Last week, as New York proudly hosted the US Open, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the signing of legislation to expand and improve the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The legislation will enable critical infrastructure repairs, allow more fans to attend major tournaments and create over 1,500 construction and full-time jobs.
The signing will provide for a nearly one acre boundary expansion of the entire complex and a return to the New York Department of Parks of 1.56 acres of land for public recreational use. The planned improvements include a new row of tennis courts, the addition of a fenced and landscaped border area to improve spectator safety and circulation, and new positioning for the grandstand stadium.
Additionally, out-of date infrastructure will be repaired and upgraded, and public plazas and promenades will be expanded to accommodate up to 10,000 additional fans per day during US Open tournaments. Expansion of the complex is expected to create approximately 800 construction jobs and an additional 776 full-time jobs for Queens residents over a 10-year period.
“The USTA is proud of its rich history in New York, which dates back to 1915,” said Dave Haggerty, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the US Open is proud to bring worldwide attention to the city and state that it calls home, and is pleased that this legislation will allow the longstanding tradition to continue.”
The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is the largest public tennis facility in the world. It is operated by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the City of New York, on land leased from the City in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, in Queens. The complex hosts the US Open Tennis Championship, one of the premier sporting events in the world. In 2010, the US Open generated an estimated $756 million in positive economic impact for New York City, an increase from $420 million in 2001 and $145 million in 1991. The Tournament also creates 6,000 seasonal jobs annually, with 85% of employees from New York City and 41% from Queens, specifically. These jobs generate approximately $40 million in employee compensation.
Topics: 10sballs, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Sports, Tennis, US Open, Usta