The state-of-the-art facility will be home to the APP and form one of pickleball’s worldwide epicenters, marking a significant milestone in the sport.
The APP’s plans to establish its official headquarters and training center at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, make it the first-ever organization in the sport to have a dedicated facility.
The World’s First-Ever Pickleball Stadium
Boasting 43 courts and the world’s inaugural pickleball stadium, this state-of-the-art complex is designed to advance the APP’s mission of nurturing talent and promoting pickleball across all levels.
Ken Herrmann, the Founder of the APP, was understandably excited about the new move, saying, “Our new headquarters and training facility provides the Association of Pickleball Players an incredible opportunity to grow beyond hosting world-class events.
“The Fort will set the bar for pickleball facilities worldwide and will allow us to develop the APP into the leading global pickleball organization. We cannot wait to officially call South Florida—the epicenter of pickleball action—our home.”
A Community Hub
Co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo see The Fort not just as a pickleball club but as a community hub, providing a welcoming environment for pickleball enthusiasts and capturing the essence of South Florida living.
Tuckman added, “Aligning with the APP was a natural choice, as their vision mirrors our own—to elevate the game while honoring its inclusive roots as a sport for everyone, whether for social play or professional ambition.
“With the APP playing a central role in our training and development initiatives, we’re now even better positioned to establish The Fort as the premier pickleball destination, providing a perfect blend of competition and unparalleled entertainment for everyone,”
Fostering Growth And Developing Talent
The APP and The Fort share a common vision of fostering pickleball’s growth and developing talent. The plans include hosting international tournaments, junior player development programs, training initiatives for touring professionals, and opportunities for players worldwide to engage and access resources.
The APP’s current plans for growth include:
- Holding world-class, international pickleball tournaments and events for elite pros and amateurs.
- Junior player development for U.S. and international students.
- Programs for high-performance touring pros seeking structured, year-round training.
- Opportunities for aspiring pickleball players from around the world to train, engage with other players, and enjoy a vast array of resources at their disposal
- Serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen National Team.
Fourteen Weatherproof Courts
The Fort, located within the 93-acre Snyder Park and close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, is poised to open later this year, coinciding with the APP’s final Major of the 2024 season.
To learn more about The Fort, visit playthefort.com and follow @PlayTheFort on Instagram and Facebook.
The Fort’s pickleball club will feature 43 professional courts, including the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium, along with 14 weatherproof courts for year-round play.
It will cater to casual and competitive players with open and reserved play, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. Additional amenities include a pro shop, locker rooms, a fitness recovery center, a 4,000-square-foot event center, and diverse food and beverage options embodying the South Florida lifestyle.
Strategic Location
The strategic location of the APP’s new headquarters in Fort Lauderdale solidifies its presence in one of the world’s strongest pickleball communities.
The Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area, hosting The Fort, represents the largest concentration of pickleball players in Florida, with 20 percent of the state’s pickleball-playing population residing there.
According to the APP’s 2023 player participation research, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area is the nation’s fourth-largest pickleball market, with 3.1 percent of its population having played the sport in the past twelve months.
As the APP currently welcomes over 1,200 pickleball players to Southwest Florida for the APP Punta Gorda Open, scheduled until Sunday, January 21, enthusiasts can stay informed about upcoming events, tour dates, registration, and tickets on theapp.global or by following @PlayTheFort on Instagram and Facebook.
