APP Establishes Official Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale

The Association of Pickleball Players has unveiled plans for a permanent home at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, becoming the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center.

The facility, with 43 courts and a dedicated stadium court, also includes 14 weatherproof courts, pro shop, locker rooms and fitness recovery center. The venue will also be used for clinics, leagues and tournaments for casual and competitive players, offering a 4,000 square foot event center. Located within the 93-acre Snyder Park and adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Fort is scheduled to open later this year.

“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.”

The APP plans to use the headquarters to host international pickleball tournaments and events for elite pros and amateurs, as well as for junior player development and opportunities for aspiring pickleball players from around the world to train and engage with other players. It will also serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen National Team.

The Fort was created by co-founders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, who envision the facility as a community hub for players. 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% of its population having played the sport at least once in the past twelve months.

“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,” said Tuckman. “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.”