Some spectacular enhancements are headed for the U.S. Open. This week, U.S. Open unveiled the three-year, $800 million renovation plan for the long-lasting Arthur Ashe Stadium and the historic Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle, with the slogan, “Reimagining Spectacular.”
The self-funded renovation is predicted to accomplished earlier than the 2027 match. This marks the most important funding in U.S. Open historical past, a testomony to the development of the game’s reputation.
“This venture permits us to keep up the best stage in tennis — Arthur Ashe Stadium — which was constructed greater than 25 years in the past, and modernize it in a means that may set it up for the subsequent 25 years,” United States Tennis Affiliation chief govt and govt director Lew Sherr stated.
Sherr defined among the enhancements, included courtroom facet experiences, new tools and extra.
“We’re enhancing and modernizing each side of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the venue,” Sherr stated. “From seating to concourses to restrooms to factors of sale, additionally together with premium hospitality and courtside experiences. There’s additionally a unprecedented alternative to help our athletes in a a lot better means, and you are going to see a modernized and new facility with premium facilities, tools, amenities, to permit them to compete at their very best and likewise to permit them to benefit from the three-week expertise in Queens like by no means earlier than.”
Sherr additionally added that these enhancements can be good for New York, saying they’ll “be delivering much more financial worth to town.”
“We already ship greater than $1.2 billion in financial impression to town. That is greater than the Yankees and the Mets mixed, and that quantity will solely enhance considerably,” Sherr stated, with USTA’s monetary report noting that the U.S. Open introduced in virtually $560 million in working income final 12 months.
Arthur Ashe Stadium was in-built 1997 with practically 24,000 seats and can be growing their capability quantity, with a brand new degree named “Mezz 2” and courtroom facet seats going from 3,000 to five,000.
The renovation is predicted to chop 100-200 seats, however will deliver bigger concourses, renovated bogs in addition to extra bogs. Extra food and drinks stands will even be added. They need the decrease bowl to maintain the identical look as a way to keep the historical past of the stadium.
“The fact is, in 2027, when Arthur Ashe Stadium celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, it’s going to actually be celebrating its rebirth,” USTA president Brian Vahaly stated.
A brand new Participant Efficiency Middle will take $250 million of the funding and could have locker rooms, a health facility, lounge and personal eating areas, with flooring devoted to solely the gamers. Contributors will now have an outside health facility as properly, permitting for gamers to arrange within the circumstances they’ll face of their match.
Extra folks now accompany athletes than ever earlier than and huge events imply the necessity for more room.
“We imagine the chance forward is even higher,” Vahaly stated. “Seizing that chance would require daring management, and the U.S. Open sits on the heart of our progress technique. It’s the sport’s biggest stage. A spot the place future followers and gamers fall in love with the sport, the place the very best on the earth encourage the subsequent era.”
The recognition is clearly growing for the game and USTA desires to make sure they’ve the amenities to deal with new followers and new gamers. Within the first quarter of 2025, the USTA exceeded 26 million gamers, a rise of 49% over six years.
