The Fort Rises: Unleashing a 43 Premier Pickleball Court Facility in Fort Lauderdale
Photos: The Fort
A new pickleball destination is coming! The Fort is the first of-its kind that will feature the opportunity for people to gather to eat, drink, and play pickleball. Plus, having the world’s first pickleball stadium! Something that our sport has needed as we lack venues to host large tournaments with prominent seating to watch all of the pro action.
The Fort will include 43 professional courts and the pickleball stadium. The state-of-the-art facility is perfect for both casual and competitive players with open and reserved play, clinics, leagues, tournaments, all while watching touring pros train up close. Rain or shine, 14 courts are weatherproof and with the pro shop, locker rooms, and fitness-recovery center, The Fort delivers an unmatched pickleball experience.
Situated within the 93-acre Snyder Park, adjacent to the FLL Airport, The Fort transcends from pickleball hub to 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 7-acre lake. The Fort's offerings are vast, including a 4,000 sq ft event center, 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 is deeply committed to supporting the community and dedicated to making a difference. From local charities to youth and senior programs, The Fort will host fundraising events and provide pickleball equipment and training to every Fort Lauderdale public school.
Fort Lauderdale's Mayor Dean Trantalis expressed his enthusiasm seeing how this public-private partnership has exceeded expectations. "This collaboration showcases the incredible possibilities that arise when the public and private sectors work together for the benefit of our community, creating more than 100 jobs and making a significant economic impact on our city; aligning perfectly with Fort Lauderdale's commitment to be a world-class live-work-play city."
Co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo expressed their excitement, "This partnership with The City of Fort Lauderdale represents a significant moment for South Florida Pickleball. We are honored 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."
Groundbreaking for The Fort will commence in the coming weeks, with the grand opening scheduled for 2024.
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