USTA unveils $800M renovation of US Opens Billie Jean King Tennis Center
Reimagining Spectacular.That was the tagline of the U.S.Open’s grand unveiling of a three-year, $800 million renovation plan for the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium and the historic Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds on Monday afternoon in downtown Manhattan.Projected to be completed ahead of the 2027 tournament, the self-funded initiative — the single largest investment in U.S.
Open history — is a reflection of tennis’ immense growth over the past five years.The U.S.Open has become the premier sports event in New York City in the summer, and the pending upgrades are designed to be enjoyed by athletes, fans and partners of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) alike.“We are enhancing and modernizing every aspect of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the venue,” USTA chief executive and executive director Lew Sherr said.
“From seating to concourses to restrooms to points of sale, also including premium hospitality and courtside experiences.There’s also an extraordinary opportunity to support our athletes in a much better way, and you’re going to see a modernized and new facility with premium amenities, equipment, facilities, to allow them to compete at their absolute best and also to allow them to enjoy the three-week experience in Queens like never before.“We will also be delivering even more economic value to the city of New York.
We already deliver more than $1.2 billion in economic impact to the city.That’s more than the Yankees and the Mets combined, and that number will only increase significantly.”The changes to the near 24,000-seat Ashe, which was built in 1997 and carries the namesake of the first Black player to win the tournament title, will include a brand new level called Mezz 2.
The suites will be on those dedicated concourses, while courtside seats will increase from 3,000 to 5,000.Despite an expected loss of 100-200 seats from the construction, the facelift will provide enlarged concourses, renovated restrooms and 30 per...