Fort Pierce Jai-alai
Fort Pierce Jai-alai is a fronton located at 1750 South Kings Highway Fort Pierce, Florida. First opened in 1974, it is one of Florida's top frontons and is regarded as a training ground for some of the sport's promising talents. Young pelotaris would usually try to establish themselves first at Fort Pierce Jai-alai before moving on to the more competitive roster of Miami Jai-alai.
Fort Pierce was initially conceived as a spring / summer retreat for the seasonal schedule in Miami Jai-alai but soon became a top venue for competitive play as well. Fort Pierce Jai-alai, like Miami, is owned by Florida Gaming Corporation.
Fort Pierce Jai- Alai has the following court dimensions:
- Overhead: 40 feet
- Length: 176 feet
- Width: 50 feet
The fronton has a capacity of 3,000.
Since the early 1990s, Fort Pierce Jai-alai has played a four-month season. Its roster typically consists of 28 to 32 players.
Major tournaments have been played at Fort Pierce Jai-alai. Among the more popular is the Tournament of Champions.
Aside from Jai-alai, Fort Pierce also operates one of the most extensive off-track betting simulcast networks in Florida.
Top players of Fort Pierce Jai-alai include:
- Elordieta
- Solaun II
- Borja
- Conrado
- Padin
- Pedro
- Ignacio
- Daguerre
- Manuel
In 2005, after 30 consecutive years of live jai alai, Fort Pierce decided to cancel the season due to damage from hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Live games return in 2006.