Rubb Pioneers the Future of Sports Infrastructure with The Fort
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) sought more than just a facility for its global headquarters—it needed a revolution in sports infrastructure. Rubb delivered exactly that at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale: a blueprint for sustainable, high-performance athletic venues.
“The Fort was designed to be a venue that redefines the sport. It needed to provide a championship atmosphere, control climate and noise, and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding spaces. It also had to be energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and match-ready.”
Fort Co-Founder Brad Tuckman
Breaking New Ground
With 50 million active U.S. pickleball players and the highest concentration in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, ordinary structures would not suffice. The challenge required pushing engineering boundaries to create a facility that could host international tournaments, operate sustainably year-round, withstand Florida’s extreme weather, and maintain perfect playing conditions regardless of the elements.
The Fort features two innovative Rubb BVE structures:
- 36,800 total square feet across twin spans
- Custom-engineered, weather-sealed steel mounting system for a complete solar panel installation covering the entire front roof of each structure.
- Hurricane-resistant design certified for 180 mph winds
- 30-foot ceilings for elite competition play
“This project drove us to innovate beyond standard designs. The engineering team developed a structure that doesn’t just house courts—it advances the entire sport.”
Senior VP of Sales Coby Morin
Integrated Solar Design
Rubb’s solar panel mounting system supports 1,051 panels while maintaining complete roof integrity and reducing The Fort’s carbon footprint by 40%. The robust setup proved so resilient that installation teams could walk directly on the PVC membrane — a testament to Rubb’s uncompromising engineering standards.
“That’s why we chose Rubb.” said Tuckman “No other provider came close to their level of engineering and attention to detail. Their structures transformed our indoor courts into a world-class playing environment—spacious, climate-controlled, and naturally insulated from outside distractions.”
An Elite Venue for Players and Community
The Fort’s status as the APP global headquarters testifies to Rubb’s game-changing sports engineering. The venue will host premier tournaments, be the official APP Next Gen U.S. National Team training center, and provide year-round programs for professionals and youth.
Amenities include:
- 14 weather-protected championship courts
- World’s first dedicated pickleball stadium
- 4,000 sq. ft. event center
- Comprehensive player facilities
- Social and community spaces
“The clear-span design gives players the freedom to move while the solar array powers the facility with sustainability in mind,” Tuckman notes. “Even the way the structure frames the club entrance was intentional—it sets the tone before you even step inside.”
Uncompromising Performance Standards
To achieve Miami-Dade certification, The Fort passed stringent tests for impact resistance, wind performance, accelerated weathering, and static pressure. The result is a facility that doesn’t just meet standards—it sets them.
“Working with Rubb sent a clear message: The Fort isn’t just another venue. It was designed by the same company that engineers military-grade aircraft hangars, this facility was made to withstand anything.” said Tuckman
A Model for the Future
As pickleball surges in popularity, The Fort, a testament to Rubb’s innovative engineering, demonstrates how environmentally sustainable, competition-caliber venues can shape the sport’s future.
“The Fort isn’t just a place. It’s a promise—to every player who steps inside, to the future of the sport, and to the legacy we’re building here,” said Tuckman. “And thanks to Rubb, it’s a promise that will stand the test of time.”
