Madrid to Launch Europe's Largest Pickleball Facility Next Month
Introduction to Madrid's New Pickleball Hub
The popularity of pickleball is surging across Spain and Europe, leading to significant changes in the continent's sports landscape. Next month, Madrid will unveil what is being touted as the largest dedicated pickleball facility in Europe. El Tejar de Somontes, a prominent sports and leisure complex in Madrid, will officially join the Pickle Pro Tour starting June 19, as Spain continues to invest in this rapidly growing sport.
Details of the Pickleball Facility
The grand opening will coincide with the Madrid Open of the Pickle Pro Tour, a national circuit organized in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET). The initial phase of this ambitious project will include 16 exclusive pickleball courts, four of which will be indoors, establishing Somontes as the largest pickleball venue in Europe upon its launch.
Situated near El Pardo mountain and the Manzanares River, approximately 10 minutes from Plaza de España in central Madrid, the complex spans over 18 hectares and boasts more than 85 sports facilities, along with ample green spaces and parking for 2,000 vehicles.
Future Events and Developments
In addition to the dedicated courts, organizers have confirmed that five existing tennis courts can be modified to accommodate up to 20 more pickleball courts during major tournaments and international events. The preliminary rounds of the Madrid Open will take place at Somontes on June 19 and 20, with the finals moving to central Madrid under the Pickle Pro Tour’s ‘club plus city centre’ format, featuring the closing stages at Plaza de España from June 19 to 21.
This agreement also ensures that Somontes will host future Master Finals events, where only the top-ranked players from the unified RFET and Pickle Pro Tour rankings will qualify at the end of each season. The venue is also expected to facilitate training camps for the Spanish national team, development programs, junior camps, and various national and international tournaments, as Spain continues to cultivate a more structured competitive pickleball environment.
Significance of the New Venue
Organizers have hailed this partnership as a significant advancement in the professionalization of pickleball in Spain. They stated, “The addition of Somontes as an official venue is a huge leap forward for pickleball in Spain. We are talking about facilities that are unique in Europe, specifically designed for the growth of this sport and to provide a top-level environment for both players and fans.”
Over the past two years, Spain has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in Europe, alongside the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The rapid expansion of regional federations, indoor clubs, and professional circuits reflects the increasing participation rates across the continent. The Somontes project positions Madrid at the forefront of this European expansion and highlights the accelerating investment in pickleball infrastructure globally as the sport gains traction in mainstream international markets.