FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 9, 2025 – The Fort, home to the world’s first pickleball stadium, is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnerships with industry giants Franklin Sports and Diadem Sports as its official ball partners. This innovative collaboration positions The Fort as a pivotal hub for pickleball excellence, redefining the landscape of the sport while promoting community engagement.
Setting the Standard with Industry Leaders
Franklin Sports, recognized as the largest supplier of pickleballs worldwide, has long set the benchmark in the industry. Known for its unmatched durability and performance, Franklin’s balls are trusted by players of all levels. On the other hand, Diadem Sports, with its roots in South Florida, is celebrated for crafting fast-playing balls that retain their shape and quality even during intense matches. Both brands are synonymous with quality, producing balls designed to resist cracking and offer superior playability.
As part of this partnership, The Fort will proudly feature its logo on every ball sold on its premises, symbolizing the synergy between these leading companies and the commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for players.
Brad Tuckman, the CEO of The Fort, expressed his enthusiasm: “Our collaborations with Franklin and Diadem reflect our dedication to providing top-tier experiences to our players. We also understand that our members deserve to have a choice, which is why we selected what we believe are the two top balls in the industry. These brands are leaders in the sport, and their commitment to quality aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate pickleball on a global scale.”
Integrated Programming for Pros and Players
With a roster of over 24 teaching professionals, The Fort is set to integrate Franklin and Diadem balls into every facet of its programming. From professional training sessions to more than 12 daily leagues, the collaboration enhances the overall experience for players, emphasizing the unique strengths and performance capabilities of each brand’s balls. Whether training or competing, players can expect only the best equipment available in the industry.
A Grassroots Commitment: Giving Back to the Community
The Fort’s mission goes beyond serving its members; it extends to fostering a love for pickleball at the grassroots level. Through its Community Give-Back Program, members are encouraged to donate new and gently used balls, which will be distributed to local schools in Fort Lauderdale. This initiative aims to equip schools with essential tools, training for faculty, and comprehensive support to create and sustain vibrant pickleball programs.
RK Bacalla, Head Pro at The Fort, highlighted the broader vision of the partnership: “This collaboration isn’t just about providing premium equipment—it’s about fostering a lifelong love for the sport. By introducing pickleball into local schools with the right programming and training, we’re making this incredible sport accessible to everyone. Who knows? We might even discover the next world number one player right here in our Fort Lauderdale public schools.”
Looking Ahead
The Fort’s partnerships with Franklin Sports and Diadem Sports mark an exciting turning point for the pickleball community. As the stadium continues to grow as a beacon of excellence in the sport, these collaborations promise to enhance player experiences while nurturing future generations of pickleball enthusiasts. Join us at The Fort as we celebrate this thrilling development and work together to elevate the game we all love!
The Fort: A Destination for Pickleball and Beyond
Spanning nine acres in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, The Fort is more than just a facility—it’s a pickleball ecosystem. Featuring 43 courts, including 14 weatherproof options, a lakeside entertainment complex, dining, retail, and the world’s first pickleball stadium, The Fort blends sport, lifestyle, and community in a world-class venue.
Set to open this month, with a grand celebration planned for April, The Fort is poised to redefine the pickleball experience, combining competitive excellence with community engagement.
For more information, visit www.playthefort.com
SOURCE The Fort
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