The world’s first pickleball stadium opens in South Florida

The Fort-Courts-at-Lakehouse The Fort features 43 professional pickleball courts and the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium. (Hand-out/The Fort)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The world’s first pickleball stadium is open in Fort Lauderdale, just north of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

According to a media release, The Fort spans nine acres and features 43 courts, including 14 weatherproof courts, a lakeside entertainment complex, dining and retail.

Situated within the 93-acre Snyder Park, it is adjacent to FLL and also includes a 4,000 sq ft event center, luxury suites, golf simulators, dart room, volleyball, paddleboard, and game yard with live music.

Pro-Shop-Paddle-Wall The Fort's 2,500 sq. ft. Pro Shop (Matthew Emerson/The Fort)

According to a media release, The Fort will host fundraising events and provide pickleball equipment and training to every Fort Lauderdale public school.

“This collaboration showcases the incredible possibilities that arise when the public and private sectors work together for the benefit of our community, creating more than 100 jobs and making a significant economic impact on our city; aligning perfectly with Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to be a world-class live-work-play city,” said Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor Dean Trantalis.

The Fort had a soft opening in mid-January. The grand opening is scheduled for April 2024.

For more information about the stadium, click on this link.

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Veronica Crespo

Veronica Crespo

Veronica Crespo writes for Local10.com and also oversees the Español section of the website. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism and Spanish.