Padel Becomes the New Hangout, Say Actress Valerie Tifanka and Designer Tities Saputra
Padel is increasingly popular among youths and public figures. It is not only a sport but is also becoming part of a lifestyle and a hub for community. This was revealed by actress Valerie Tifanka and designer Tities Saputra during the opening of Racquet Club Sentul at Sentul Highlands Golf Club in Bogor, West Java. According to them, the trend of hanging out at malls or bars is shifting to sports venues like padel, making it a new lifestyle.
“Now hanging out isn’t at malls or bars, but at sports venues such as padel. It has become a new lifestyle,” Tities Saputra said on Saturday, 16 May, in Bogor.
Valerie Tifanka added: “It’s really exciting. It also becomes a place to gather. Hanging out, eating, everything now at padel venues,” she said.
They argued that a comfortable and aesthetic sports facility is one reason padel is growing, especially among youths and communities. “Usually padel venues only have three courts. Here there are six, so people can come in larger groups,” she said.
Valerie added that the outdoor atmosphere with greenery makes playing more enjoyable. “The vibes are so good, green and refreshing. There are also many Instagrammable spots,” she said.
Seeing this trend, the executive zone of Sentul Highlands Golf Club now presents Racquet Club Sentul as a new sportainment facility that combines sport with lifestyle and community. President Director of Sentul Highlands Golf Club, Jeyson Pribadi, said the rapid growth of padel attracted them to bring this facility to Sentul Highlands. “Now sports trends have merged with lifestyle and entertainment. We want to create a place not only for sport, but also a hangout and gathering place,” he said.
Racquet Sentul offers six padel courts, two tennis courts, a VIP room, locker rooms, and racket rental facilities. The complex is integrated with other facilities such as golf, driving range, a culinary area, and lodging. According to Jeyson, the concept is to enable visitors to enjoy a sporting experience alongside quality time with family or the community.