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 Texas A&M 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. The center severed as the host for the Big 12 Tennis Championships in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

Chosen as the USTA Facility of the Year in 1999, the center served as the host of the 2002 and 2005 NCAA Men's Tennis Championships, and it will be the host site of the 2009 NCAA Men's and Women's Tennis Championships. "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. There are many amenities in the facility including locker rooms for both the men's and the women's teams, as well as locker rooms for visiting teams, a full size training room, a player's lounge, and head coachesa and assistant coaches offices. 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. Texas A&M led the nation in attendance in 2008.