Fort Lauderdale is stepping into an exciting pickleball chapter with The Fort—a new South Florida destination where individuals can hook up for dining, beverages, and pickleball.
This groundbreaking partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale will present top-notch pickleball amenities alongside a fusion of social activities and culinary experiences, perfectly encapsulating the South Florida lifestyle.
World’s Premier Pickleball Stadium
At the core of The Fort lies its pickleball club, boasting an incredible 43 top-grade courts and the world’s premier pickleball stadium. This cutting-edge facility caters to casual and competitive players, offering open and reserved play, clinics, leagues, tournaments, and the chance to observe professional players train up close.
Fourteen of the courts are all-weather, and facilities like the pro shop, locker rooms, and a fitness-recovery center mean The Fort ensures an unrivaled pickleball experience.
Nestled within the 93-acre Snyder Park, adjacent to the FLL Airport, The Fort combines its pickleball center with a lakeside haven.
The Lakehouse
Central to the latter’s appeal is The Lakehouse, where patrons can relish scratch-made dishes and signature beverages while soaking in vistas of the pristine 7-acre lake.
The offerings at The Fort are extensive, encompassing a 4,000 sq ft event center, luxurious suites, golf simulators, a dart room, volleyball, paddleboard facilities, and a game yard with live music catering to a diverse audience, from sports aficionados to culinary enthusiasts, families, and corporate gatherings.
Bolstering The Community
Founded by longstanding Fort Lauderdale residents, The Fort is deeply committed to bolstering the community and making a meaningful impact.
From aiding local charities to supporting youth and senior programs, The Fort will host fundraising events and equip every Fort Lauderdale public school with pickleball gear and training.
Mayor Dean Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale was keen to share his enthusiasm about this public-private collaboration:
“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.”
“A Pivotal Moment”
Co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo were equally upbeat: “Our collaboration with The City of Fort Lauderdale marks a pivotal moment for South Florida Pickleball. We are privileged to represent this fantastic city and eagerly anticipate establishing the ultimate venue for dining, socializing, laughter, and pickleball – an inclusive space where community and competition converge, welcoming individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds.”
“Pickleball Is A Cultural Phenomenon”
Stacy Ritter, president & CEO of Visit Lauderdale, remarked, “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.
“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.”
The construction of The Fort is set to commence in the upcoming weeks, with the grand opening scheduled for 2024.
Click here to visit its website. You can also visit its Facebook page here and its Instagram page here.
