The Goodfriend Tennis Center, Tennessee's indoor home, received major upgrades prior to the 2011 season and is among the best facilities in college tennis for both athletes and spectators with more improvements still to come.
Two new courts were added in the most recent renovation, increasing Goodfriend's total from four to a full six indoor courts for collegiate competition. It is one of only four facilities in the SEC to have six courts. Chair-backed seating was fully installed throughout the balcony viewing area, an elevator was added to connect to the ground-level outdoor courts and a new facility entrance was constructed.
Tennessee is in the process of completing the next phase of construction to complete new men's and women's locker rooms, a weight room and coaches' offices.
Opened in 1997, Goodfriend plays host to all UT indoor matches and gives the Vols a winter home and a way to contiunue competition or practice in the event of inclement weather. Tennessee moved all its tennis operations into the building in 1998.
For the coaches and players, the facility also features new locker rooms, a team room and coaches' offices for the daily use of the UT Tennis programs.
The Goodfriend Tennis Center hosted the 1998 and 2011 SEC Indoor Championships, in additional to ITA regional individual tournaments. It is also home to one of Tennessee's largest annual professional tournaments every November: the Knoxville Challenger.
The Dr. Robert L. Barksdale Tennis Stadium, home of the Vols since 1976, is considered to be among the finest outdoor playing facilities in the intercollegiate ranks.
The facility features six courts which are located on the west side of campus, across from the Presidential Court Complex -- a hub of student activity – and behind the Apartments Residence Hall.
Since the facility's completion, Knoxville-area tennis enthusiasts and Tennessee students have filled the Varsity Court stands to see collegiate tennis at its best. The Vols enjoyed a 35-match home winning streak from 2009 through 2011, helped along by its home crowds. Tennessee clinched the 2010 SEC regular-season championship in the season finale at home against Georgia in front of more than 1,500 spectators.
Knoxville has a strong tennis community, and Tennessee has enjoyed strong support by students and members of surrounding clubs. The Vols were fourth in the country in total attendance in 2012, and the Lady Vols were sixth.
The six courts have been refurbished on a regular basis since being built in 1976, with the latest full renovation coming prior to the 1997 season. The facility was completed in 1981 with the addition of a 2,000-seat grandstand and a two-story clubhouse containing press facilities and a concession stand. Lights for the courts were donated in 1987 by former Vol All-American Paul Annacone.
The Dr. Robert L. Barksdale Tennis Stadium has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including SEC Championships, the opening rounds of the NCAA Championships, ITA regional fall tournaments and several high school tournaments.
