The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located in Flushing, NY. It is located in the Borough of Queens, NYC. It is across the street from Citi Field, the home of the MLB New York Mets. It is accessible via railroad, subway and automobile.
The Center first opened in 1978 under the guidance of W.E. Hester, then president of the USTA. In 1997, the Arthur Ashe Stadium was built as an addition to the Center. It is named after the African-American tennis star and social activist, Arthur Ashe. The Stadium cost $254 million to develop and is an open air facility with a seating capacity of 22,547. There are 90 luxury suites and 5 restaurants. It is currently the largest venue in the world dedicated to tennis and is the main stadium at the Center. It is also the stadium that hosts the US Open annually. Its surface is DecoTurf hardcourt.
Arthur Ashe Kids' Day is the event that opens the annual US Open. It is a tradition that began in 1993 and proceeds benefit the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) group. This group was begun by Arthur Ashe in order to encourage and educate children through tennis. Kids Day will take place August 28, 2010 and some of the events will include free tennis clinics and musical events. Tickets go on sale June 7 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
The number two stadium at the Center is the Louis Armstrong Stadium. This Stadium was originally the main venue before the Arthur Ashe Stadium was built. It was named after the jazz music artist, Louis Armstrong. The Stadium seats 10,000 and provides a more intimate experience of matches. Like the Arthur Ashe Stadium, it has a DecoTurf hardcourt surface.
There are a number of professional players who teach and consult at the Center. These include Whitney Kraft, Rod Bailey, Marvin Dent, Seth Rogers, and Aki Takayama.
The USTA Pro Shop is located at the Center. IT sells products from Head, Wilson, Yonex, Nike, Adidas, and Tail. The Pro Shop also offers restringing of racquets. Through the winter, the Shop is open Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm. The Pro Shop can be contacted at 718-760-6227.
The Center is open to the public approximately 11 months of the year, 7 days a week. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Their court rates are based on three options: indoor, outdoor, and weekend rates. Courts are open 6am - 12am. Indoor courts range from $20 to $60 per hour throughout the weekday. On weekends, rates are either $38 or $62 per hour. Outdoor courts are either $20 or $30 per hour depending on the time of day. Reservations for courts can be made up to two days prior by calling 718-760-6200 ext. 0. Gift cards are available for purchase and expire one year thereafter. Gift cards are not redeemable for US Open events.
The Center also rents space and facilities for private events such as functions, parties, or meetings. The Events Department can be contacted at 718-595-2420. Patrons may choose from a number of venues and/or meeting rooms to host their events. The US Open Club seats over 500 guests for those desiring a large space for a meal. Other restaurants like the elegant ACES restaurant are also available.
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