USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Posted on 13. Oct, 2009 by Corey in All.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Although baseball and college basketball are my sports of choice, I have always enjoyed other major sporting events. I may not watch much golf, soccer or tennis during a normal year, but I like flipping on the sports major events like the Masters, World Cup or any Grand Slam Event in tennis. Another interest of mine that has really picked up the last few years is to visit sporting venues. It is well known that I have seen every current Major League Baseball stadium, but also have added a few other sporting sites to my list.
On my recent trip to New York City, I was able to walk over to Flushing Meadows, and explore the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held each year. The stadium and practice ground sit directly across the street from Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. They are only separated by the Number 7 Subway Train and its tracks. Since my hotel was around the corner, and that was the subway stop I used every day, I walked over to check it out before heading to the Bronx for a Yankees game.
I was disappointed to find out that I could not enter Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main tennis court on the complex. I also tried to sneak into the other two smaller stadiums that they use for the US Open, but had no luck. What I was able to see where the 11 side courts and seven or so practice courts that are used year-round. For a fee, even the common folks like me can get on and play a set or two with a friend.
While I was there, a Division One NCAA Men’s Tournament was going on that I watched for a few minutes. There also appeared to be a kid’s clinic on the practice courts at the back of the complex. I felt that seeing this tennis center was very cool and I wanted to share some pictures from it on this blog. I know that next year when I see Serena Williams blowing up a line judge or Roger Federer making another run at a US Open title that I can watch with greater interest knowing I walked the same grounds that they are playing on.
Map of Complex...Who is that in the background in Cincinnati Reds stuff?
US Open Flag seen when getting off Subway
Outside Tennis Center Gates before entering
Indoor Practice Facility
Arthur Ashe Stadium from Subway Platform
Arthur Ashe Commerative Garden, contains Champion Plagues
Arthur Ashe Garden
Championship Plagues in Ashe Garden Area
Some of the greatest Tennis Players Ever
Winners Plagues are located in multpile places on complex
Women's Single Champions
Walking around tennis center
Always my favorite part, concession stands!
Area where fans can sit and eat and relax
Winners Banners between stadiums
College Players playing on side courts with Ashe Stadium in background
Side courts being used for NCAA Div 1 Matches
College Players hanging out in between matches
Area between Stadiums
Aux stadium also used for major events. A bit smaller than Ashe Stadium, named Louis Armstrong Stadium
US Open Bracket posted on Armstrong Stadium
Smallest of the three main stadiums, the Granstand.
Practice Courts
