The University of Memphis is spending $5 million to make large-scale renovations expanding public Leftwich Tennis Center on Southern Avenue just east of campus, in addition to the newly opened Southern Avenue walking bridge and the future Scheidt music center.
Anonymous private donors spearheaded the much-needed expansion by raising most of the funds—$11 million of the total $19 million. The city of Memphis contributed an additional $3 million for the project scheduled for January 2021 completion.
The thriving University of Memphis men’s and women’s tennis teams were left needing a facility when the Racquet Club of Memphis—also host of a popular professional tournament from 1975-2017—closed in favor of more lucrative real-estate alternatives. Past Champions included Hall of Famers Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi.
“Given closure of the Racquet Club, this new facility is critical for our nationally ranked Tennis teams,” University of Memphis President David Rudd told the Daily Helmsman in a statement e-mailed Wednesday.
Last year, the men’s doubles team of David O'Hare and Joe Salisbury started the season ranked No. 3 in the country, the highest-ever national ranking for a Tigers' doubles tandem. Not to be outdone, the Lady Tigers likewise ended 2018 with 16 wins—their most since 2013—and their first national ranking (71) since 2015.
A world-class home court in Leftwich means facetime on the UofM campus and city-wide exposure for the international sport’s top players and influencers. Upon completion, the women’s program—already boasting six international players on the 10-person roster— hopes to feature some of the most visible star-athletes on campus. “The facility will play an important role in the recruiting process as we attempt to attract the best junior players from around the world to the University of Memphis,” Women’s Tennis Head Coach Hayden Perez said in an official statement.
In addition to housing the Tigers’ nationally relevant programs and various amateur events, Leftwich will be a shot in the arm both to competitive junior development and local youth development in general: “The courts will be available
to the community, including the opportunity to grow youth programs throughout our City,” Rudd added.
Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism—formerly known as the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau—echoed that this project is bigger than just tennis and bigger than just the university: Leftwich will have a direct economic impact on tourism and local businesses. “This first-class facility is not only a great asset shared by the University and the public, but also will attract amateur tournaments bringing millions in revenue to the city of Memphis and Shelby County,” Kane told the Daily Helmsman by telephone.
One of the city’s top official ambassadors, Kane expressed excitement that Leftwich will unify Memphians of all stripes and confidence that a diverse field of visitors from near and far will be thrilled with the stunning improvement, “This is truly a tremendous amenity for our city and should be celebrated by all citizens.”
