How to create an optimal padel hall

WHEN THOMAS Sandström and Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided to invest in the new racket sports hall in Årstad, there was one thing they were sure of: if they were going to do it, they were going to do it right. “It’s like a dream come true. Padel is on the rise as a sport, so it’s a huge deal for me to be able to provide a modern hall with the very best conditions for everybody from begin-ners to professionals to play,” said Zlatan to Expressen earlier this year. Padel Zenter in Årsta is situated in an old refurbished warehouse, which had its advan-tages but also its disadvantages. The most important advantage was that there was no problem getting a high ceiling, which is the basis for the sport. Thomas, who is a seasoned player and has seen other courts and their shortcomings, wanted to fix those shortcomings for Padel Zenter. He sums up four points that need to be absolutely top class before the work of improving the details can continue. THE COURTS
Padel Zenter in Årsta has nine courts and one absolutely top-quality centre court. All the courts are approved for games at the highest international level. The courts are supplied by the company that also builds the courts for the World Padel Tour. HIGH CEILING
At a full 12 metres, the ceiling height even meets the requirements for professional tournaments. There is also a sense of security for the players in knowing that lobs are not a problem, according to Thomas. LIGHTING
The lighting meets the highest international standards. It has a high lux count and is designed especially for sports, with opti-mised light distribution and minimal glare. The lighting is also important given the high ceiling, as the balls need to stay out of the shadows even after high shots. ACOUSTICS
At games in other halls, Thomas has found that noise and poor acoustics can be distract-ing. Padel is a sport where the rackets hit the balls hard and partners shout at each other (padel is always played in doubles), which produces loud noise levels. In Sweden we of-ten play indoors because of the climate, and that together with the fact that the courts are enclosed by four glass walls means that the noise is amplified further. To deal with noise reflecting against the ceiling, clamp ab-sorbents have been used – this is a practical solution because the sound absorbents can be mounted between other installations such as existing fan systems and ceiling structures. Padel Zenter also has sound absorbents with print motifs that provide inspiration and raise brand visibility. “The journey continues for Padel Zenter with new facilities throughout Sweden. The next opening will be in Jönköping, but more loca-tions are also planned. We are continuing the Padel Zenter concept of building large facili-ties with at least eight courts, with a focus on padel,” says Thomas.