Indiana is known for the Indianapolis 500 and its deep basketball roots. But in January 2026, a new sport made its mark in the Hoosier State — padel.
Behind Indiana’s first dedicated padel facility is a story not just of local vision, but of the right international partner. This is how Padel Alba helped transform an empty warehouse into NorthPoint Padel, a premium racquet sports destination in Westfield.
The Project
NorthPoint Padel opened in January 2026 inside a clean industrial warehouse with 32-foot ceilings in Westfield, one of Indiana’s fastest-growing cities.
The facility features:
Two full panoramic padel courts
24/7 automated access
App-based booking
A lean, court-focused operating model
The idea began during a 2022 family vacation in Mallorca, Spain.
“We walked into Rafa Nadal’s academy pro shop and saw a racket on the wall I had never seen before — and that’s where the idea of NorthPoint Padel was born.” – Jon Omer, Co-Founder, NorthPoint Padel
What started as curiosity turned into action in 2025, as media coverage pointed to padel’s rapid U.S. expansion. The founders began exploring how to bring the sport to Indiana — and quickly realized that choosing the right court partner would define the project.
The Challenge
Converting a warehouse into a high-quality padel facility presents several key challenges:
1. Ceiling Height & Zoning
Many clubs struggle with zoning restrictions and ceiling requirements.
“One of the biggest challenges clubs face is finding a facility with high ceilings. That typically means industrial zoning, which is hard to come by. We already had a warehouse with 32-foot ceilings.” – Brian Cook, Co-Founder, NorthPoint Padel
The physical structure was there — but delivering a premium playing experience required expertise.
2. Selecting the Right Court System
The ownership team began researching manufacturers on sportsvenuecalculator.com and found an article listing the top 5 padel court suppliers in the U.S. Padel Alba, with more than 25 years of global manufacturing experience and multiple U.S. installations, stood out for quality and responsiveness.
3. Matching the Court to the Facility
Padel Alba manufactures multiple U.S.-compliant models, including wind-rated systems for outdoor installations.
For NorthPoint’s indoor setup, the conversation focused on panoramic options.
“We produce two or three types of courts for the U.S. market — panoramic, full panoramic, and a wind-rated version. For indoor courts, we discussed the panoramic and the full panoramic.” – Dermot Ledwith, Chief Sales Officer, Padel Alba
The team ultimately selected two full panoramic courts, prioritizing:
360° visibility
Premium glass systems
Clean architectural integration
A high-end club aesthetic
Without the need for wind resistance, performance and visual impact became the priority.
The Installation
Execution speed was critical to hitting the planned opening timeline.
Padel Alba coordinated with Midwest-based installer MTJ Sports, while also sending a technical director to oversee the project.
“The team went down to work on two courts for eight days and actually finished in four and a half days — ahead of schedule.” – Noah Jonmarker, VP Operations, MTJ Sports
The result was a smooth installation process that minimized delays and gave ownership confidence going into launch.
For a first-of-its-kind facility in Indiana, reducing installation risk was essential.
The Results
NorthPoint Padel officially opened as Indiana’s first dedicated padel club — and one of the first Midwest installations featuring Padel Alba’s full panoramic model.
The finished space delivers:
A premium European-style aesthetic
High-performance glass and structure
A clean, modern playing environment
A lean, automated 24/7 business model
What was once an industrial warehouse now feels like a high-end club in Madrid or Miami.
More importantly, the project proves a broader point for developers:
Your courts are your product.
Choosing an experienced manufacturing partner can:
Reduce technical risk
Improve installation efficiency
Elevate the visual standard of the facility
Strengthen long-term durability and player satisfaction
As padel expands beyond coastal markets into regions like Indiana, early movers have an advantage — but only if execution matches ambition.
NorthPoint Padel demonstrates how the right supplier partnership can turn an empty shell into a fully operational padel hotspot.
Planning a Padel Facility?
If you’re considering converting warehouse space into a padel club:
Evaluate ceiling height and zoning early
Select court models aligned with indoor vs. outdoor needs
Work with experienced manufacturers and certified installers
Build your business model alongside your construction plan
Projects like NorthPoint show that padel isn’t limited to Miami or Los Angeles. With the right market and the right partner, it can thrive anywhere.
