Mobile tennis courts get $111,500 for improvements from national tennis association

Players at the Mobile Tennis Center may soon be able to better see the balls zinging by them thanks to $111,500 in grants from the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The grant program is designed by USTA to “enhance existing tennis venues and construct new ones in order to provide increased playing opportunities in communities across the country,” a release from the city said.

The USTA awarded Mobile with $55,000, USTA Southern awarded another $55,000 and USTA Alabama pitched in $1,500.

The Mobile Tennis Center, which is one of the largest public tennis facilities in the nation, is located at 851 Gaillard Dr. and boasts 60 courts. With the help of the grant money, 34 of those courts will have new LED lights installed, ensuring that all courts have high-quality lighting. This will complete the city’s ongoing project to update lighting at the center.

“We greatly appreciate USTA for continuing to see the value of the Mobile Tennis Center, not only to the City of Mobile but to the game of tennis in our region,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “This facility is already a staple for players and coaches in the Southeast, and outfitting all the courts with LED lighting will allow the staff to bring even more world-class tournaments and players to our community.”

Mobile’s facilities host USTA tournaments and matches for various skill levels and age groups. Recently, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted their annual championship tournaments at the Tennis Center.

“USTA Southern is proud to contribute to improving the Mobile Tennis Center, one of the top facilities in our section and the country,” USTA Southern Executive Director & COO Matt Olson said. “One of our core missions is to improve and expand tennis facilities that help make tennis open to all.”

In addition to hosting competitions, the tennis center offers both private and group tennis lessons for all ages. There are adult and junior clinics for all levels throughout the year, and there is an on-site pro shop.

The court rates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are $4 for regular players, $3 for seniors and $2 for students. After 5 p.m., the regular and student rate is $5 and $4 for seniors.