How USTA Tennis Venue Services makes an impact all over the U.S.
A major part of the strategy to reach 35 million tennis players in the U.S. by 2035 is ensuring there are enough courts and facilities for people of all abilities to use. Central to making that happen is the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services department, which this year celebrates 20 years working to bring new facilities and courts online, and renovating and updating existing facilities to keep them playable.
“It’s simple: We can’t grow the game without having places to play,” says Todd Carlson, Director of USTA Tennis Venue Services (TVS). Last year, TVS issued about $1.8 million in grants for tennis infrastructure. For 2025, that grant amount has been increased to $10 million. “With the increased budget for 2025, we are now able to support more facilities. But also, this year we’re increasing the maximum grant amounts facilities can receive.”
The TVS grant application process also has been streamlined, making it easier to apply for funding, Carlson adds, while also making it faster for approved projects to receive funds.
TVS grants fall into three categories, from basic facility improvements (Category I); to resurfacing of existing facilities, lighting, fencing, etc. (Category II); to new construction and reconstruction (Category III). Grant amounts vary depending on the size of the facility and scope of the project. Since 2020, TVS grants to 241 projects across the country have impacted nearly 2,000 tennis courts. But USTA TVS also offers other complimentary services, such as:
- Technical Services, including facility assessments; help with renovation plans; reviews of bids and construction documents; cost-savings suggestions.
- Business Services, such as help connecting public and private developers; financial recommendations; identifying potential partners and funding sources; assistance with business plans.
- Advocacy Services, including providing tools, research and data to help support local tennis projects.
- Facility Management Support and Digital Tools, to help manage financials, oversee court bookings, promote the business and more.
Public tennis courts in Denton, Texas.
“As more tennis courts and facilities come online, we need to make sure we have programming and coaches for them,” Carlson says, “so we also work with facility owners and managers to connect them with their USTA section and with other services they may need to keep their new and renovated facilities active and vital.”
In addition to Carlson, the TVS team includes managers Amelia Storer and Lauren Parr, along with coordinator Hector Gonzalez, all working with parks, communities and USTA Sections to grow tennis at the grassroots. Tennis Venue Services also works with experts in court and facility design and construction, along with key facility and parks professionals.
“No matter how far along you may be with your project, our TVS team will meet you where you are,” Carlson notes. “Whether you are just beginning to plan for new construction or a renovation, or if you’ve already started a project, or simply want to add blended lines, or lights, or fencing, we’ll be able to help.”
To learn more about USTA Tennis Venue Services and to apply for facility grant funding, visit usta.com/facilities, or email facilities@usta.com.
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