Hard Rock Bet becomes an Official Partner of The Fort and the Association of Pickleball Players’ APP Tour, teaming up with Fort Lauderdale’s premier championship event and destination for social and competitive pickleball
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — August 12, 2026 — The Fort, the Fort Lauderdale destination widely regarded as America’s top pickleball venue, and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), owner operators of the APP Tour, the official tour of pickleball, today announced a strategic partnership with Hard Rock Bet, the only place to legally bet on sports in Florida.
The partnership puts Hard Rock Bet at the center of daily life at The Fort, which serves as the official headquarters of the APP. 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 woven right into the everyday scene at The Fort Bar — where expanded screens mean fans can catch their game and place their bets, hang with friends, and soak up the atmosphere long after the last point.
Hard Rock Bet also serves as presenter of The Fort’s headline social events and The Fort’s biggest tournament of the year – the 2026 APP Tour Championships (December 3-6) – serving as both presenter and Official Sports Betting Partner of the APP Tour. The tournament marks the APP Tour’s season finale, a four-day showcase of the world’s best pickleball pros battling for gold alongside hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels. Hard Rock Bet will be courtside on the Championship Court, reaching a national livestream audience, host guests in a premium VIP suite with concierge service and elevated hospitality, provide ‘money can’t buy experiences’ with exclusive clinics and pro-player appearances, and bring a fan-zone activation into the heart of the action.
Building Community Around America’s Fastest Growing Sport
“Hard Rock Bet is elevating what live entertainment looks like for our players, and our partnership with The Fort and the APP Tour brings that to life with packed courts, buzzing watch parties, and a true community built around America’s fastest-growing sport,” said Lauren Varnas, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Digital. “The Fort and the APP are the perfect extension of the Hard Rock Bet Party and we’re excited to engage their passionate members and host our players at this world-class venue and tournament.”
“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. “Hard Rock is one of the most iconic brands in the world, and having Hard Rock Bet plant its flag here as our Official Partner is a defining moment for us and for the sport.”
“The APP is proud to join forces with our friends at The Fort and welcome Hard Rock Bet as our newest partner,” said Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP. “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.”
About The Fort
The Fort, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a sports-led community hospitality destination widely regarded as America’s premier pickleball venue. Pickleball is the anchor, but not the whole story: The Fort brings world-class courts together with hospitality and dining, wellness, social programming, entertainment, and events on one connected campus built for recurring, day-in day-out visitation. More than a place to play, it’s a modern gathering place — a community hub for local players, families, competitive athletes, and visitors from around the country.
About Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s sports betting platform. Operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock Bet is Florida’s only legal sportsbook. With 4.9 stars in the App Store, Hard Rock Bet is the highest rated real money sports betting app in North America. Hard Rock Bet is available for download via iOS and Android, and can also be played on desktop via HardRock.bet. Join us by visiting HardRock.bet and following @HardRockBet on social media for the latest betting action.
About the APP
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be featured on nationally televised broadcasts on CBS Sports and ESPN. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The APP opened its official headquarters and player development center in January 2025 at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while its corporate offices continue to be located in Chicago. The APP Tour’s 2026 schedule will feature the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions accompanied by youth development programs, grassroots charity initiatives and international partnerships to continue to grow the game. Schedules, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at TheAPP.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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