http://www.usopen.org/news/usta_unveils_strategic_vision_for_future_development_at_usta_billie_jean_king_national_tennis_center/
But no roof....
I hope they get the court covers at least, so we don't get extra hours of wait for the staff to hand-dry them, and we don't get matches moved from court to court because there's a crack ready to open up and swallow Andy Roddick
http://blogs.tennis.com/thewrap/2011/09/cracking-the-whip.html
from tennis.com:
"When completed, the National Tennis Center will accommodate 10,000 more fans during the first 10 or 11 days of the U.S. Open (meaning, days when grounds passes are sold), which give the organization even more leverage with its host and lease-holder, New York City. The original economic impact study of the U.S. Open suggested that the tournament brought New York some $145 million in economic benefit; the latest study has that figure up at a remarkable $756 million, much of the gain attributable to an attendance that topped 700,000 last year, with 42 percent of that number coming from outside New York and a striking 15 percent visiting from abroad.
Some of these arguments will not placate die-hard roof fans (or USTA critics). I've said that it's imperative in this day and age for the tournament to finish on time, there's just no excuse to run over because of rain. But I also think the USTA got blind-sided by this sudden rush to roof, and think the outfit is choosing the wiser if less popular road. Tennis is still, after all, an outdoor sport, or one best enjoyed as a spectacle outside.
It's also heartening to know that the new Louis Amrstrong Stadium will be built to accommodate a retractable roof (the way Court No. 1 at Wimbledon was), for the day when Ashe has outlived its usefulness. Until then, all we can do is pray for sunshine."
Flushing Meadows Get A Makeover
posted on 15/6/12
Been to a day session, have you been to a night session?
posted on 15/6/12
There is no point spending $$millions in improving if they keep making a mockery of the 2 weeks of drama by allowing this SuperSaturday fiasco to spoil the Finale.
Besides, I remember when this tournament was built almost purposedly to prevent Borg to win in favour of their american players. Now they have even provided bigger balls to allow Nadal to win at the benefit of their national players who do much better in much faster conds.
I don;t like the USO anymore. It used to be good though.
posted on 15/6/12
Tenez, you hate the players, hate the venues, hate the balls, hate the racquets, hate the strings......is there anything you do actually like about tennis?
posted on 15/6/12
Another piece of wumming obviously. Do I use the word hate?
Keep digging!
posted on 15/6/12
It was a simple question Tenez, no need to be evasive, is there anything you do actually like about tennis?
posted on 15/6/12
Tenez likes his tennis friends
posted on 15/6/12
"There is no point spending $$millions in improving if they keep making a mockery of the 2 weeks of drama by allowing this SuperSaturday fiasco to spoil the Finale. "
good point. I think I read somewhere they actually planned to make the final a permanent Monday fixture, but not sure whether that was a proposal or a decision.
Stupid Saturday is as ugly as bucks in tennis can get.
posted on 15/6/12
I'd be surprised if they were to make Mondays the permanent final day but I read indeed that they may give a day rest after 2013 (or from) in between semi and finals.
posted on 15/6/12
Fed may need it by then
posted on 16/6/12
Yes, a few months back I had heard some talk about maybe scheduling the final for Monday in future but I also find it hard to believe that they mean it.
It is difficult for tennis in the US. USO is pretty much the only US tournament that gets any serious exposure and even that has to compete with more popular sports. Even compared to golf it is very sad - golf is on TV pretty much every weekend and gets far better ratings.
Super Saturday is crazy tennis-wise but if you move the matches to Friday you give up a big chunk of whatever little exposure you are getting.
I know that players complain but if they were told that they can play Fri/Sun instead but would have to take say 30% paycut, I am not so sure they would be thrilled either.
It is a tough situation.