Sumter, SC (September 18, 2018) – The Palmetto Tennis Center has won the 2018 USTA Outstanding Facility Award, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country. The PTC was honored at the USTA’s Semi-annual Meeting in New York City on August 30, with a plaque and a large outdoor sign, which will be displayed on the grounds of the center, in Sumter, South Carolina.
“Great tennis facilities, like the Palmetto Tennis Center, help us to grow the game at the grass-roots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, USTA National Campus. “The Palmetto Tennis Center has embraced many of our tennis initiatives and kept the sport at the forefront of its community each year.”
Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players; spectators and press officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities, such as casual seating for spectators; food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in USTA programs.
“This award recognizes the City’s leadership and solidifies our continued efforts in developing a top-notch sports center,” said Susan Wild, Recreation Programs and Facilities Director with the City of Sumter. “Since opening in 2004, the center has hosted many collegiate and professional tournaments annually while providing a first-class facility for tennis players in the Sumter community. These tournaments not only attract major media publicity for Sumter, but also have a local economic impact of over $18 million annually. The USTA Palmetto Pro Open has featured quite a few young stars, including Sloan Stephens and Naomi Osaka, the two most recent US Open Champions.”
The Palmetto Tennis Center features 24 outdoor courts with night lighting. Shaded bleachers and benches are available at each court, in addition to ball machines, stringing service, restrooms and a pro shop. The center hosts over 15 tournaments per year as well as a local tennis association, various school functions, a performance training center and free community play.
This is not the first award the Palmetto Tennis Center has received. In 2016, the center was named one of the top tier American tennis facilities by Sports Planning Guide. The center also placed in the top 40 list of the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s annual Livability Award in 2017.
“We are very proud of our tennis center and honored to receive national attention for our efforts. Not only is our facility one of the best in the country, but our staff is unparalleled,” said Joseph McElveen, Jr., Mayor, City of Sumter. “They run tournaments, provide lessons and conduct clinics for tennis players and continually work to introduce tennis to young people through numerous outreach programs.”
For more information, visit the Palmetto Tennis Center at 400 Theatre Drive, call 803-774-3969 or visit www.sumtertennis.com.
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