The $2.1 million facility was completed this fall and opened on Sept. 25 for physical education classes and open recreation court time for University of Oregon students, as well as tennis practice for Oregon athletes. The project was a combined effort from the Physical Activities and Recreation Services (PARS) Department, which contributed $1.4 million from student fees, the Athletics Department, which contributed $600,000, and the efforts of Russell and former women’s coach Jack Griffin, who were able to gather $100,000 in contributions.

"We are extremely grateful to all the donors who helped us get through this first phase," Griffin said. "However, this facility will not be complete until we reach the fundraising goals that will allow us to construct the final phase of the facility."

The final phase includes bathrooms, two additional courts and a permanent theater-style viewing section that will seat more than 300 fans. Those fans will also be able to enjoy the six new electronic LED Daktronic scoreboards that were recently installed.

"The partnership between PARS and Athletics on the construction of the Student Tennis Center was a win-win situation," said Peg Rees, PARS Director of Physical Education. "Both departments were happy to get some financial relief by not having to each build an indoor facility on our own. But the big winners are the students on campus who can now play tennis comfortably year-round, and of course, the varsity tennis programs who finally step to the front of the Pac-10 with their ability to recruit and compete on a level playing field with the rest of the conference. PARS looks forward to a long and happy partnership with the Athletics Department, and we’re off to a great start."

Recently, prior to the 2008-09 season, the entire facilty received a new playing surface the and lighting was replaced and improved.