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Founded in 2017, Pickleball Portal is one of the original pickleball content sites — built before the sport went mainstream. Our reviews are written by 14 independent contributors who play competitively and test gear firsthand. We may earn a small commission through affiliate links, but this never influences our recommendations. You pay nothing extra.
Photo by Kerry Pittenger; IG:@
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🌍 World's first dedicated pickleball STADIUM is coming! Which I'm sure you've already heard about, but heads up, "The Fort" in Fort Lauderdale opens January 2025.
— Pickleball Portal (@PickleballPort) January 6, 2025
The announcement of The Fort—the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium set to do a soft opening on January 12th in Fort Lauderdale—is a turning point for the sport. With 43 professional-grade courts and a stadium, this facility marks a significant investment in pickleball’s future. It’s no longer just a pastime, but a competitive sport with the infrastructure to back it up. Yet, despite its rapid growth, many still dismiss it, and that stigma often starts with its name, Pickleball…
But isn’t it time we moved past the name? Names are just that—names. What matters is the passion, skill, and growing global community that pickleball represents. It’s a call to skeptics to look beyond the playful moniker and recognize the sport’s potential. The next time someone ridicules pickleball, remind them that this “not-so-serious sport” is drawing millions of players, selling out pro events, and now building its own stadium. If that’s not the mark of a real sport, what is?
About Dennis Rodriguez
Pickleball Portal Contributor
Dennis Rodriguez is a contributor to Pickleball Portal, sharing insights and expertise to help players of all levels improve their game.
