ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM TO BENEFIT FROM WHOPPING $800 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR US OPEN
- Christian Montegan
- 55 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has unveiled an exciting $800 million project to enhance the image of Arthur Ashe Stadium and assemble a world-class Player Performance Centre.
In an entirely self-funded initiative, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre is set for an overhaul, and it's expected that construction work will be completed by the 2027 US Open, "without interrupting" the experience for fans and players for the next two editions.
"The US Open is the pinnacle of sports and entertainment, with the greatest athletes and fans in all of sport, and this reimagination of Arthur Ashe Stadium and construction of a state-of-the-art Player Performance Center will enhance the experience for everyone that comes on site to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center," USTA CEO and Executive Director Lew Sherr said.
"This project enables us to maintain the greatest stage in tennis—Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was constructed more than 25 years ago, and modernise it in a way that will set it up for the next 25 years. It also provides us the opportunity to give the players that compete in that stadium an unparalleled space that will enable them to perform at their best and enjoy a higher level of luxury and comfort while they are off the court.
"The US Open helps us to deliver on our mission—growing tennis to build healthier people and communities everywhere—by showcasing our sport on the global stage, and this reimagination will bring this presentation to an entirely new level."
USTA revealed the key improvements as part of the largest investment in US Open history.
A brand-new, visually striking Grand Entrance befitting the grandest stage in all of tennis.
A 40 per cent increase to the promenade-level concourse, adding significantly more open space for fans at the promenade and loge levels.
Completely modernised concourses, with all-newly designed retail experiences and food and beverage spaces.
Significantly increased access to restrooms on all concourses, and more escalators and elevators to all levels.
An upward extension of the courtside-level bowl with 2,000 new seats, expanding the courtside experience from 3,000 to 5,000 seats.
All-new club and restaurant areas, with enhanced dining options and premium hospitality spaces.
Two new dedicated luxury suite levels.
The USTA also outlined the timeline for the three separate phases below:
Phase 1 (in advance of the 2025 US Open)
Structural work reinforcing the column load for Arthur Ashe Stadium, enabling the in-stadium construction and overhaul to take place in future phases.
The first two stories of the four-story building that will be the Player Performance Centre in what is now Parking Lot A. The first two stories of the structure will contain parking.
Mostly behind-the-scenes work, with no major changes noticeable to those attending the 2025 US Open.
Phase 2 (between the 2025-26 US Opens)
The existing courtside and suite levels in Arthur Ashe Stadium will be removed and replaced with the new, expanded courtside bowl and the two new, dedicated luxury suite levels.
The Player Performance Centre—the top two floors of the four-floor facility in Parking Lot A—will be completed during this phase. While both levels of this facility will be constructed during this phase, it will not be finished and accessible to players until after Phase 3, as the interior will be completed during that time.
Phase 3 (between the 2026-27 US Opens)
The final projects in Arthur Ashe Stadium will be completed during this phase, including:
The visionary Grand Entrance, designed by Daniel Libeskind.
The new loge and promenade levels, including the new, expansive promenade concourse with an oversized, publicly accessible premium bar featuring expansive views of the Fountain Plaza and the Unisphere.
Full enhancements to all concourses, including retail and food and beverage spaces, as well as restrooms and other amenities.
Two new sets of escalators and two new elevator banks at the South entrance, improving fan traffic to all levels.
The series of Garrett Singer-designed premium hospitality lounges in-stadium, enabling premium ticket holders the opportunity to access unparalleled hospitality without having to leave Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time.
The interior of the Player Performance Centre will be completed during this phase and open to competitors and teams by the 2027 US Open.
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