Edmond Center Court named top tennis facility

Each year, the United States Tennis Association chooses one public-serving tennis center as the premier facility in the nation.

The Outstanding Facility Awards recognize excellence in the construction and renovation of tennis facilities and programming throughout the country.

This March, the Edmond Center Court was one of 33 honorees and was chosen as the 2022 Facility of the Year.

ECC, built as a partnership with the city of Edmond and Edmond Public Schools in 2020, has 24 lighted outdoor courts, six climate-controlled indoor courts, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. David and Lisa Minihan operate the facility.

“Edmond Center Court is proud to serve as home to Edmond high school players as well as a teaching and recreation facility,” David Minihan said.

“We also host dozens of major events each year, including 1,000 USTA League matches, Oklahoma Secondary Sports Athletics Association, NCAA and Intercollegiate Tennis Association championship events, and USTA national tournaments,” USTA Chief Executive Craig Morris praised Edmond’s facility.

“Great tennis facilities like Edmond Center Court help us to grow the game at the grassroots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” he said.

ECC hosts a weekly junior program that features approximately 500 players. It is also home to Play It Forward Tennis, a USTA Foundation National Junior Tennis and Learning chapter that provides free instruction and equipment to players from underserved communities and special needs players.

Edmond City Council and Tourism Advisory Board Member Josh Moore has seen ECC’s positive impact on the city.

“Edmond Center Court tournaments attract players from around the world and elevate Edmond as a tennis community,” Moore said.

Most recently, professional players competed for $15,000 at the USTA Men’s Pro Circuit Tournament on Jan. 23-29.

To be considered for a USTA award, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a park and recreation department, an educational institution, a nonprofit corporation, or be a private or commercially owned-and-operated facility that offers both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis.

Nominated facilities were voted on in the following categories: public courts, either small tennis centers with 2-10 courts or large tennis centers with 11 or more courts; private facilities supporting the USTA and other “growth of the game.”

Programs open to the public and educational institutions such as colleges, universities, public and private grade schools, middle schools, or high schools.

About Edmond Center Court

The Edmond Center Court is considered one of the top public facilities in the world. Edmond Center Court has 24 outdoor courts, two of which include stadium courts with seating, six indoor courts, and a 31,000-square-foot clubhouse.

The clubhouse is a fully equipped pro shop featuring tennis racquets, accessories, and multiple lounge areas. The clubhouse also features stringing services and general public servicing tennis racquets.

Center Court provides programs for juniors and adults, private lessons, classes, and camps for juniors. For more information, visit www.edmondcentercourt.com.