete (2606 Fairfield Ave S), promising a state-of-the-art sports and social experience. Membership registrations are now available online, with day passes also on offer for those looking to enjoy the facilities. 

The splashy new facility will feature 14 pickleball courts, 2 padel courts, and 6 table tennis tables, all under one roof. This extensive setup aims to cater to the growing popularity of pickleball, which has seen a significant surge in players nationwide.

For those unfamiliar with Padel, it is a racquet-based ball sport combining elements of squash and tennis, played within an enclosed court. Once open, St. Pete Atheltic will be one of the only spots in the state to enjoy the growing sport. Like tennis, it features a central net, and players hit a ball over it with their racquets. However, padel incorporates the walls of the enclosure into the gameplay, allowing the ball to bounce off them to remain in play. Typically played in doubles, reflecting its social origins, padel can also be played individually.

A state-of-the-art pickleball club in St. Pete

“We believe this is the perfect location to bring a new accessible and social experience in St. Petersburg.” says Founder Reuben Pressman, a successful serial entrepreneur who’s a major donor to the local arts and board member for the Warehouse Arts District Association, “Helping activate The Factory by bringing an inclusive range of demographics right next to the arts and providing new amenities (recreation and restaurant) to the district was top of mind when we were deciding on the perfect location.” 

The club will house a restaurant and bar, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options, including courtside service. The food and beverage program will be spearheaded by Jarrett Sabatini of Intermezzo.

A brand new restaurant right off the Pinellas Trail 

“We are building this as an experience that everyone, not just paddle sports players, can really enjoy and benefit from,” Jarrett Sabatini, proprietor of Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, explains, “the social club aspect is something missing in St Pete and we think this is the perfect way to cultivate it”.

Beloved brewery Green Bench Brewing will introduce a new craft beer concept exclusive to the venue. The Green Bench team is hot off the heels of a James Beard Award nomination for its EDGE District hotspot Webb’s City Cellar. 

“While we won’t be brewing beer on-site, we’ll be serving up a one-of-a-kind experience that will pair perfectly with our beer and cider,” says Nathan Stonecipher, founder of Green Bench Brewing. 

Country Club amenities, and concierge-style service

Members will benefit from access to an exclusive lounge and garden, a fitness studio, locker and shower facilities, and a pro shop. The club also plans to host competitive leagues, tournaments, and youth activities, enhancing the local sports scene.

Initial memberships are priced at an introductory rate of $150 per month, with prices expected to rise due to high demand. Membership perks include early access and discounts on private court bookings, additional discounts on food and beverage, retail, and events, and exclusive access to the membership lounge and other premium spaces. A full list of benefits is available on the club’s website.

Graham D’Amico, owner of the MLP Florida Smash, has joined the team behind St. Pete Athletic, adding to the club’s prestige. Wannemacher Jensen Architects is currently designing the facility, with anticipation building for its formal grand opening early next year.

St. Pete is a pickleball city

The launch of St. Pete Athletic is a significant development for the region, aligning with the rapid growth of pickleball in America. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, there are approximately 48.3 million pickleball players in the United States. The Tampa Bay area has already attracted several pickleball pros, and this new indoor club aims to position St. Pete as a prime destination for national tournaments. With its comprehensive amenities and strategic partnerships, St. Pete Athletic Paddle and Social Club is set to become a focal point for sports and social activities in the Sunshine State. An opening timeline is still TBA. Visit St. Pete Atheltic’s website to learn more.