USTA National Campus Expansion Approved to Host NCAA Tennis Championships in Lake Nona

The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Orlando, has received approval for a significant expansion, solidifying its role as the premier venue for collegiate tennis.

 

This development aligns with a 10-year commitment to host the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships, commencing in spring 2028.

 

Why is the USTA National Campus Expanding?

 

The expansion aims to transform the Lake Nona campus into a top-tier championship venue, capable of hosting NCAA team championships across multiple divisions at a single location.

 

Enhancements will focus on improving athlete facilities, spectator seating, broadcast capabilities, and overall event infrastructure.

 

When Will Construction Begin and End?

 

Construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of this year, with completion targeted for late 2027.

 

This timeline ensures the campus is fully prepared to host the NCAA National Championships starting in spring 2028.

 

Phase 1: Indoor Facility Expansion

 

Phase 1 focuses on significantly upgrading the indoor tennis experience.

 

Key improvements include:

 

• An 80,000-square-foot southern expansion of the existing indoor facility

 

• Six new indoor courts with spectator seating

 

• Offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, gyms, and strength and conditioning spaces

 

• Stadium-style seating added to the existing indoor courts

 

• Shade structures added to all 12 outdoor competition courts

 

• Upgraded scoreboards with live scoring and broadcast integration

 

To accommodate this phase, six existing hard surface courts will be removed.

 

Phase 2: Campus-Wide Growth

 

Phase 2 expands the overall footprint and operational capacity of the campus.

 

Additions include:

 

• Eight new hard surface tennis courts

 

• Extended service drive

 

• Additional paved parking

 

• New sprint track

 

• Overflow grass parking for special events held 4 to 6 times per year

 

How Large Will the Expanded Campus Be?

 

Upon completion of both phases, the campus will expand by nine additional acres, making it the most comprehensive tennis facility of its kind in the United States.

 

The USTA National Campus will be the only facility nationwide offering:

 

• 12 outdoor competition courts

 

• 20 practice courts

 

• 12 indoor courts

 

—all at a single site.

 

What Does This Mean for NCAA Tennis?

 

The USTA is making an enhanced financial commitment to the championships, including expanded broadcast support and increased fan and community engagement.

 

The campus has a strong track record, having co-hosted the Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

 

In 2023, the venue made history by hosting Division I, II, and III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships simultaneously, creating the first-ever festival-style NCAA tennis championship event.

 

With this expansion, Lake Nona further solidifies its reputation as a national destination for elite sports, innovation, and large-scale events.

 

Hosting the NCAA Tennis Championships for the next decade positions the community at the center of collegiate tennis in the United States.