Exploring the history and architecture of iconic tennis stadiums around the world. No matter if you love or just appreciate tennis as a spectator sport, these locations will make your experience truly unforgettable.
Arthur Ashe Stadium stands tall as one of the iconic structures within Flushing Meadows’ complex, dominating all others with regard to capacity. It is part of what makes the US Open so impressively iconic.
1. Stade Pierre-Mauroy
Stade Pierre-Mauroy stands as home for Lille OSC in Villeneuve d’Ascq and has seen many exciting games and passionate celebrations from their loyal supporters. Designed by architects Valode & Pistre in collaboration with engineering firm EGIS.
The 50,000-seat arena was initially known as Grand Stade Lille Metropole before it was changed following Pierre Mauroy, mayor and football club president, passing away. Now known as Lille Metropole Stadium, this grand stadium features an energy-saving roof.
One unique aspect of the stadium is its translucent media facade, composed of 32 kilometers of extruded polycarbonate tubes illuminated at night to create an arresting visual. Furthermore, pre-stressed megabeams span 205 m and 17 m high to allow for clear views from any part of the stadium.
Fans who wish to explore the stadium, put themselves in the shoes of its players, or simply want a unique experience can sign up for guided tours at the stadium. Tours typically last about an hour and include visiting changing rooms, tunnels leading down to the pitch and more.
2. Arthur Ashe Stadium
Arthur Ashe Stadium has long been revered by tennis enthusiasts around the globe as an iconic tennis stadium with a rich history. A great spot to experience US Open tournament action and celebrate Arthur Ashe’s legacy – Sydney Poitier gives an excellent tour in this video that highlights Arthur Ashe’s legacy and first US Open.
The US Open is an enormous spectacle that attracts world-renowned tennis athletes, crowds of fans and sponsors from around the globe for two weeks each summer. As one of four Grand Slam tournaments, it serves as a highlight in American tennis culture.
As it debuted in 1997, Arthur Ashe Stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was an icon of New York City glamour that reached out to millions around the globe.
Original stadium designs completed in 1997 did not incorporate roofs; however, after numerous delays due to rain-related delays and backlogged matches caused the USTA to search for innovative solutions – they eventually decided on ROSSETTI’s cutting-edge lightweight retractable roof which was installed for the 2016 US Open tournament.
3. Roland Garros
The French Open, one of four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held annually at Roland Garros in Paris, pays homage to Roland Garros, an iconic French aviator and First World War hero who inspired its name.
This tournament first took place in 1891 as an interclub competition and six years later saw women’s singles matches added. In 1925 it opened to non-French players, marking a significant change as it entered its Open Era phase.
The Open Era brought new levels of competition and helped expand tennis popularity. Bjorn Borg won six Roland Garros titles during this era while Chris Evert dominated women’s tennis with her powerful forehand, court coverage and unwavering focus – which were key ingredients in winning tournaments like Roland Garros.
4. Wimbledon
The All England Club in Worple Road first opened its doors in 1877 as lawn tennis began its transition from croquet into mainstream society. According to The Illustrated London News, competition from its inaugural Championship matches was “keenly contested”. Prize money wasn’t introduced until 1968 and, even more surprisingly, women didn’t start receiving equal cash awards until 2007!
The English are known for being rather stuffy and traditional, which certainly rings true at Wimbledon. Fans are expected to observe complete silence between points while players must bow before entering the court.
This stadium has witnessed many iconic moments in tennis history, from Bjorn Borg booing Martina Navratilova in 1980, Steffi Graf’s record nine women’s titles won by her and Federer-Nadal 2018 final to Nick Bitel’s mural celebrating Wimbledon FC from their inaugural appearance until their return in Plough Lane 2020.
5. US Open
Tennis, long associated with exclusivity, has long since shed this reputation to become one of the world’s most beloved sports – and an iconic American pastime. 6sqft takes a look back at the US Open from its start at Newport Rhode Island to Forest Hills West Side Tennis Club and beyond.
Since 1978, this event has taken place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York – its current home since 1998. Here some of tennis’ biggest names come out to play while also drawing huge crowds to this Grand Slam tournament.
The 2023 US Open was marked by several headline-making moments, from 19-year-old Coco Gauff’s victory thanks to her enthusiastic home support in winning her maiden Grand Slam title, to Novak Djokovic extending his record streak of singles titles won consecutively (15). However, earlier tournaments took place at various locations with Singer Sewing Company Stadium as its venue.
6. Arthur Ashe Stadium
United States of America stands out as having one of the highest seating capacities when it comes to tennis stadiums. Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s US Open, with 23,771 fans inside its walls, holds pride of place as the world’s biggest tennis-specific venue.
Named in honor of late champion player Arthur Ashe, this venue opened as part of Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 1997. It features an innovative retractable roof designed by ROSSETTI to integrate seamlessly with its original architecture.
After years of rain-delayed matches at the event, as well as concerns for its soil stability, a roof was installed. A Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric stretched over existing stadium structures allows the roof to open or close on demand; additionally there is also an electronic Hawk-Eye system enabling players to challenge calls. Courts were originally green; in 2005 this changed to electric blue in order to make tracking the ball easier for players and TV viewers alike.
7. Stade Pierre-Mauroy
Stade Pierre-Mauroy remains one of the world’s premier sporting venues, delighting visitors and sports enthusiasts from around the globe with its spectacular retractable roof and numerous unique features that make this stadium one of the world’s premier sports arenas.
This futuristic sports complex, located just outside Lille, serves as home for LOSC football club as well as international sporting competitions and concerts featuring global stars. Opened in 2012 and named in memory of Pierre Mauroy – Lille’s former Mayor and Prime Minister who died just one year prior – this impressive building was opened to the public shortly thereafter.
Valode & Pistre and Pierre Ferret’s impressive structure was constructed using IMAGIC WEAVE transparent media facade from HAVER & BOECKER to transform into multiple configurations suitable for rugby, football and concerts based on events taking place inside. This revolutionary solution allows users to transform this flexible stadium space to suit a range of different events taking place there.
Guided tours provide visitors with an in-depth experience of this remarkable stadium, such as visiting its players’ tunnel, changing rooms, and field edge.
8. Wimbledon
Wimbledon is one of the world’s most iconic tennis stadiums and hosts one of its longest running tournaments since 1877 – All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon London hosts it every year.
At its origins, Wimbledon was exclusively male event; just 22 amateur players participated in its inaugural Championship tournament held in 1877. Since then, however, the tournament has expanded and evolved while maintaining many traditions such as players wearing hats, shorts, and visors to compete.
Wimbledon has long been revered as an exceptional tournament due to the extraordinary players that have participated, from Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras to Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams. Furthermore, Wimbledon boasts several traditions, such as giving its financial surplus away as charity donations every year.
9. Arthur Ashe Stadium
Arthur Ashe Stadium opened at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 1997 as the main arena for the US Open and is the largest tennis stadium worldwide. After legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe’s name was invoked for its construction at a $254 million cost, 22 547 seats, 90 luxury suites, five restaurants and a two-level players lounge were available within this $254 million venue.
ROSSETTI’s revolutionary retractable roof was completed in 2016, completely revolutionizing the US Open experience for spectators, athletes and sponsors alike. Intended to appear integrated with its surroundings but technically independent – its lightweight octagonal structure rests upon eight steel columns around its perimeter – ROSSETTI’s innovative retractable PTFE roof was designed by ROSSETTI specifically to resemble that of its original stadium while remaining independent technically.
The roof opens or closes in just seven minutes to turn the stadium into a climate-controlled indoor arena for concerts, sporting events and conventions – All Elite Wrestling’s first event in New York City along with tapings of Dynamite and Rampage also took place here in 2021!