Fort Lauderdale breaks ground on 43 court Pickleball complex and stadium
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Capitalizing off one of America’s fastest growing sports, the City of Fort Lauderdale broke ground Thursday on its new 43 court pickleball complex and stadium located at Snyder Park.
“This collaboration showcases the incredible possibilities that arise when the public and private sectors
work together for the benefit of our community,” Trantalis said. “We’re creating more than
100 jobs, making a significant economic impact on our city and aligning with Fort
Lauderdale’s commitment to be a world-class live-work-play city.”
Simply called “The Fort”, the 4,000 sq. ft. facility will feature 43 professional pickleball courts along with a dedicated pickleball stadium. The complex also will include a fitness-recovery center, locker rooms, pro shop, and 14 weatherproof courts for casual and competitive play.
Moreover, the facility will include an include an event center, luxury suites, golf simulators, dart room, volleyball,beach tennis, a game yard with live music, and on-water activities including paddleboarding and swimming.
The complex also will be home to the Association of Pickleball Players, or APP, becoming the first association to establish an official pickleball headquarters and training center.
Co-founded by city locals Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, the goal of the new facility aims to “bring the community together through pickleball by hosting programs for various non-profit organizations and people of all ages.”
“Pickleball is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and we’re excited to become the premier
destination for both competitive and social players seeking an enjoyable pickleball experience,” Tuckman said. “Our collaboration with the city of Fort Lauderdale and the APP tour represents an ideal union to fulfill our shared objective.”
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is one of America’s fastest growing sports. Specifically, participation doubled by 85.7% year-over-year from 2022 and 158.6% over three years.
Pickleball is often compared as a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It was first created in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington by three fathers looking to inspire their children with an activity by using a mix of various sports.
Ever since, pickleball has grown, being played by an estimated 36.5 million people in the United States in 2022. Further data suggests the sport is most popular with 18-34 year-olds, representing 28.8% of pickleball players.
With nearly 14,000 courts, the sport is forecasted to grow by 7.7% through 2028.
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