Several pickleball and padel facilities have opened in the Bryan-College Station area. The cities hope the growth will draw young professionals and appeal to people of many ages.
John Thomas, director of racket sports at the Traditions Club, said pickleball and padel are rising in popularity. He said padel combines elements of tennis and racquetball, and that pickleball is easy to pick up.
According to Pickleball Magazine, Houston and Austin have the highest and third-highest numbers of racket sports courts in the country. 4Padel owner Marcel Muscopf said the twin cities are expected to grow with the sports, citing the Texas A&M University culture. Carrie Archer, manager of membership for the BCS Chamber of Commerce, said clubs began growing about four years ago, with brand-name clubs appearing in the past six months to a year. City of Bryan Development Administrator Lauren Hovde said interest is tied to multigenerational appeal and health awareness.