Tuscaloosa Tennis Center Earns National USTA Award

The Tuscaloosa Tennis Center is receiving national recognition following a major expansion that increased the facility to 30 courts.

The United States Tennis Association named the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center one of 41 recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Facility Awards, an annual program recognizing excellence in the construction and renovation of tennis facilities across the country.

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Award recipients were honored Aug. 31 during a reception at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as part of the 2026 US Open.

Operated by the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority, the local tennis center recently expanded to 30 courts. PARA says the additional courts increase capacity for recreational tennis, instruction, leagues, junior and adult programs and tournament competition.

“With 30 courts, we can serve more players, grow our junior and adult programs, attract larger tournaments and create even more opportunities for people to enjoy the game,” Director of Tennis Mike Goldammer said.

PARA CEO Brian Davis credited community leaders, the Tuscaloosa City Council, Mayor Walt Maddox and the PARA Board of Directors for supporting the expansion.

The USTA evaluates nominated facilities using several criteria, including overall layout, court surfaces and lighting, maintenance, aesthetics and accommodations for players, spectators, officials and media.

Judges also consider amenities such as spectator seating, food services and social areas, along with each facility’s involvement in grassroots tennis programs.

Facilities compete in categories covering public and private tennis centers, educational institutions and innovation. Public and private facilities are further divided based on their number of courts.

All 2026 Outstanding Facility Award recipients will receive a wall plaque and an all-weather sign that can be displayed at the facility.

PARA officials say the expanded center will allow Tuscaloosa to accommodate more players while strengthening the city’s ability to attract larger tennis tournaments and serve as a regional destination for the sport.