From tennis to padel: how the Foro Italico transforms

From the bright red clay of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia to the deep blue of the Italy Major Premier Padel. The Foro Italico changes its face and its colors, without losing its essence. The home of Italian sport – a magical place where sport, nature, and architecture blend into one – is transforming once again. A new look and tone allow fans of every level to fully enjoy the emotions of top-level padel. Eleven courts have been set up in the heart of the Foro Italico, ready to welcome athletes, staff, fans, and curious visitors in the capital for one of the most awaited events on the international scene.

In this vibrant setting, padel emerges as the protagonist of a new sports season. With over 1.2 million players in Italy – 250,000 of them in Rome alone – it’s now a firmly rooted phenomenon, combining entertainment, accessibility, and sociability. Because padel, even before being a sport, is a common language, an open space where generations meet, friendships are formed, and inclusion is built.

“In just three years, Rome has become one of the four world capitals of padel, alongside Doha, Paris, and Acapulco. The Foro Italico, with its ability to transform, has embraced this evolution: from the red clay and the white marble to the blue of the padel courts, adapting to the needs of the event while preserving its uniqueness,” said Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport e Salute. “At the Foro Italico, across the eleven courts we have set up, we welcome countless athletes – but above all, families, children, and everyone who wants to approach sport for the first time. The BNL Italy Major Premier Padel represents not only a high-level international sporting event but also a symbol of our vision: promoting sport as a tool for inclusion, well-being, and social development. Thanks to our collaboration with the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation and the International Padel Federation, we are ready to experience this new adventure.”