A nice tennis facility attracts participants, improves the playing and fan experience and the ability to generate revenue from lessons and camps. However, figuring out how to build one from scratch can be challenging.
Once you've decided upon a few key concepts of your new indoor tennis facility (where you're building it, # of courts, etc) then you should be considering what components will go into creating your ideal facility. These days, indoor tennis facilities no longer can get away with offering just the standard four walls, white painted ceiling and warehouse-style lights above. Today's successful indoor facilities are technologically sophisticated and intensively designed areas catering to demanding players and cost-conscious owners. Facility owners and managers need to know what key components contribute to a well planned indoor tennis court building.
Indoor tennis court facilities need to address two main issues:
- Cost-effectiveness of the building
- initial construction costs
- annual energy consumption
- maintenance expenses
- Attractiveness to players
- makes a positive and lasting impression
- increases marketability
- consistent and comfortable playing conditions
General considerations for the ideal indoor tennis court:
- full 120' court length and at least 18' between courts
- divider curtains
- ceiling heights (eave at least 18' and at least 36' at peak)
- uncluttered overhead area
- uniform and glare-free lighting
- playing surface that is comfortable and durable
Indoor tennis facilities that meet the standards for 'ideal' will have a distinct advantage over those facilities that do not.
Key considerations of an indoor tennis court facility:
- Structure (Click here for The Different Types of Indoor Tennis Facilities)
- steel-frame
- air
- fabric
- Lighting system (Click here for A Guide to Lighting Tennis Courts)
- controls
- Ceiling system (Click here for What is a Liner System?)
- insulation
- Court surfacing (Click here for more information about court surfaces Har-Tru)
To summarize, here are a few things to remember when designing your indoor tennis facility:
- Understanding how to create the ideal indoor tennis experience
- Know what to look for and decide upon during the planning stages
- Understand the priorities
- Make informed decisions about building components and methods
In order to help facility stakeholders begin the building process of a new indoor tennis facility, the USTA has set up a program to offer:
- Business Services
- Technical Services
- Advocacy Services
- Facility Funding
- Testimonials
- Contractor Resources
In addition, the USTA offers project consultants who deliver personalized support and service to help take your project from concept to reality. Here's the link to the USTA website with more information:
USTA Facilities Services Program
Sports Interiors has amassed a tremendous amount of experience with both the construction of new indoor tennis facilities as well as renovations of existing facilities. We're here to answer any questions you may have and help ensure you design your ideal indoor tennis facility.