Lake Nona, Orlando is set to become the long-term home of collegiate tennis after Orlando’s Development Review Committee approved a major expansion of the USTA National Campus. The expansion supports a 10-year commitment to host the NCAA Tennis Championships, beginning in spring 2028.

Why Is the USTA National Campus Expanding?

The expansion is designed to elevate the Lake Nona campus into a premier championship venue capable of hosting NCAA team championships across multiple divisions at one centralized location. The improvements enhance athlete experience, spectator seating, broadcast capabilities, and overall event infrastructure.

When Will Construction Begin and End?

Construction is expected to begin in Q1 of this year, with full completion targeted for late 2027. This timeline ensures the campus is fully prepared to host NCAA National Championships starting in spring 2028.

Phase 1: Indoor Facility Expansion

Phase 1 focuses on significantly upgrading the indoor tennis experience.

Key improvements include:

  • 80,000-square-foot southern expansion of the existing indoor facility
  • Six new indoor courts with spectator seating
  • Offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, gyms, and strength and conditioning spaces
  • Stadium-style seating added to the existing indoor courts
  • Shade structures added to all 12 outdoor competition courts
  • Upgraded scoreboards with live scoring and broadcast integration

To accommodate this phase, six existing hard surface courts will be removed.

Phase 2: Campus-Wide Growth

Phase 2 expands the overall footprint and operational capacity of the campus.

Additions include:

  • Eight new hard surface tennis courts
  • Extended service drive
  • Additional paved parking
  • New sprint track
  • Overflow grass parking for special events held 4 to 6 times per year

How Large Will the Expanded Campus Be?

Together, Phases 1 and 2 will expand the campus by nine additional acres, making it the most comprehensive tennis facility of its kind in the United States.

Once completed, the USTA National Campus will be the only facility nationwide offering:

  • 12 outdoor competition courts
  • 20 practice courts
  • 12 indoor courts
    —all at a single site.

What Does This Mean for NCAA Tennis?

USTA is making an enhanced financial commitment to the championships, including expanded broadcast support and increased fan and community engagement. The campus already has a strong track record, having co-hosted the Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

In 2023, the venue made history by hosting Division I, II, and III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships simultaneously, creating the first-ever festival-style NCAA tennis championship event.

Why Lake Nona?

With this expansion, Lake Nona further solidifies its reputation as a national destination for elite sports, innovation, and large-scale events. Hosting the NCAA Tennis Championships for the next decade positions the community at the center of collegiate tennis in the United States.

Lake Nona Social is a real-time, hyper-local source for Lake Nona news, development updates, and community events, keeping residents informed as the area continues to grow and evolve. www.lakenonasocial.com

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