A grand opening celebration for the UREC Tennis Center is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 12. Venus Williams, American tennis professional, equality advocate, and fashion genius, will deliver remarks and participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening. Due to attendance limitations, this event is closed to the public.

The UREC Tennis Center is located at 1357 W. Indian Trail off Martin Luther King Blvd. in Fayetteville. The UREC Tennis Center features 12 tennis courts (four courts with backboards to allow for individual play) and a service facility that includes an equipment checkout center and restrooms. Pickleball can be played on the courts. Tennis racquets, pickleball racquets and balls can be checked out for use. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tennis balls.

"There have been so many positive experiences being a part of the Tennis Club at the University of Arkansas the past four years. Our freshman year we played on two courts, where we all took turns playing. We are so excited that this facility will allow us the opportunity to grow even more as a team," said Clare Kellough and Craig Owens, 2021-2022 UREC Tennis Club co-presidents.  

The new courts will expand on existing UREC programming for students and the campus. All U of A students and UREC members have access to the Tennis Center. UARK faculty, staff and community members may purchase a tennis-only membership.

A walking trail was also added and connects to the city of Fayetteville's trail system.  

"We are excited to open the UREC Tennis Center; this project will bring tennis back on campus for recreational users and expand options for programming and educational opportunities," said Becky Todd, executive director of University Recreation. "We look forward to welcoming the campus community to this beautiful facility."

For more information, please visit the UREC Tennis Center webpage or email urec@uark.edu.