Padel Is Taking Over Gardens By The Bay This September

Padel is making a rather scenic debut in Singapore, with UBS and Gardens by the Bay bringing the fast-growing sport to the West Lawn from September to October. Set against the Supertrees, custom-built courts are transforming the space into a new sporting hub, with the inaugural Padel at the Gardens designed to bring players of all ages and abilities together.

The courts are open for public play from 19 September to 11 October, with complimentary bookings available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings open from 8am on 19 September, while padel equipment will also be available to rent, so you don't need to turn up with your own racquet and balls in tow.

Image credit: UBS and Gardens by the Bay | Supplied

If you're new to the sport, Singapore's National Padel players will be on hand to lead coaching sessions for the community. Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed glass court, combining elements of tennis and squash, with the surrounding walls keeping the ball in play and creating fast rallies. It has become a global phenomenon, with more than 38 million people playing across more than 170 countries, according to the International Padel Federation.

The Singapore activation is part of UBS's regional Padel Series, which has previously brought the sport to landmarks including Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Here, the idea is less about another temporary sports court and more about getting people out, active and playing together, with Gardens by the Bay providing a pretty unbeatable backdrop.

So, if you've been curious about padel but haven't quite got around to trying it, this could be your excuse. Grab a few friends, book a court and prepare to discover why everyone's suddenly talking about the sport.

Looking for more? Check out:

• The Best Sentosa Beach Clubs For A Day Of Fun In The Sun
• The Best Water Sports In Singapore To Try Right Now
• From Mega Malls To Street Markets, Here’s Why Singapore Is A Shopping Mecca

Main image credit: UBS and Gardens by the Bay | Supplied