64-acre, 100-court USTA facility to open in Orlando Jan. 2

ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting Jan. 2, the public will be able to play tennis at the largest facility of its kind when it opens in Lake Nona, officials said.

Construction on the 64-acre U.S. Tennis Association national campus started in April.

“When we heard about what was happening in Orlando, specifically Lake Nona with Medical City, with this new sports and performance district, we're like, ‘Wow, what a great place to innovate,’” said Kurt Kamperman of USTA national campus.

The facility will have 100 lit tennis courts, a family zone, collegiate area and a tournament administration building.

“We'll have some of the best players in the world training here, but this facility is really about the recreational player; whether you are just starting out or you are trying to win your first tournament at 75,” he said.

The USTA national campus will also be home to the University of Central Florida’s men and women’s tennis teams and will have two championship courts capable of seating 1,000 spectators.

“This is our tennis version of a theme park,” said general manager Tim Cass.

While the facility is capable of handling professional athletes, it was constructed with everyone in mind, Kamperman said.

“Whether you are a (veteran) that is coming back and have got some injuries, it is a great sport to rehab,” he said. “We’ve got wheelchair tennis. We’ve got adaptive tennis programs. We’ve got programs for 6-year-olds and 96-year-olds.”

While players will have to pay to use most of the facility, the family zone, equipped with smaller courts for children, will be free.

“These are 36 foot courts and 60 foot courts. Great way for young kids to learn the game, great way for adult to learn the game and stay in the game,” Kamperman said.

Kamperman said he expects the campus will draw in close to 100,000 visitors by being open daily to the public, and with 83 events already on the scheduled for 2017.

Cox Media Group