Professional Tennis Comes to Atlantic Station

July 9th, 2012

Atlanta is a huge tennis town, boasting the largest number of organized tennis leagues in the country. Top-ranked professionals like John Isner, Melanie Oudin and Donald Young sprung from here. And come July 14, Professional tennis will take center stage in the city center as the newly named BB&T Open, the first mens event on the way to the U.S. Open, kicks off at Atlantic Station. Susan Mittleman has more.

For the past three years, the Atlanta Tennis Championship has been held in traditional tennis clubs in the northern suburbs. But this year, the first professional mens’ tennis event leading up to the U-S Open will kick off in the heart of the city, at Atlantic Station.

“For an outdoor tournament, space is usually such a premium in town.”

Tournament director Bob Bryant says the fact that Atlantic Station had just enough property to build the courts, the seating and everything else, was a rare find.

“And it’s actually rare on the tour globally that one, we’re in a vicinity that anybody, including players, is on site and have access to entertainment, shopping etc, as do our fans. And you’re also right in middle of the skyline of city.”

Construction has been fast and furious, converting an empty storefront into locker rooms, a former sports bar into a lounge, and of course, empty lots into grand slam surfaces, with seating for more than 4000 ticket holders.

“The stadium and grandstand court that we’re looking at now, those are really up just for the event, so the seats and stuff will go away. But the court surfaces will remain so they’ll be able to cover those surfaces and use this as an event space.”

There will be three more courts across the way, for competition and practice which will stay up for year-round play after the tournament. Anyone, with or without a ticket will be able to watch the pros warm up here, as well as visit what Bryant says will be the “Family Zone” in Atlantic Station’s Central Park.

“We’re going to have multiple courts out here, kid size racquets, low compression balls, and kid-size nets and free play days every day of the tournament. So from approximately p1-8p every day, ticket or not, anyone can come out and bring their kids and experience tennis right here in Central Park.”

“I think it’s a great thing for Atlanta” Diane Barker is current president of ALTA, the Atlanta Lawn and Tennis Association.

“I think it’s good to have another professional sport in the city of Atlanta. That’s something they haven’t had in a long time. Professional tennis has always been on the north side. I think it’s good for the city of Atlanta, for business,and northern and southern players will take MARTA and avoid the traffic.”

Atlantic’s Station’s general manager, David Anderson, says it’s a win-win situation for both tennis fans and shoppers.

“We’re excited about the traffic and to offer them not only this event but also what we offer from a retail standpoint and entertainment standpoint.”

And that’s appealing to both 31 year-old Meredith Foster and 64 year-old Daphne Gwinn, avid players from the northern suburbs.

“I think that’s going to make it such a really neat atmosphere, a really great place to watch tennis, to be down in the city and right in Atlantic station I think will be awesome.”

I don’t know that it will expose more people. It gives the people in the suburbs an opportunity to go downtown, learn all about Atlantic Station and whatever.

The players list includes Andy Roddick, John Isner, Mardy Fish, and a whole lot of other top ranked professionals you may not have heard of, yet.

“It’s exciting for us tennis players!” Again, Diane Barker. ”Because you get to see the big boys! You can watch the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, but there’s nothing the same as sitting courtside and really hearing them hit those balls, and watching. It’s amazing, it’s amazing!

Qualifying matches start July 14 with the main draw from the 16 through 22.