RLC to open Asia's first tournament-grade pickleball center 

Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) has commenced the construction of the Helios Pickleball Center, set to become Asia’s first tournament-grade pickleball facility, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Located at Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City, this eight-story complex is RLC’s joint venture with Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC). The pickleball center is set to be completed in 2027.

For its capacity, the Helios Pickleball Center will house 25 professional-grade courts, including a dedicated stadium court for hosting major events and competitions.

It will feature six floors dedicated to sports and recreation, including a gym, sports clinic, and food and beverage outlets, designed to enhance the overall experience for both athletes and spectators.

The facility will have two basement levels for parking and a total gross floor area of over 17,500 square meters.

RLC chief strategist Ramon Rivero said the addition of the pickleball center in the developer’s portfolio supports the firm’s vision “to continue to be the Philippines’ premier developer and operator of creative sports, recreation, and entertainment products.”

“We will do that through enriching lives with modern entertainment experiences,” Rivero said during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, July 17.

Given the size of the complex, Riveo said it can support “small, medium, and large international tournaments all simultaneously.” But while the facility was built for professionals, Rivero said it will not eliminate casual players.

The facility will be open to the public, with courts available for booking through PodPlay, a digital platform that allows users to schedule games, join group sessions, and connect with fellow pickleball players.

“With the launch of Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation (REC), we are expanding into new spaces that complement Robinsons Land’s recognized strengths, especially our malls that serve Filipino communities nationwide and our growing destination estates like Bridgetowne,” RLC President and CEO Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio said.

“As the first tournament-grade pickleball venue in Asia, the center aligns with RLC’s vision for dynamic urban living. It enhances Bridgetowne’s ecosystem by supporting active, social, and wellness-driven lifestyles,” RLC.

Recent sports data showed that pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with U.S. participation rising from 8.9 million in 2022 to nearly 20 million by 2024—a 311 percent increase in three years. Its market reached over $1.5 billion in 2023, with further growth expected this year.

RLC Chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei and RLC President Aragon-GoBio led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, July 17. Representatives from the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) were also present during the event.

As for the readiness of the Bridgetowne to the potential pickleball tournaments in 2027, Aragon-GoBio said it is “very ready.

“As players come in from all over Asia, they will need lodging as well. One of the things that Kosmas [KAVC] had considered was the readiness of the estate to house those players,” Aragon-GoBio added.