HARD ROCK BET JOINS THE FORT AND THE APP TOUR: PICKLEBALL KEEPS LEVELING UP
Florida's biggest sportsbook plants its flag at America's most important pickleball venue — and December's season finale promises to be a spectacle unlike anything the sport has seen before.
The Fort, the Fort Lauderdale destination widely regarded as America's premier pickleball venue, and the APP Tour, the official tour of pickleball, today announced a strategic partnership with Hard Rock Bet, the only legal sportsbook in Florida.
This isn't just any partnership. It's confirmation of something many in the pickleball world have been sensing for a while: this sport isn't just a trendy pastime anymore — it's a serious entertainment product, big enough now to attract one of the most recognized sports betting brands in North America.
What's Changing At The Fort
The marquee grandstand court, where the biggest matches take place, is now the Hard Rock Bet Violet Court. As the Official Watch Party Partner, Hard Rock Bet is also woven into the everyday scene at The Fort Bar, with expanded screens where fans can catch the games, place their bets, and soak up the atmosphere long after the last point is played.
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The Big Stage: December
All of this points toward one major moment: the APP Tour Championships, December 3-6, the tour's season finale. Hard Rock Bet will serve as official presenter and Official Sports Betting Partner of the event — with a presence on the Championship Court, national livestream coverage, a premium VIP suite with top-tier hospitality, exclusive clinics with pro players, and a fan-zone activation right in the heart of the action.
It's, in short, the kind of production we've mostly seen in sports like football or basketball — and now it's arriving in pickleball.
What The Key Players Are Saying
"The Fort was built to be more than pickleball — it's a community, a social hub, and a destination for locals and travelers alike," said Brad Tuckman, Managing Partner of The Fort. "Having Hard Rock Bet plant its flag here as our Official Partner is a defining moment, not just for us, but for the sport."
Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP, was just as emphatic: "Our season finale is primed to be an epic experience, hosted at the pinnacle of pickleball facilities, and filled with nonstop excitement. All eyes will be on Hard Rock Bet at The Fort this December."
Why This Matters To Us
Beyond the corporate press release, this partnership confirms something we've been saying at Dink Authority for months now: pickleball has stopped being an emerging sport and become a real entertainment product with serious investment behind it. Brands the size of Hard Rock don't show up just to play — they show up to stay. And for everyone who loves this sport, that's a sign the best is still yet to come.
December at The Fort is shaping up to be a historic season finale. We'll be there.
Florida's biggest sportsbook plants its flag at America's most important pickleball venue — and December's season finale promises to be a spectacle unlike anything the sport has seen before.
The Fort, the Fort Lauderdale destination widely regarded as America's premier pickleball venue, and the APP Tour, the official tour of pickleball, today announced a strategic partnership with Hard Rock Bet, the only legal sportsbook in Florida.
This isn't just any partnership. It's confirmation of something many in the pickleball world have been sensing for a while: this sport isn't just a trendy pastime anymore — it's a serious entertainment product, big enough now to attract one of the most recognized sports betting brands in North America.
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What's Changing At The Fort
The marquee grandstand court, where the biggest matches take place, is now the Hard Rock Bet Violet Court. As the Official Watch Party Partner, Hard Rock Bet is also woven into the everyday scene at The Fort Bar, with expanded screens where fans can catch the games, place their bets, and soak up the atmosphere long after the last point is played.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Big Stage: December
All of this points toward one major moment: the APP Tour Championships, December 3-6, the tour's season finale. Hard Rock Bet will serve as official presenter and Official Sports Betting Partner of the event — with a presence on the Championship Court, national livestream coverage, a premium VIP suite with top-tier hospitality, exclusive clinics with pro players, and a fan-zone activation right in the heart of the action.
It's, in short, the kind of production we've mostly seen in sports like football or basketball — and now it's arriving in pickleball.
What The Key Players Are Saying
"The Fort was built to be more than pickleball — it's a community, a social hub, and a destination for locals and travelers alike," said Brad Tuckman, Managing Partner of The Fort. "Having Hard Rock Bet plant its flag here as our Official Partner is a defining moment, not just for us, but for the sport."
Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP, was just as emphatic: "Our season finale is primed to be an epic experience, hosted at the pinnacle of pickleball facilities, and filled with nonstop excitement. All eyes will be on Hard Rock Bet at The Fort this December."
Why This Matters To Us
Beyond the corporate press release, this partnership confirms something we've been saying at Dink Authority for months now: pickleball has stopped being an emerging sport and become a real entertainment product with serious investment behind it. Brands the size of Hard Rock don't show up just to play — they show up to stay. And for everyone who loves this sport, that's a sign the best is still yet to come.
December at The Fort is shaping up to be a historic season finale. We'll be there.
