If the cracked court on Bainbridge Island is pickleball Mecca, then "The Fort" is ready to stake its claim as pickleball's Coliseum.
Sports history was made in Fort Lauderdale as the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) broke ground for The Fort this week, marking the first-ever establishment of an official headquarters and training facility for a pickleball organization.
What is the Fort?
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by community leaders and APP representatives, set the stage for constructing this state-of-the-art global pickleball hub, slated to open its doors in December 2024.
The Fort will feature 43 courts, including the world's first pickleball stadium.
Ken Herrmann, Founder of the APP, expressed gratitude for the support, stating:
"We are honored to make our mark in pickleball history with the establishment of The Fort. This signifies a pivotal moment for the APP, offering players of all backgrounds a premier destination to hone their skills. Our partnership with The Fort underscores our dedication to advancing pickleball globally."
The Dink Media Team
Brad Tuckman, Co-Founder of The Fort, echoed Herrmann's sentiments, emphasizing the inclusive nature of pickleball.
"Pickleball brings people together regardless of age or skill level," Tuckman noted. "We are thrilled to provide a space where families and friends can enjoy this sport and strive for excellence. Our heartfelt thanks go to the City of Fort Lauderdale and the entire APP team for their unwavering support."
How the Fort will be used
The Fort will serve as a hub for various initiatives, including:
- World-class, international pickleball tournaments and events for elite pros and amateurs
- Junior player development for U.S. and international students through the APP Junior Circuit, including hosting the APP Junior National Championships in December 2024
- Host site for the National Championships of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues, the largest-ever grassroots team pickleball competition initiative
- Community-wide events such as Doubles Dink for Cancer benefitting American Cancer Society
- Serve as a hub for the global pickleball community, welcoming recreational play, training and coaching opportunities
- Serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team
Why South Florida?
The Fort's strategic location in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area taps into one of the world's most vibrant pickleball communities.
The APP looks forward to welcoming pickleball fans from around the globe to experience The Fort. For more information and updates, visit the APP's official website.
Who's ready for a field trip?
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