Jake Hess Tennis Stadium

One of the finest facilities in the southwest, the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium gives the Owls a definite home-court advantage. Located adjacent to Autry Court onthe Rice campus, the stadium was constructed in 1970.

One of the finest facilities in the southwest, the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium gives the Owls a definite home-court advantage. Located adjacent to Autry Court on the Rice campus, the stadium was constructed in 1970.

The stadium is named after Jake Hess, the major donor of the facility. Mr. Hess, along with his younger brother Wilbur, was one of Rice's greatest tennis players. He was the Owls' first all-America player (1932). Wilbur was Rice's first NCAA champion in tennis, winning the singles crown in 1935.

In addition to serving as home court for all Rice dual matches and tournaments, the stadium was also the site of the tennis competition at the 1986 U.S. Olympic Festival, the 1990 and 1994 SWC Men's and Women's Tennis Championships and the 1994 NCAA Men's and 1997 NCAA Women's regional championships.

The 1,400-seat stadium features lighted courts, covered seating for spectators and a large scoreboard behind the center court. Under the direction of Rice coaches and Rice Tennis Club director Shaheen Ladhani, the stadium has seen a number of renovations in recent years, including the addition of a sixth court and lights to allow for night play. Other additions to the stadium in recent years include a coaches office and team lounge. In 2002 Jake Hess Tennis Stadium experienced a face lift as all six courts were completely redone, additional covered bleachers and benches were added, and all new windscreens and nets were installed. More courts and renovations are planned for the very near future.