Work is well underway at the brand-new outdoor tennis complex at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The new tennis complex will reinforce the University’s “Build Blue” campaign which aims to build new facilities and infrastructure for all 17 of its Athletic programs to compete on the championship level. Designed by WBA Architecture, the $7.1 Million on-campus facility is located at the corner of Middle Tennessee Blvd and Greenland drive.
Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.
Shown for context only.
“This is a transformational and comprehensive effort that will dramatically enhance our athletics facilities, but also create a vibrant entry portal to our campus. Once this beautiful complex is completed, our tennis student-athletes will be able to practice and play in a facility that ranks among the very best in the region while enhancing the footprint on the northwest side of our campus.”
— MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee
“This new complex will be a catalyst to move our tennis programs forward and improve on the great success they have already displayed, including this spring with the fourth men’s conference championship in a row. This tennis facility is a key component of our Build Blue campaign as we seek to enhance to infrastructure for all our student-athletes.”
— Director of Athletics Chris Massaro
During the widening of Middle Tennessee Blvd, part of the previous Buck Bouldin Tennis courts was removed; this resulted in the Tennis team having to travel off-campus to nearby facilities for practice. Funds were, however, set aside to replace what was removed by the widening project. In more recent news, the University also announced that it has also received $82,500 in grants from The United States Tennis Association (USTA). The grant awards include:
- UTSA awarded a $40,000 Tennis Venue Services grant.
- USTA Southern awarded $40,000.
- USTA Tennessee awarded $2,500.
The grant funds will be put towards the construction of the eight tennis courts. Here’s the quick rundown:
MTSU New Tennis Complex
Middle Tennessee State University
| What’s Now: | Buck Bouldin Tennis Courts |
| What’s Next: | Tennis Complex |
| Developer: | MTSU |
| Architect: | WBA |
| Landscape: | HDLA |
| Civil: | Barge Civil Associates |
| Contractor: | FTM Contracting |
Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.
Shown for context only.
The previous facilities were due for an upgrade as the court surfaces were starting to wear down and both the team’s and coach’s facilities were becoming outdated for this championship team. The Blue Raider men’s tennis program recently won its 4th-straight Conference USA title in 2022, while the women’s tennis program earned the Intercollegiate Tennis Associations’ All-Academic Team award for the fifth consecutive year in 2022 and went undefeated at home this year.
The new state of the art facility will serve as the on-campus home of MTSU’s men’s and women’s tennis programs, featuring new locker rooms, spectator facilities for 250 fans, eight upgraded tennis courts and new coaches’ offices, among many other amenities.
“This facility has been a dream of mine since I took the job in 2010. It will be an amazing new home for the tennis teams, our fans, students,and the tennis community. I am thrilled to see the progress and excited to have tennis back on the Middle Tennessee campus.”
— Head Coach Jimmy Borendame, Men’s Tennis
“We are very excited about the future of MTSU Blue Raider Tennis. Offering our student-athletes top-notch facilities and resources will enhance their collegiate experience while allowing us to maintain and improve our team’s culture of success.”
— Head Coach Tayo Bailey-Duvall, Women’s Tennis
Build Blue Campaign
The Build Blue Campaign aims to provide resources to all 17 sports programs. In addition to the new Tennis Complex the Build Blue Campaign will fund the Student Athlete Performance Center, Murphy Center Enhancements, and a new Multi-Purpose Indoor Practice Facility.
For information on contributions, naming opportunities, and more – visit the MT Build Blue Campaign using the link (Here).
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