Best door entry systems for padel courts

The growth of padel is unstoppable. In 2025 alone, padel courts grew by about 15% and the number of padel clubs worldwide grew by more than 16% year-over-year as the sport’s footprint expanded across the globe. Dubbed as “padel fever” by the media and internet, projections show this trend continuing into 2026 as more and more people jump on the bandwagon.

However, this rapid expansion will create operational challenges for padel club owners as they adapt to this wave of new clients. With demand rising, facilities can’t rely on manual check-ins or a staffed front desk 24/7. These old approaches don’t scale, and as padel popularity rises with each year, modern entry systems are required to keep up.

In this article, you’ll learn how to automate, exchange security and create new revenue streams with door entry systems for padel courts. By incorporating these intelligent solutions, padel facilities can become more efficient, profitable, and truly "autonomous clubs."

What is a padel door entry system? #

At its core, a padel entry system is a digital access control solution that can be used to manage when and who can enter a padel facility, in general, specific courts, or restricted areas. These systems replace or supplement existing keys with a technological solution that can be centrally managed. Some cloud-based systems, such as Kisi, make it possible to update access rules remotely without being on site. This is handled through specialized software and connected hardware that can be managed remotely.

Components of a padel entry system #

While setups vary by venue and the chosen setup, most padel door entry systems involve a basic process with a few core components. At the entry point (whether that’s the main entrance or a court door gate), a reader is installed to verify credentials. Depending on the system, you can unlock the door via mobile-based credentials, QR codes, access links, cards, PINs or key fobs.

Behind the scenes, the information of the credential is taken to a controller which connects these access devices to electronic locks and applies the access rules defined by the operator. The controller determines whether that door should open for a particular person at a particular time based on things such as time schedules, bookings, or assigned permissions.

How to use entry systems in padel facilities #

A door entry system is versatile, which means you can deploy it across various touchpoints across the facility to optimize your operations, such as:

• Main entrance: The first priority should be the main entrance, where an entry system can secure the building during unstaffed early-morning or late-night sessions, while still allowing authorized players and staff to enter during approved hours.
• Individual court gates: The second priority should be court-level access, where players receive access specifically to the court they've booked, for the exact duration of their reservation.
• VIP and exclusive areas: Some padel courts also have to manage special areas for VIP members, which enhances the club’s offering while also enabling tiered membership structures.
• Equipment and rental lockers: Entry systems can also be used to secure equipment storage, so that players can access rackets, balls, or other equipment only during their rental period.
• Administrative zones: Any staff or back-office areas can also be centrally managed through an entry system so that only authorized personnel can access them.

Types of door entry systems for padel courts #

Padel facilities can use several types of door entry systems and each offers a different set of upsides and downsides.

Mobile-first access control #

Mobile access control systems allow players to unlock doors or gates using their smartphones, usually through an app or secure access link.

• Advantage: Easier to issue, update, or revoke access as bookings change.
• Disadvantage: Members need to have a smartphone and be comfortable using a digital access method.

PIN code and keypad systems #

Keypad systems grant access when a correct code is entered at the door or gate.

• Advantage: They are simple and cost-effective to install, common in smaller or lower-traffic venues.
• Disadvantage: Shared codes are difficult to control and can be reused or passed on beyond their intended time or user.

Proximity-based entry systems #

Proximity systems use physical credentials such as cards or key fobs that unlock doors when held near a reader.

• Advantage: They offer a familiar and straightforward experience, especially for regular players and staff who access the facility frequently.
• Disadvantage: Physical credentials can be lost, shared, or require ongoing management as memberships change.

QR code–based entry systems #

QR-based systems provide players with a scannable code, often sent with a booking confirmation, that unlocks access at the door or gate.

• Advantage: They work well for guest access and one-time bookings without requiring a physical credential or mobile app.
• Disadvantage: QR codes can be forwarded or shared, which may limit control in high-traffic or premium facilities.

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The advantages of door entry systems for padel courts #

Any padel club operator who sets their eyes on growing their business should include a modern door entry system in their infrastructure. Not only does it have multiple benefits, but it also addresses the many demands of the fast-growing padel market.

24/7 monetization #

One of the main benefits of door entry systems is the ability to extend operating hours without increasing staffing costs. Entry systems automate access and give you full centralized control over the comings and goings of club members. Courts can be booked and utilized during "dead hours," maximizing the return on court investment.

Automated court turnover #

When access is tied to a booking or schedule, credentials can be configured to expire exactly when a reservation ends. That way, players will never stay more than their allotted time, and your courts will always remain available for the next booking.

Safety & liability management #

A door entry system also gives you the added benefit of around-the-clock security. Digital entry systems provide a clear access log showing who entered the facility or a specific court and when. This is obviously valuable from an operational oversight and insurance perspective, in the case of property damage or injury.

Overall player experience #

As the padel market evolves, so do the expectations of customers. Modern entry systems contribute to the experience of club members since players can enter the facility quickly and independently. They don’t have to stop at a front desk or handle physical keys, making arrival and departure smoother.

What to look for in a padel entry system #

It’s important to understand that not all entry systems are built with padel facilities in mind. As an operator evaluating options, it’s important to focus on a few practical criteria. For example, a solution should be able to scale as the club grows. If you’re adding more courts, expanding operation hours, or just opening new locations, access rules and user management should remain easy to configure without having to replace the whole system.

Another thing to consider is reliability, which is just as critical, especially for venues that run with minimal staff or during off-peak hours. Entry systems should continue to function even during temporary connectivity issues, so players aren’t locked out. With Kisi, access decisions can continue locally during short connectivity outages, so facilities can avoid disruptions caused by network instability.

Padel venues should also opt for a system that supports a mobile-first experience. Many players expect quick, app-based interactions rather than carrying physical cards with them. A modern mobile interface makes it easier for players to access the facility independently, not to mention it gives operators more flexibility in how access is issued and managed.

Integrating entry systems for a smart padel court #

The true power of a padel court lies in its ability to create a fully integrated smart ecosystem fit for the demands of modern players. Rather than operating in isolation, access control can be integrated into a broader operational setup.

The first thing any padel operator should be aware of is booking software integration. When entry systems are connected to reservation tools, the manual management of the facility is reduced. Some solutions combine booking and access control within a single system. For example, Kisi offers built-in booking functionality that allows resources to be reserved directly within the same platform used to manage doors and gates. Once a reservation is confirmed, access permissions can be issued automatically for the scheduled time window.

Many padel venues also combine access control with lighting automation, particularly for outdoor courts. When a player unlocks a court gate, which automatically triggers court lights to turn on, and conversely, the lights can be programmed to switch off after a booking session ends.

Video surveillance systems are also often used alongside door entry systems for better visibility into facility usage. Access logs can be paired with camera footage to review incidents, investigate damage, or resolve disputes.

Automate your padel court with Kisi #

Padel facilities are growing quickly, and with that growth comes added operational complexity. With projections reaching 70,000 courts worldwide this year, success in the "Gold Rush" era of padel is determined by operational quality and player experience.

For club owners, the challenge is no longer just finding space for a court, but managing that space efficiently to maximize ROI. Managing access with constant on-site presence might hurt operations, instead of scaling them. Modern door entry systems give padel operators a more flexible way to control access and align entry with bookings. Operators can now protect their facility while having the potential for 24/7 revenue through unstaffed operations.

At Kisi, we understand the operational challenges padel clubs face as they grow. That’s why we build access control solutions designed to work with modern, booking-driven facilities and adapt as your venue scales.

Contact Kisi to see how we can support your setup and walk you through the options available for your facility.