You Won't Believe What's Inside St. Pete's Massive New 50,000-Sq-Ft Athletic Center!

After three years of meticulous planning and construction, St. Pete Athletic has officially opened its doors, marking a significant addition to St. Petersburg's recreational landscape. This expansive facility encompasses a sprawling 50,000-square-foot space featuring 14 pickleball courts, two padel courts, six table tennis courts, a restaurant, three bars, a gym, a sauna, a cold plunge, and a fitness studio. The diversity of amenities aims to cater to various interests and fitness levels, establishing the club as a community hub for athletic and social activities.

The grand opening festivities kicked off with a pickleball tournament on Friday, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday that featured St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch. The day included engaging pickleball clinics and mascot appearances from local professional sports teams, further highlighting the community spirit associated with the club. Sunday saw wellness activities take center stage, including yoga and Pilates sessions, emphasizing a holistic approach to fitness.

Initially, the club launched with 35,000 square feet available, which includes eight of the aforementioned pickleball courts, the restaurant, and bars, along with all clubhouse member perks. Plans are already in place to enhance the facility further; by February, an adjacent building will add two more padel courts and an additional six pickleball courts, expanding the venue’s offerings and accommodating growing interest in these sports.

“A lot of work has gone into it, dozens of people being involved,” stated Reuben Pressman, one of the managing partners at St. Pete Athletic. “Our team is nearly 100 staff that we've hired to put the space together.” This commitment to staffing showcases a dedication to creating a welcoming environment for both members and guests.

The club began with a soft opening on December 11, allowing only members to access the facilities during that initial week. Memberships sold out quickly, demonstrating strong community interest. However, non-members are still welcome to visit and play. Currently, anyone can book a court via the club's app, with waived court fees during the opening weekend and a standard fee of $25 on weekdays and $40 on weekends for non-members.

Located at 680 28th St. South in St. Petersburg, just off the Pinellas Trail, St. Pete Athletic is set to become a popular destination for locals. The facility operates from 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, allowing for flexible scheduling that accommodates early risers and night owls alike.

Pressman emphasized the mission behind the club, saying, “It's amazing to be able to build something like this as like an amenity and a gift to the city, of course, but it's really all about bringing the community together and, so, having a space that's so multifaceted.” As the popularity of pickleball and padel continues to rise across the United States, St. Pete Athletic provides not just a venue for sports but a space for community connection and wellness.

As the facility prepares for its full operational launch, it stands as a testament to the community's growing interest in health, fitness, and social engagement, aiming to be a cornerstone of local recreation for years to come.