Padeland Is Officially Open in Downtown Chandler

by KEVIN MCKIERNAN

Downtown Chandler has a brand-new place to play, eat, work out and hang out.

Padeland is officially open at 1 W Chandler Blvd, transforming the former LOOK Dine-In Cinemas into an approximately 35,000-square-foot sports, wellness and social destination in the heart of Downtown Chandler.

And this isn't just another pickleball facility.

More Than Just Courts

Padeland combines padel and pickleball with wellness, dining and social spaces designed to make it a place where you can spend much more than an hour playing a match.

The new Downtown Chandler facility includes indoor courts along with a variety of amenities planned around fitness, recovery and community. The concept includes:

Indoor padel and pickleball
Wellness and recovery areas
Sauna and cold plunge
Strength and training space
Coworking areas
Pro shop
Coffee
Restaurant and bar
Outdoor gathering space
Leagues, clinics, tournaments and social play

Whether you're an experienced player or have never picked up a padel racket, the goal is to create a place where people can play, train and connect.

What Is Padel?

If you've never heard of padel, you're probably going to start hearing a lot more about it.

Padel is a fast-growing racket sport that shares some similarities with tennis and pickleball but is typically played as doubles on an enclosed court. The surrounding glass walls are part of the game, creating longer rallies and a unique style of play.

Padeland is bringing that experience directly to Downtown Chandler while also offering pickleball for those who prefer one of Arizona's most popular recreational sports.

Lomas Brings Dining to the Experience

One of the features that really separates Padeland from a traditional racquet facility is Lomas Cocina de México, the restaurant and bar located inside the complex.

Instead of simply playing a match and heading home, visitors can grab food or drinks and spend time at the property before or after they play.

That combination of sports + wellness + hospitality appears to be a major part of what Padeland is trying to create.

A Major Transformation for Downtown Chandler

The location may be just as interesting as the concept itself.

Padeland has taken over the former LOOK Dine-In Cinemas building near Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, giving the large former movie theater space an entirely new purpose.

Turning approximately 35,000 square feet of former theater space into an indoor sports and entertainment destination is another example of how Downtown Chandler continues to evolve beyond its traditional restaurant and nightlife scene.

Padeland now gives people another reason to head downtown during the day, after work or on the weekend.

Built Around Community

What stood out during the grand opening was how much emphasis the owners put on community.

This isn't being positioned simply as a collection of courts. Padeland is designed as a place where people can meet, compete, exercise, recover, eat and spend time together.

With organized leagues, clinics, tournaments and social matches, there should also be plenty of opportunities for beginners to get involved without already having a group of people to play with.