Why it matters

There's been a steady rise in the number of padel courts throughout North Carolina thanks to the rising popularity of the sport.

Context

Padel is a racquet sport often described as a combination of tennis and squash. A growing number of players have picked up the sport both abroad and in the U.S, including current and former professional athletes.

• Former Carolina Panthers player Tre Boston even has an Instagram dedicated to padel. He's an ambassador for and an investor in Epic Padel Charlotte. Boston even has his former Panthers teammate, Jonathan Stewart, playing padel.

State of play

Charlotte will be the first installation for Epic Padel, a Virginia-based padel sports management and investment company. Epic Padel also has courts planned for Salt Lake City and Tysons Corner in Virginia near Washington, D.C.

• The company has also signed a multi-year deal with Adidas, which will bring gear, branded courts, and member perks to Epic Padel locations nationwide.
• Epic Padel Charlotte will be located at Prosperity Athletic Club (PAC) in north Charlotte. Epic Padel operates as a separate entity from PAC. It has, however, taken over managing racquet sports at PAC, including tennis (10 existing courts) and pickleball (six existing courts).

By the numbers

Bainton says their investment will be just under $1 million when they add canopies over the padel courts early next year.

What to expect

Epic offers monthly and annual memberships.

• Founding monthly memberships are $149 for the first three months. See more membership options here.
• Members can reserve courts up to two weeks early. Your racquets and balls are included, and you can bring two guests per month. You'll get discounts and other perks, plus you'll have access to tennis, pickleball and the fitness center.
• Existing PAC members will be able to add Epic Padel to their membership.