The Fort: Revolutionizing Pickleball with a \$30 Million State-of-the-Art Facility**([The Fort][1])
In a landmark development for the sport of pickleball, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has unveiled *The Fort*, the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium and a comprehensive sports and entertainment complex. With an investment of approximately \$30 million, this facility is set to redefine standards in the pickleball community, offering cutting-edge technology, luxury amenities, and expanded seating to enhance the fan and player experience.([CoStar][2])
Situated on a 10-acre site within Fort Lauderdale’s Snyder Park, The Fort boasts 43 pickleball courts, including 14 covered courts housed under repurposed airplane hangars, ensuring playability in various weather conditions. The centerpiece is a 2,000-seat stadium, designed to host major tournaments and events, providing spectators with an immersive viewing experience. ([Wikipedia][3], [Sports Business Journal][4])
Advanced PlaySight technology is integrated throughout the facility, offering live-streaming capabilities, instant replays, and analytical tools for players and coaches. This technological integration positions The Fort at the forefront of modern sports facilities. ([The Fort][5
Beyond the courts, The Fort offers a range of amenities designed to cater to both athletes and visitors:
* **Lakeside Restaurant**: A full-service dining experience overlooking a 7-acre lake, providing a scenic backdrop for meals and gatherings.([The Fort][6])v ent Spaces**: A 4,000-square-foot event center suitable for various functions, from corporate events to social gatherings.
* **Wellness Facilities**: On-site physical therapy and recovery centers, along with fully equipped locker rooms, support athlete health and wellness.([The Fort][7])
* **Recreational Activities**: Additional offerings include golf simulators, a dart room, volleyball courts, paddleboarding, and a game yard with live music, ensuring entertainment options for all visitors. ([The Fort][6])
The Fort also serves as the official headquarters and training facility for the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), further cementing its status as a central hub for the sport. ([Florida YIMBY][8])
Developed through a public-private partnership, the City of Fort Lauderdale owns the land, while private investors, including co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, funded the construction and operation of the facility. This collaboration has not only revitalized a previously underutilized area but also created over 100 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy. ([The Fort][7], [The Fort][6])
Membership options are available, with tiers ranging from individual to family packages, alongside day passes to ensure accessibility for all levels of players. As of mid-March, The Fort had approximately 700 members, with plans to expand to 2,000. ([Sports Business Journal][4])
With its grand opening slated for early June, The Fort is poised to become a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. Its blend of advanced technology, luxury amenities, and community-focused initiatives sets a new benchmark for sports facilities, promising an unparalleled experience for players and fans alike.([The Fort][7])
For more information on memberships, events, and amenities, visit [playthefort.com](https://playthefort.com).
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[1]: https://playthefort.com/blogs/news/fort-lauderdale-s-the-fort-revolutionizes-pickleball-with-43-courts-and-a-community-focus-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Fort Lauderdale’s ‘The Fort’ Revolutionizes Pickleball with 43 Courts”
[2]: https://www.costar.com/article/262774974/stadium-touted-as-worlds-first-dedicated-to-pickleball-nears-completion-in-south-florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stadium touted as world’s first dedicated to pickleball nears … – CoStar”
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Pickleball – Wikipedia”
[4]: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/03/24/inside-the-fort/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Inside ‘The Fort,’ a one-of-a-kind pickleball facility”
[5]: https://playthefort.com/blogs/news/america-s-first-dedicated-pickleball-stadium-opens-in-south-florida?utm_source=chatgpt.com “America’s first dedicated pickleball stadium opens in South Florida”
[6]: https://playthefort.com/blogs/news/world-class-pickleball-facility?utm_source=chatgpt.com “World-Class Pickleball Facility – The Fort”
[7]: https://playthefort.com/blogs/news/one-of-a-kind-pickleball-facility?utm_source=chatgpt.com “One of a kind pickleball facility – The Fort”
[8]: https://floridayimby.com/2024/12/worlds-first-pickleball-stadium-nears-completion-in-fort-lauderdale-secures-7m-construction-loan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “World’s F
irst Pickleball Stadium Nears Completion in Fort …”
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