There is a place inside the Combe Tennis Center where one can overlook six tennis courts in one direction while enjoying a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and Northwestern's own private beach in the other.
Varsity team locker rooms are state-of-the-art, with individual wooden lockers for each player. In addition, a team conference room, athletic training room and varsity equipment storage room make for a completely self-contained facility. Both of the tennis head coaches' offices have a complete view of the beach and Lake Michigan.
"The Combe Tennis Center is an outstanding venue for college tennis," said head coach Claire Pollard. "It is perfect for both players and spectators."
Each of the six courts has its own electronic scoreboard. The main team scoreboard, which dominates the center of the south wall, gives a composite score and features an electronic message center.
Spectator seating for over 300 is on a balcony overlooking the courts, so fans have an unobstructed view of each match being played. Construction of the $10 million project was started on Dec. 1, 2000. The building opened for use just over a year later, on Jan. 7, 2002.
The new center takes its name from former Northwestern tennis player Ivan Combe, who offered the lead donation that made the center a reality. Combe was a member of the tennis team from 1931 to 1933. He played on legendary Wildcat coach Paul Bennett's first team.
Many other friends of Northwestern tennis have contributed to the project as well. The 1990 men's tennis team has donated the money to establish a Hall of Fame in the spectator seating area.
The Combe Tennis Center is part of the four-building Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center where students, faculty, staff and members can take advantage of the fitness center, weight room, racquetball and squash courts, basketball courts and 50-meter swimming pool.
A general recreation area is located adjacent to the tennis center with three full-length hardwood basketball courts surrounded by an elevated running track that measures a tenth of a mile.
The ITA named the Combe Tennis Center the 2002 Outstanding Facility.
Vandy Christie Tennis Center
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The Vandy Christie Tennis Center was dedicated on October 29, 1994 to honor an outstanding alumnus and special representative of Northwestern University. Christie's Northwestern career began as a varsity tennis player in 1955. He returned as the men's head coach from 1976-83 and then became the director of athletic development.
The Center boasts 15 courts, a pro shop and permanent seating for approximately 400 spectators. The courts have been home to Wildcat tennis since 1941, and have been the site of four NCAA Championships and 23 Big Ten Championships. The Christie Tennis Center is located on Sheridan Road.
