The world’s fastest-growing sport will make its Australian professional debut on a temporary court built on the Northern Broadwalk of the Sydney Opera House on 15 and 16 August. The Padel Invitational presented by UBS brings together former world No.1s, Premier Padel stars, and Australian sporting legends for two days of elite exhibitions, community matches, and a harbourside afterparty.
Padel arrived in Australia around 2015 but the last 12 months have transformed it from a niche club game into a national growth story. Over 90,000 Australians have now played the sport, a 50 percent jump year-on-year. More than 100 courts operate across 23 clubs. The Opera House event is designed to accelerate that momentum by linking the game’s social, fast-paced appeal with the global profile of a UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
Tom Larner, Chair of Padel Australia, called the invitational a landmark moment. “We’re excited to introduce more Australians to the sport through an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most iconic venues,” he said.
Former world No.1 Pat Rafter, who will appear as a guest player alongside Casey Dellacqua, described padel as unlike anything he had played before. “It’s fast, dynamic, incredibly entertaining to watch and fun and social to play. Once you try it, you understand why millions of people around the world have fallen in love with it. To be able to showcase the sport at the Sydney Opera House is pretty special,” Rafter said.
The international field includes Juan Martín Díaz, Martín Di Nenno, Maximiliano Sánchez, Pablo García Rodríguez, and Alejandra Salazar. Their matches will sit alongside the high-energy One Point Padel showcase and the Community Padel Invitational final on Sunday, where local club players compete for a championship on the same temporary court that hosts the professionals.
Gates open at 10am both days. Saturday’s program runs until 5.30pm, followed by a free afterparty from 5.30pm to 9pm with live entertainment and food overlooking Sydney Harbour. Entry to the afterparty is subject to capacity. Tickets start at $30 and are available only through the Sydney Opera House website. Sunday concludes at 6pm with the community finals and elite exhibition matches.
What makes the event unusual for the Opera House is the full transformation of the Northern Broadwalk. A custom court, corporate activations, and a wellness zone replace the typical pre-show crowd. It is the first professional sport activation of this scale on the site, and organisers are marketing it as a curated blend of competition, fashion, and lifestyle culture. The cashless event enforces strict bag and item rules: no large bags, glass, alcohol, strollers, professional cameras, or selfie sticks. Empty water bottles up to one litre are permitted, with free refill stations on site.
Transport planners strongly recommend public transport. Trains, buses, and ferries stop at Circular Quay, a seven-to-ten-minute walk from the Opera House. Wilson Parking operates the on-site car park and offers discounted rates for prepaid bookings. For those planning a full day, nearby Circular Quay and The Rocks offer dining before or after the sessions. August programming at the Opera House includes Rigoletto and Gang of Youths concerts, making it possible to stack a cultural itinerary.
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Sydney Opera House
UNESCO World Heritage performing arts centre on Sydney Harbour, opened 1973. Its iconic sail-like architecture hosts opera, theatre, music and now diverse experiences including this padel event on the Northern Broadwalk.
Padel Australia
National governing body for padel in Australia, affiliated with Tennis Australia. Led by Chair Tom Larner, it oversees tournaments, player pathways and growth initiatives including the Australian Padel Tour.
The event’s mix of elite and community play offers two distinct entry points. Saturday’s program is built around the international stars and ends with the free afterparty. Sunday leans toward local club players and families, with the Community Padel Invitational final taking centre stage before more exhibition matches. Anyone planning to drive should pre-book parking, as event-day crowds will fill the Opera House car park quickly.
The Padel Invitational runs 15-16 August at the Sydney Opera House. Wheelchair and companion seating is available through the Box Office on +61 2 9250 7777. Children under 15 must be accompanied at all times. The event proceeds rain or shine.