Florida’s only legal sportsbook agrees strategic partnership with Association of Pickleball Players and top pickleball venue in Fort Lauderdale 

Hard Rock Bet has become an official partner of the Association of Pickleball Players’ APP Tour and The Fort, the Fort Lauderdale destination widely regarded as America’s top pickleball venue.

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, will now be known as the Hard Rock Bet Violet Court. 

Hard Rock Bet will also serve as presenter of The Fort’s headline social events and The Fort’s biggest tournament of the year – the 2026 APP Tour Championships between December 3-6 – as part of its official sports betting partnership with the APP Tour. 

“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 Hard Rock 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.”

Brad Tuckman, managing partner of The Fort, said: “The Fort was built to be more than pickleball – it’s a community, a social hub, and a destination for locals and travelers alike. 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.”

APP chief revenue officer Ryan McSpadden added: “The APP is proud to join forces with our friends at The Fort and welcome Hard Rock Bet as our newest partner. 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.”