Serving Up the Future: Inside The Fort, the World's First Pickleball Stadium

Pickleball's popularity has soared to new heights, and now, it's making a monumental splash in South Florida with the opening of the world's first dedicated pickleball stadium. "The Fort," set to open its gates in 2024 in Snyder Park, Fort Lauderdale, is poised to become the ultimate social sports haven. With 43 professional courts, including 14 weatherproof ones, The Fort is more than a stadium—it's a vibrant community hub where retirees, families, and sports enthusiasts converge to enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the nation.

The Fort's vision extends beyond the courts, encompassing a sports shop, a fitness and recovery center, and an array of recreational activities. From paddleboarding on the adjacent 7-acre lake to volleyball, golf simulators, and a dart room, the facility caters to a diverse set of interests. Its tropical midcentury design promises an inviting atmosphere, ensuring that every visit is about more than just the game—it's an experience.

Beyond sports, The Fort will house The Lakehouse restaurant, offering a tantalizing menu and refreshing drinks, alongside a 4,000 square foot events center, perfect for social gatherings and live music. This ambitious project is a public-private partnership aiming to enrich the local community through youth and senior programs, school initiatives, and charitable involvement, truly embedding itself as a fixture in Fort Lauderdale's vibrant culture.