‘Wimbledon of pickleball’ open in Fort Lauderdale, offering a paradise for players

Madeline Gonzalez often struggles to leave The Fort — South Florida’s newest and biggest pickleball palace.

“Every time I’m about to get a foot out the door, there’s one more thing I want to do like buying something in the pro shop or have a conversation with a fellow player,” said Gonzalez, a Miami Shores resident and the director of regional sales for Lynx Advisory.

“I can’t wait until the bar and restaurant are ready. I’m never going to want to go home when I’m at The Fort.”

That’s exactly what Fort co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo want from everyone who comes through the doors at 891 SW 34 Street in Fort Lauderdale.

The Fort, which opened in January, sits on 10 acres, and it’s adjacent to Snyder Park.

There are 43 courts, which includes 14 covered courts and also the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium.

The Fort also has the technology for players to watch recordings of their games, which can be a helpful tool for those looking to improve. All the courts are live-streamed 18 hours per day, viewable by anyone with access to the Internet.

Once everything is built, there will be a lakeside restaurant; a recovery center; locker rooms; a dart room; padel courts and room for bocce, cornhole, beach volleyball and musical concerts.

“The lake and beach area are set to open in April,” Tuckman said, “followed by the stadium and restaurant by the end of May.”

Construction of The Fort, which took a year, came with a hefty price tag of $30 million.

But The Fort has already made some major connections, partnering with the APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) to bring two national tour stops to this site every year.

“We’re also receiving requests for international events,” Tuckman said. “People are calling us the Wimbledon of pickleball or the Augusta of pickleball, which is both humbling and incredibly exciting.”

Tuckman said this project was made possible because of a partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale.

However, the project has been 100 percent funded by The Fort’s ownership group.

“We did this without a single dollar from the city,” Tuckman said. “The investment to build this facility made sense because we had the land through the partnership to bring it to life.

“But it’s a win-win. The city now has a world-class facility for residents and visitors, which will drive long-term economic impact.

“For us, we’ve designed this facility to welcome all kinds of players, from passionate pickleballers to those who are just looking for the social atmosphere. And people who have never played before can receive free introduction classes.”

The Fort is also positioning itself as a go-to destination for patrons of the cruise-ship industry.

“With millions of cruise passengers passing through South Florida each year, we see an incredible opportunity to provide a welcoming space where travelers can unwind, enjoy the park, grab a meal and a drink and even get in a game of pickleball if they choose,” Tuckman said.

“Whether you are rolling through town with your suitcase in hand or planning a full-day experience at The Fort, we’re here to make the transition from sea to land seamless and fun.”

So far, the Fort is resonating with the public.

In just a few weeks since The Fort opened, it has already earned a loyal following with more than 650 members, including 250 before the facility even opened.

A day pass— from 6 a.m. to midnight — costs $20. A membership costs between $69 and $159 per month with various discounts such as for those in the military and first responders.

The courts are packed every night, and one of the frequent players is Kristin Howell, who lives on her 43-foot leopard power catamaran, which is currently docked in Fort Lauderdale.

Howell, who has been playing pickleball for nine years, can be found at The Fort at least five times per week.

In fact, she has been at The Fort since it opened.

“I got lucky — my timing was right,” Howell said of her being in Fort Lauderdale when the facility opened. “This is a next-level facility. They say it’s a ‘resort-style’ facility, but it’s way better than that.

“I love how they have different events such as ‘Singles Night’ or ‘Glow in the Dark Pickleball.’ Also, I’m a water person, so I can’t wait for them to open the lakefront (restaurant).

“The Fort was meant to be in my life.”

Dr. Bret Ribotsky, a retired surgeon turned avid pickleball player, said The Fort is the ultimate playground.

“It’s the Disney World of pickleball,” he said. “It blows your mind because everything is here. It’s built by pickleballers for pickleballers.

“The best way I can sum up pickleball at The Fort is this: ‘Finally, a positive addiction.’”