HOME OF THE 2009 NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS - Texas A&M's men's and women's tennis teams have moved into a new generation and a big part of that is the George P. Mitchell '40 Tennis Center located on the University's west campus. Built for an estimated $4.2 million, the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 23, 1998. Several dignitaries were in attendance including A&M President Ray Bowen and System Regent Fred McClure. Aggieland has served as the host for many intercollegiate tennis tournaments from USTA events to the NCAA Regionals. In 1999 and 2002, the center served as the host for the Big 12 Tennis Championships and as the host of the 2002 NCAA Men's Tennis Championships. The Mitchell Tennis Center has also been selected to host the 2005 NCAA Men's Tennis Championships. The center was chosen as the USTA Facility of the Year in 1999. "Nobody has topped us on an outdoor facility yet," A&M women's head coach Bobby Kleinecke said. "USTA named it the top facility in the country in 1999. That is a great honor, and it is something we take a lot of pride in. We went out to try to get that type of facility, so I am glad that we are getting that type of recognition. It shows the dedication that the A&M administration has to tennis. The A&M Tennis Center has twelve lighted courts with seating for nearly 3,000 spectators. The candle power of the lights averages 150 feet inside the fences, which is greater than that of USTA Championship status. "We are trying to make tennis progressive by scheduling night matches when people can come to watch," A&M men's head coach Steve Denton said. "We have some of the best teams in the country schedule to play us at home each year. We are also one of only two or three schools in the nation to sell season tickets." There are many amenities in the facility including locker rooms for both the men's and the women's teams, a full size training room, a player's lounge, head coaches offices, as well as offices for the assistant coaches. One of the special amenities at the center is the Phil and Dee Springer Family Stadium Club, an area of special seating located courtside. The grandstand for the area was made possible through a generous donation from Phil and Dee Springer. Members have season courtside seats and enjoy a special hospitality room and the chance to interact with the players. The largest crowd in A&M Tennis Center history occurred on May 18, 2002, as the Aggie men battled No. 1 Georgia in the NCAA Sweet 16 before 2,339 fans.