The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a sweeping $800 million renovation of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the U.S. Open. Slated for completion before the 2027 tournament, the three-year project will significantly enhance both player and fan experiences at the Queens, New York complex.
The centerpiece of the renovation is Arthur Ashe Stadium, which will undergo substantial upgrades including expanded seating, new hospitality areas, and a dramatic new entrance inspired by the nearby Unisphere. Simultaneously, a state-of-the-art Player Performance Center will be constructed to support athletes and staff during the tournament.
Arthur Ashe Stadium Transformation
At the heart of the project is Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world. Planned upgrades will focus on increasing seating capacity, improving fan amenities, and creating a more visually striking and accessible venue.
The stadium’s courtside seating will expand from 3,000 to 5,000 seats, bringing fans closer to the action. Two new mezzanine levels will introduce luxury hospitality suites, while redesigned concourses will feature enhanced restroom, dining, and retail facilities. The southern entrance will be transformed into a sculptural focal point, blending form and function with inspiration drawn from the iconic Unisphere.
Approximately $550 million of the total budget is dedicated to Arthur Ashe Stadium’s enhancements, reinforcing the USTA’s commitment to delivering a premier experience for tennis fans and players alike.
Player Performance Center: A New Standard for Athletes
In addition to stadium upgrades, the USTA will construct a four-story, $250 million Player Performance Center on the campus. Designed to serve approximately 2,800 individuals including players, coaches, and support personnel, this modern facility aims to elevate athlete preparation and recovery.
Features will include indoor and outdoor training areas with turf and court surfaces, a running track, spa-inspired locker rooms, private dining spaces, and lounges tailored for players. Dedicated zones for media engagements and broadcast production will also be incorporated, streamlining tournament operations and press coverage.
Timeline and Execution
To avoid disrupting ongoing tournaments, the project will proceed in phases over three years:
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2025 U.S. Open: Completion of an expanded underground parking facility.
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2026 U.S. Open: Debut of new courtside seating and upgraded hospitality offerings.
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2027 U.S. Open: Full unveiling of all renovations, including the new performance center and stadium amenities.
This careful phasing ensures the U.S. Open will continue without interruption, maintaining its prestige and operational integrity.
Meeting Growing Demand
The USTA’s investment comes in response to tennis’s surging popularity across the United States. With participation surpassing 26 million players nationwide and the U.S. Open attracting more than one million attendees in 2024, the facility upgrades will accommodate growing crowds and enhance the overall fan experience.
Starting in 2025, the tournament will expand to a 15-day format, allowing for roughly 70,000 additional attendees. The upgraded center is expected to play a crucial role in managing this growth while supporting the event’s logistical needs.
A Bold Investment in the Future
The $800 million project will be fully financed by the USTA without the use of public funds. It follows a $600 million renovation completed in 2018, which included construction of the new Louis Armstrong Stadium. This latest initiative reinforces the organization’s long-term vision to keep the U.S. Open among the world’s most prestigious sporting events and to strengthen its role as an economic engine for New York City.