Across the globe, the way people engage with sports and spaces is gradually evolving. Health, connection, and convenience are becoming central to how communities are designed and experienced. For Andrew E McIntyre, founder of Toro Padel Social Racquet Club, this shift presents an opportunity to rethink how sport, real estate, and social infrastructure can come together in everyday life.
According to McIntyre, his perspective is shaped by his background in commercial real estate and a growing focus on racquet sports like Padel. He says his work centers on a simple idea that spaces can do more than serve a single function. They can also actively create connections, improve well-being, and extend how long people stay engaged with their communities.
He explains that his entry into the space was driven by observation rather than intention. "I wasn't necessarily looking to completely exit the real estate industry and start my own company as much as I was looking for a business opportunity that I could invest in," he says. "As I realized the possibilities of this industry, it became clear to me that this was bigger than a single investment."
McIntyre points to racquet sports as a practical and proven response to loneliness and social disconnection. He connects this to a broader participation trend, where ease of play has fueled the rise of sports like pickleball, while leaving space for alternatives that require greater athleticism.
In his view, Padel occupies a unique position within this landscape by blending accessibility and a level of athleticism that keeps players engaged over time. "The popularity of Padel is because it is fun, social, and playfully competitive," McIntyre explains. "This balance makes the sport inherently multi-generational. Players of different ages and experience levels can share the same court without friction."
For McIntyre, this is where the long-term value of the sport lies. Racquet sports have been linked to extended lifespan and improved mental well-being, yet participation often depends on accessibility and environment. "People play once and immediately ask us when they can play again, when the club is opening, and whether they can be part of it. We have never had anybody play once who did not want to play again," he notes.
McIntyre identifies location as the defining constraint in the growth of Padel, particularly in the United States. "The biggest issue is accessibility," he explains. "The locations where people can currently play are not where the demographics that want to play are located. Existing courts are either positioned at the edge of the city or within isolated industrial areas. These settings limit consistent, daytime engagement across key groups such as seniors, families, and youth programs. Activity becomes concentrated in evenings and weekends, leaving significant demand unmet."
This gap is where McIntyre believes his real estate expertise comes into focus. He sees opportunity in underutilized urban spaces that already exist within high-demand areas. "I focus on the type of real estate where property owners have underutilized areas that we can activate," he says. "That ranges from the top of parking decks to excess parking at shopping centers. Shifting zoning policies are reinforcing this approach. Many municipalities are reducing parking requirements to encourage mixed-use development and walkability."
For McIntyre, this creates a natural alignment between policy, real estate economics, and community needs. Within this framework, he introduces the concept of programming as a central design principle. "There are two aspects of programming," he explains. "One is physical, which includes amenities like fitness spaces, pools, and shared environments. The other is how the clubs are utilized through events, leagues, and tournaments to create meaningful connections."
"The concept of a social first Padel club is intentional. This is about building community through hospitality, events, and shared experiences," he says. "Food and beverage offerings, curated events, and technology all play a role in reinforcing that experience. Features like automated match highlights and player rankings can extend engagement beyond the court, encouraging interaction and sharing within wider networks."
He emphasizes that connection has measurable value in real estate outcomes. "When people have three or four close friends within a multi-family property, they are significantly more likely to stay and extend their lease," he says. For him, this insight shapes how he approaches development through Toro Padel.
He also highlights the importance of adaptability in how these spaces are used. From corporate events to casual social gatherings, he notes that the same environment can serve multiple purposes throughout the day. According to him, this flexibility enhances both the economic viability of the space and its relevance to different user groups.
As he moves toward launching his first location, his focus remains on precision in site selection and hospitality level execution. For McIntyre, the opportunity extends beyond Padel and reflects a redefinition of how spaces are valued and experienced. As he says, "With the right location, the goal is to build spaces where people want to spend more time, have fun, connect, and look forward to coming back."
