South Florida to Welcome World's First Pickleball Stadium
Video: Courtesy The Fort
Introducing “The Fort”
The Fort, anticipated to launch in 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is set to be the world's first dedicated pickleball stadium. This joint venture with the City of Fort Lauderdale will boast 43 professional courts, 14 of which are weatherproof, a fitness and recovery center, and a pro shop. Positioned in Snyder Park near the FLL Airport, it aims to be South Florida's top social sports destination, offering a perfect mix of competitive play and leisure with a lakeside view, dining at The Lakehouse, and a wide range of amenities.
In addition to its sports and recreational facilities, The Fort is dedicated to community engagement, planning to support local charities and offer pickleball training and equipment to Fort Lauderdale public schools. With its luxurious suites, golf simulators, a 4,000 sq. ft. event center, and more, The Fort is more than a pickleball venue; it's a community hub designed to cater to sports fans, families, and corporate events alike, enhancing the local lifestyle and bringing people together through the love of the game.
The Story of Pickleball
With pickleball booming in popularity – on TV each and every week, courts being built on every corner and people talking about it all the time – it’s hard to imagine a time when pickleball wasn’t a big deal. But, in fact, it was a game dreamed up relatively recently in the Pacific Northwest, growing as many great things do, out of boredom.
Pickleball's astonishing ascent from a simple pastime to a beloved national sport is a story of creativity and community spirit. Originating in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, State Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, crafted this engaging game using ping-pong paddles and a whiffle ball on an old badminton court. As it evolved, with lowered nets and refined rules, it swiftly moved beyond a leisurely backyard activity. By 1972, the creators solidified pickleball’s future, forming a corporation to oversee this fast-growing sport that continues to win hearts and communities across the country.
Believe it or not, pickleball's name is as quirky as the game itself! Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, coined it, comparing the mash-up of ping-pong, badminton, tennis, and whiffle ball to a 'pickle boat'—a crew race of leftover oarsmen, rowing not for glory, but for the sheer joy of it. Just like those spirited rowers, pickleball is a delightful hodgepodge of sports. And then there's Pickles, the Pritchards' dog, who might just be the game's unofficial mascot. So, is it the boat or the pup? Either way, the name's as fun as the game!
A National Obsession
Pickleball's journey from a creative pastime to a national sensation underscores its appeal and adaptability. Within 11 years of the sport’s invention, the first pickleball tournament was played and by 1984, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association was organized along with the first official rulebook. This was also the year the first composite paddle was made, designed by Arlen Paranto, a Boeing Industrial Engineer.
Fast forward to 2023, the sport has exploded, with an estimated 36.5 million U.S. players and a notable 158.6% growth over three years. Its easy-to-learn nature, open play format, and accessibility have cemented pickleball as a beloved sport across generations, illustrating a vibrant future ahead.
Curious about pickleball? A quick search for "pickleball near me" will reveal nearby courts where you can join the action. If the game strikes a chord, why not grab a paddle and dive in? You might just find yourself hooked on America's fastest-growing sport.
For more information, please visit: www.playthefort.com