Tennis Venue Services enhances Mars Area High School’s tennis courts in Pennsylvania

Mars Area High School, located just north of Pittsburgh, is in Mars, Pa.—a town known for its quirky extraterrestrial theme and prominent flying saucer landmark in the town square. And with an eye toward the future, and its key utilization of “space,” the school district recently completed a total reconstruction, upgrade and expansion of its tennis facility. 

The project replaced three old tennis courts and aging infrastructure with five new courts. Construction began in April 2025 following the conclusion of the spring boys’ tennis season and was completed in September, in time for the girls’ fall season. 

The new courts feature a durable, all-weather hard surface, marked with the district’s blue and gold “Mars” logo. The project included new fencing, nets, windscreens (with custom team name) and dedicated spectator seating. Two of the courts have blended lines for shorter-court tennis. Construction also included providing electrical conduit and hookups to allow for the addition of lighting in the future.

“The new tennis courts at Mars Area High School come at a perfect time as the community continues to grow,” says Kelle Cunningham, the USTA’s Community Tennis Manager for Allegheny Mountain District. “Their central, highly visible location makes them a shared asset for every neighborhood. This summer’s youth programming will bring kids together and provide meaningful community tennis opportunities.”

“Our new courts, along with reaching into the community, will help get people around here excited about tennis again, spread the word throughout the community, and get people out playing,” Varlotta says. “The USTA will work with gym teachers and coaches to provide some equipment, which will help get kids interested in the sport. Our plan is to host USTA-sponsored events such as tournaments and clinics as early as this summer.”

“It’s always great to see schools investing in tennis and opening their courts to the community,” says Todd Carlson, the USTA’s Senior Director–Tennis Venue Services: Partnerships & Strategic Planning. “The enthusiasm from Mark and other gym teachers in the school district, combined with the involvement of other community members and leaders, will help make tennis in the Mars area truly take off.”

For more on how USTA’s Tennis Venue Services can help your facility or project, visit usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.