The World's First Pickleball Stadium Is Now Open in Fort Lauderdale

If a showcase pickleball stadium with seating for nearly 2,000 and more than three dozen new courts isn’t an indication of the sport’s meteoric rise, then what is?

The Fort, a sprawling new racquet sports complex just north of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and within the 93-acre Snyder Park, is officially in its soft opening phase. The brainchild of cofounders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, the venue already has hosted its first major tournament, the inaugural Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open, which attracted approximately 1,200 players and thousands of spectators earlier this month.

“We want the Fort to truly be for the entire pickleball community,” Tuckman tells New Times. “We want to be the best we can be from a membership perspective, but it’s about more than just membership. We are building a destination.”

The cofounders say the venue has already sold nearly 500 memberships, which range from $69 to $139 monthly. The most basic membership package includes five open play sessions per month and league access. The pricier options include guest passes, longer reservation windows, and discounted private court fees, among other perks. Tuckman says membership will be capped at approximately 2,000 members.

Still, Tuckman and Campillo are quick to note that the Fort is not a members-only spot. Non-members can book courts for up to six players throughout the opening phase. Rates range from $15 per hour during off-peak hours (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to $25 per hour from 4 p.m. to midnight. Prices for non-members are slated to increase to up to $45 per hour down the line.
New Times recently visited the Fort on a very rainy day. Its pro shop was fully loaded with paddles from every top manufacturer, poppy and punny pickleball swag, and super-friendly staff. The showers did not sour the experience, as the expansive venue is home to 14 covered courts. Among the initial visitors were pickle bros, visible first-timers, and what appeared to be a corporate outing with a buffet setup.

As for the non-covered courts, the bulk of them are blue, while Court 18 is colored bright pink for breast-cancer awareness.

Tuckman says the Fort will utilize the grounds for community events, tournaments, and free clinics to ensure “the sport is inclusive to anyone.” The duo aims to staff 24 teaching professionals and nearly 150 employees once the food and beverage components are online.

The broader complex is still visibly under development — the marquee stadium is yet to open, as are the property’s food and beverage components. Upon completion, the Fort will include a dazzling lakeside component (appropriately dubbed Lakeside) with a restaurant and recreational spaces for watersports rentals, bocce, beach volleyball, darts, and more.

Members and non-members alike are encouraged to play at the Fort for free this weekend, Friday, January 24, and Saturday, January 25, from 8 a.m. to midnight. Advance registration is required.

The Fort. 891 SW 34th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-222-1965; playthefort.com.