Why It’s Time to Take Pickleball Seriously

Photo by Kerry Pittenger; IG:@
kerry_pittenger_pickleball

🌍 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.

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?

Hey guys, my name’s Dennis. I’m a full-time Firefighter and “part-time” Pickleball Instructor who honestly loves coaching, teaching, and competing in sports. I played baseball & tennis throughout highschool and college and fell in love with pickleball. My goal with Pickleball Portal is to give you the most honest and reliable info on everything related to pickleball gear and equipment! I will be writing thorough reviews and comparisons through my hands on testing so that you can make an informed purchase decision. [email protected]