Photo credit: Association of Pickleball Players (APP)
January 18, 2024 (Chicago, IL)—The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) unveiled plans for a permanent home at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., making the APP the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center. The state-of-the-art facility, featuring 43 courts and the world’s first pickleball stadium, will further support the APP’s mission in developing the sport’s talent and growing pickleball at all levels.
“Our new headquarters and training facility provides the Association of Pickleball Players an incredible opportunity to grow beyond hosting world-class events,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “The Fort will set the bar for pickleball facilities worldwide and will allow us to further develop the APP into the leading global pickleball organization. We cannot wait to officially call South Florida—the epicenter of pickleball action—our home.”
Co-Founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo envision The Fort as more than a pickleball club; it’s a community hub where pickleballers discover a home away from home and experience the essence of South Florida living.
“Aligning with the APP was a natural choice, as their vision mirrors our own—to elevate the game while honoring its inclusive roots as a sport for everyone, whether for social play or professional ambition. With the APP playing a central role in our training and development initiatives, we’re now even better positioned to establish The Fort as the premier pickleball destination, providing a perfect blend of competition and unparalleled entertainment for everyone,” said Tuckman.
The APP and The Fort share a mutual vision to support the growth of pickleball and develop the sport’s talent at its core. This builds on the APP’s reputation as the first and original USA Pickleball-sanctioned tour by now establishing a regular wide range of year-round programming opportunities tailored to pickleball players of all skill levels and ages. The APP’s current plans for growth are highlighted by:
- Holding world-class, international pickleball tournaments and events for elite pros and amateurs
- Junior player development for U.S. and international students
- Programs for high-performance touring pros seeking structured, year-round training
- Opportunities for aspiring pickleball players from around the world to train, engage with other players and enjoy a vast array of resources at their disposal
- Serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen National Team
The Fort will deliver an unmatched pickleball experience. The heart of The Fort is its pickleball club accompanied by:
- 43 professional courts and the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium
- 14 weatherproof courts for play rain or shine
- Open and reserved play, clinics, leagues and tournaments for casual and competitive players
- Pro shop, locker rooms and fitness recovery center
- 4,000 square foot event center, and food and beverage options offering a blend of social and culinary delights that embody the South Florida lifestyle
Located within the 93-acre Snyder Park and adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Fort is scheduled to have its grand opening later this year, in time to welcome pickleball players to the APP’s final Major of the 2024 season. To learn more about The Fort, visit playthefort.com and follow @PlayTheFort on Instagram and Facebook.
The APP’s new headquarters in Fort Lauderdale enables the organization to embed itself in one of the strongest pickleball communities in the world. In addition to being the home of The Fort, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area represents the single largest concentration of pickleball players in Florida, with 20 percent of the state’s pickleball-playing population residing in the area. According to the APP’s 2023 player participation research data, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area is the fourth largest pickleball market in the nation, with 3.1 percent of their population having played the sport at least once in the past twelve months.
The APP is currently welcoming more than 1,200 pickleball players to Southwest Florida with the APP Punta Gorda Open now through Sunday, January 21. More information about how to compete at an upcoming APP event—including Tour dates, registration and ticket information—is available on theapp.global.
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About the APP:
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be seen on internationally televised broadcasts. The APP was founded in 2019 and operates the first and only tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. In 2023, it held 19 events across the country and supported five international tournaments. The APP prides itself on developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its APP Next Gen Series, the APP Next Gen National Team and other youth initiatives. The 2024 schedule, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About The Fort
The Fort, a public private partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, is a lively hub for pickleball and sports enthusiasts, nestled next to the FLL airport in Snyder Park’s 93 acres. Catering to all skill levels, the Fort features 43 pickleball courts, including 14 weatherproof covered, and the first-ever pickleball stadium. Beyond pickleball, The Fort offers a variety of activities like golf simulators, a dart room, beach tennis, paddle boarding on a scenic 7-acre lake, bocce, and live music with lakeside dining. The Fort is more than a venue for games; it’s an immersive experience for dining, socializing, and entertainment, making it a symbol of community and good old fashion fun.