The world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium is set to open in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida, in 2024.
Comprising 43 professional courts (14 of them covered), a fitness and recovery centre, pro shop and “a blend of social and culinary delights,” ‘The Fort’ is a public-private partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale.
The marketing promotion bills the venue as “South Florida’s premier social sports destination.” It continues:” “It’s where the thrill of pickleball meets the relaxed South Florida lifestyle. Dive into competitive games, savour made-from-scratch culinary delights, and sip on crafted beverages.
“Whether you’re here to challenge your limits or to bask in the social scene, it’s the perfect place for sports enthusiasts, foodies, friends, and corporate events alike.”
Located in the 93-acre Snyder Park next to the FLL Airport, The Fort will be both pickleball hub and lakeside paradise. Central to its allure is The Lakehouse, where you can indulge in made-from-scratch dishes and signature drinks while taking in views of the crystal clear seven-acre lake.
Groundbreaking for The Fort will commence in the coming weeks, with the grand opening scheduled for later in 2024.
The pickleball stadium will be part of The Fort’s wider offerings, including a 4,000 sq ft event centre, luxury suites, golf simulators, dart room, volleyball, paddleboard and game yard with live music catering to everyone from sports fans to food enthusiasts, families to corporate events.
Founded by long-term Fort Lauderdale locals, The Fort will support local charities to youth and senior programmes. It will host fundraising events and provide pickleball equipment and training to every Fort Lauderdale public school.
Co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, said: “This partnership with The City of Fort Lauderdale represents a significant moment for South Florida Pickleball. We are honoured to represent this incredible city and eagerly anticipate becoming the premier spot to eat, drink, laugh and play pickleball; creating a space where community and competition coalesce where everyone, regardless of their skill level or background, can feel at home.
“Pickleball is a cultural phenomenon and having the world’s first official pickleball stadium is a perfectly timed addition to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s portfolio of premier sporting facilities,” said Stacy Ritter, president & CEO of Visit Lauderdale.
“Way more than a pickleball hub, this innovative recreational facility pairs well with our destination’s love of play, entertainment and dining and will surely be a draw for enthusiasts of the sport worldwide.”
