Did you know New Orleans City Park Pepsi Tennis Center has been serving up aces for over a century? The original tennis facility opened in City Park in 1922 featuring 17 courts. The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center stands as a testament to New Orleans’ love for the game.
Today we are standing in front of a modern marvel that opened in 2011. The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center is a premier public tennis venue. The tennis center moved to this location along Marconi Drive after being rooted in the heart of City Park for more than a century. This move marked a new chapter for tennis in New Orleans.
The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center boasts 26 lighted courts. There are 16 hard courts and 10 clay courts. One hard surface serves as center court. Bleacher seating surrounds it for big matches. A practice court is available. The 3500-square-foot clubhouse includes locker rooms. There are also restrooms and a meeting room. Front and back porches offer views of center court.
The construction of the City Park Pepsi Tennis Center cost 3.9 million USD. Pepsi Beverages Co. secured naming rights. They made a significant pledge to endow the tennis center. As part of the agreement Pepsi products are sold on site.
The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center is home to the Loyola Wolf Pack. It is also home to the Tulane Green Wave tennis teams. The facility hosts the City Park Grand Slam Tennis Tournament. It also hosts the Allstate Sugar Bowl Tennis Tournament.
The debut of the City Park Pepsi Tennis Center was a decades-long dream for City Park administrators. Financial constraints had long delayed designs. A state appropriation finally made it possible.
Interestingly the old tennis center site didn’t disappear entirely. The nine hard courts at the old site were removed for a miniature golf course. However, the park continued to operate ten clay courts.
To play here costs 10 USD per hour for hard courts and 13 USD for clay surfaces. The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center is more than just a tennis facility. It is a community hub. It is a place where athletes and amateurs alike can come together. The facility expands the number of parking spaces available for tennis patrons, with about 100 paved spots and room for dozens more on grassy areas nearby.
The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center is open seven days a week. From Monday to Thursday it is open from 8 am to 9 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it closes a bit earlier at 6 pm.
So whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner grab a racket. Come experience the thrill of the game. The City Park Pepsi Tennis Center is ready to welcome you.