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Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by Robinsons Land Corporation and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.
Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), through a joint venture with Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation, has officially broken ground on the Helios Pickleball Center, Asia’s first tournament-grade pickleball facility in Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Pasig City. The eight-story complex adds a new dimension to RLC’s “live-work-play-inspire” vision, further strengthening the estate’s reputation as a premier lifestyle and innovation hub.
The groundbreaking ceremony on July 17 was led by Lance Y. Gokongwei, chairman of RLC, together with Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, president and CEO of RLC. Representatives from the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball also joined the celebration, signaling the global partnerships behind this landmark project.
Helios Pickleball Center is the debut project of Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation (SER), RLC’s newly established business focused on building high-impact venues and experiences in the growing sports and entertainment space.
HELIOS PICKLEBALL CENTER. This eight-story establishment in Bridgetowne is Asia’s first tournament-grade pickleball facility. “With the launch of Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation, 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,” said Aragon-GoBio. “Helios is just the beginning. As the first of its kind in Asia, it reflects Robinsons Land’s ambition and vision to support the rising popularity of pickleball while also creating accessible, world-class venues that promote active lifestyles, community building, and even national pride through sport.”
Inspired by the Greek sun god, Helios symbolizes energy, strength, and excellence. The name reflects the facility’s mission to empower individuals to move, connect, and thrive, on and off the court. The Victor, the iconic public art monument towering nearby, embodies that same spirit of discipline, resilience, and triumph, serving as a powerful visual counterpart to the center’s athletic purpose. Together, they anchor Bridgetowne Destination Estate’s identity as a place where ambition, perseverance, and inspiration all take shape.
A facility designed for the future
Built to international tournament standards, the Helios Pickleball Center will house 25 professional-grade courts, including a dedicated stadium court for hosting major events and competitions. The eight-story complex will consist of six floors of sports and recreation facilities, with amenities such as a gym, a sports clinic, and food and beverage services, all designed to enhance the athlete and spectator experience. Two basement levels will provide ample parking, and the entire facility spans a gross floor area of over 17,500 square meters.
HELIOS PICKLEBALL CENTER. Built to international tournament standards, it will house 25 professional-grade courts, including a dedicated stadium court for hosting major events and competitions.Further reinforcing its world-class ambitions, Helios is positioned as a future PPA Tour venue, paving the way for it to host international tournaments under the PPA calendar.
Notably, Helios is designed to be inclusive and accessible. The facility is not limited to members, as courts can be reserved by anyone through PodPlay, a digital platform that enables players to book sessions, join group games, and connect with other pickleball enthusiasts. This open-access model is designed to make the sport more inclusive and support its growth at every level of play.
Construction of the Helios Pickleball Center is underway, with completion targeted for 2027.
Helios Pickleball Center is designed to encourage growth in every sense, developing athletic skills, promoting healthy living, and strengthening community ties. By providing a high-quality, accessible venue for play and competition, it creates opportunities for personal development and helps advance the sport of pickleball in the Philippines.
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. With Helios as a new anchor for recreation, Bridgetowne continues to evolve as a destination estate defined by energy, connection, and purposeful design.
HELIOS PICKLEBALL CENTER. The facility aligns with Robinsons Land Corporation’s vision for dynamic and urban living.A sport on the rise
Once considered a niche pastime, pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing sports globally. In the United States alone, participation surged from 8.9 million in 2022 to 13.6 million in 2023. By 2024, the number had reached nearly 20 million—a 311% increase over just three years. The sport’s inclusive nature and low barrier to entry have attracted players across generations, fueling a market that exceeded $1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow further in 2024.
As its popularity expands, so too does its legitimacy as a competitive discipline. International governing bodies are now coalescing to streamline pickleball’s push for recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a vital step toward possible inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. With its world-class standards and global partnerships, Helios Pickleball Center is well-positioned to support this momentum, potentially serving as a launchpad for Filipino athletes aspiring to reach the world stage. – Rappler.com
