Move over, pickleball. Charlotte's sports scene is getting a fresh spin — Epic Padel, a Virginia-based company, is partnering with Prosperity Athletic Club to open its new, flagship destination on Monday, Sept. 8, along Browne Road in North Charlotte. Epic will boast state-of-the-art courts, coaching, leagues, and open play for beginners and pros.

What's padel? Think of it as a cross between tennis and squash — a smaller tennis court enclosed with glass surfaces which are also part of the game.

"I've fallen in love with paddle because I see the energy with it," Epic Padel's COO Tim Bainton told CLTtoday. "I'm having fun again. I like the fact that the court's a little smaller and the ball's not traveling as fast, and it's accessible as you get older."
The 260,000-sqft facility has:

Five padel courts with AI cameras to track your play
Six pickleball courts
10 tennis courts
Upgraded state-of-the-art gym
Welcome center and pro shop

Epic plans to cover the padel courts and offer some food and drink options by early next year + open two additional clubs by the end of 2026.

Interested in trying it out? The team is offering free play for newcomers + founding memberships are still available. Pro tip: A membership gets you access to the gym and Prosperity's courts.

"This is a community-driven site," said Bainton. "If you've never played padel and you want to come try it, whether it's today, tomorrow, or six months from now, you're not being charged. Come here, come see what it's about."