The Fort: America’s First Dedicated Pickleball Stadium and Entertainment Complex
The pickleball craze is sweeping the nation, with the number of players in the U.S. approaching 40 million and over 11,000 places to play across the country. The South Atlantic Region leads the pack in terms of players, with South Florida emerging as a hotspot for the sport. It’s no surprise then that the first dedicated pickleball stadium and entertainment complex is set to open in Fort Lauderdale.
Dubbed “The Fort,” this state-of-the-art complex boasts 43 lighted courts, including 14 covered courts, equipped with Advanced Playsight technology for live-streaming matches, instant replays, and coaching analysis. The facility will also serve as the official headquarters and training facility for the Association of Pickleball Professionals, catering to both competitive and recreational players alike.
With a capacity to hold up to 2,000 spectators, The Fort features four grandstands with bleacher seating, an on-site pro shop, locker rooms, and a post-play recovery center. The complex will occupy eight acres of a 10-acre site within the 96-acre Snyder Park, with additional amenities such as The Lake House, a three-acre program space.
The Fort’s grand opening is scheduled for next spring, with a small tournament set to kick off the festivities this month. The project’s building team includes Architectural Alliance Architecture, Miller Construction, Accord Engineering, WGI, and Brizaga, with Centennial Bank providing a $7 million construction loan for the nearly $25 million project.
CEO and co-founder Brad Tuckman, also the co-founder of Dink Drop Trainer, and developer Jeffrey Roschman are spearheading this groundbreaking venture in the world of pickleball. The Fort promises to be a game-changer for the sport, offering a premier destination for players and fans alike to come together and celebrate their love for pickleball.
