Getting to know Pura Padel – Q&A with Alessandro Bennett

Pura Padel is a community-oriented padel club based in Los Angeles and Miami, which offers a premier padel experience for all skill levels with state-of-the-art courts and professional coaching. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, enjoy a welcoming community, regular tournaments, and personalized training.

We had a chance to chat with the founder to give you some insight into the sport, the future of the sport and most importantly his Padel Clubs!

Q1: What inspired the creation of Pura Padel, and what is the vision behind the brand?

Alessandro Bennett: The idea for Pura Padel was born from my lifelong love for racket sports and a desire to create a brand that truly embodies the spirit of padel. "Pura" represents our commitment to delivering an authentic, high-quality experience that is accessible to everyone. Our vision is to build a community where people can connect over their shared passion for padel, improve their skills, and enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that comes with it. With our first location in Los Angeles, we’re excited to introduce this incredible sport to a city that perfectly aligns with our ethos.

Q2: How did you get in to the padel world?

Alessandro Bennett: My journey into the padel world began in 2018, after years of playing racket sports and tennis. I was immediately drawn to the sport's strategic nature and community-focused environment. I spent a lot of time in padel clubs in Miami and even in Haiti, where I saw firsthand how padel could thrive. This experience inspired me to bring the sport to new audiences through Pura Padel.

Q3: Who are your strategic partners?

Alessandro Bennett: Our strategic partners include Padel Galis, whose team brings unmatched expertise and passion to the table. Additionally, our collaboration with Westfield has been pivotal, as they embraced our vision and provided us with an opportunity to introduce padel to Los Angeles.

Q4: Why did you choose Los Angeles as the location for your first pop-up and brand activation?

Alessandro Bennett: We chose Los Angeles for our first pop-up because it’s a city that embodies the dynamic, health-conscious, and diverse lifestyle that aligns with Pura Padel's values. LA has a strong racquet sports community and the perfect climate for year-round play, which makes it an ideal market for padel. Moreover, there’s a significant opportunity here due to the high demand and low supply of padel facilities. By bringing Pura Padel to LA, we aim to fill this gap and introduce the sport to a broader audience.

Q5: What makes Pura Padel different, and how do LA and Miami cultures align with your brand’s ethos?

Alessandro Bennett: Pura Padel is different because we’re not just about providing a place to play – we’re about delivering a complete padel experience that embodies the joy, strategy, and community spirit of the sport. "Pura" reflects our commitment to authenticity, high standards, and inclusivity. We focus on creating an environment where players of all levels feel welcome and can enjoy the true essence of padel.

Los Angeles and Miami are perfect matches for Pura Padel because both cities have vibrant, diverse communities that love racquet sports. The active lifestyles in these cities align with our brand's focus on health, wellness, and community. By establishing Pura Padel in these locations, we’re able to connect with people who share our passion for the sport and the lifestyle it promotes.

Q6: Can you tell us more about the new pop-up location in Los Angeles and what it offers?

Alessandro Bennett: Our pop-up at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks is a groundbreaking project, being the first padel club opened in a mall in Los Angeles. We’ve set up three state-of-the-art courts on the rooftop, offering players a unique and exciting way to engage with the sport. We also have a workout and recovery area with top-of-the-line equipment, including rowing machines, weights, and a cold plunge, as well as a lounge where players can relax with snacks and beverages after their game. We’re offering private lessons with our Head Coach, Emanuel Enrique, a former top 100 professional player, along with organized clinics and collaborative partner events. This location is designed to not only introduce padel to a new audience but also to build a vibrant community around the sport.

Q7: How do you see the future of padel globally, and how have celebrities playing the sport helped accelerate the profile of the sport?

Alessandro Bennett: The global future of padel is incredibly promising. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and its appeal continues to expand across different demographics and regions.

The rise of celebrities playing padel has significantly boosted the sport’s visibility and appeal. When high-profile figures like David Beckham, Serena Williams, and Shakira are seen enjoying padel, it sparks interest and curiosity among their fans and the general public. This trend has helped padel grow from a niche sport into a global phenomenon, attracting new players who might not have discovered it otherwise.

At Pura Padel, we embrace this momentum and aim to provide a premium experience that lives up to the excitement generated by the sport’s growing popularity. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, whether they’re inspired by celebrities or simply curious about the sport, can experience the joy of padel in a welcoming and high-quality environment. By building a strong community and offering top-notch facilities, we’re contributing to the sport’s ongoing growth and helping to sustain its newfound popularity.

Q8: What does the future hold for Pura Padel?

As the sport develops, Pura Padel aims to be at the forefront of this growth by creating a network of clubs that offer a premier padel experience. We plan to expand to other key cities, starting with our upcoming permanent location in Doral, Florida, in spring 2025. Our goal is to introduce more people to the sport and build a global community that shares our passion for padel.