USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) has been the home of the US Open since 1978, evolving into a world-class venue that has hosted many of tennis's greatest moments. Located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the historic site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, the NTC reflects its rich heritage and parkland setting. In the 1990s, ROSSETTI partnered with the USTA to develop a visionary campus plan, expanding the facilities and integrating critical infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing audience, including the design and construction of Arthur Ashe Stadium. By 2009, faced with competition from other modernized Grand Slam venues and challenges such as weather-related disruptions, the USTA again enlisted ROSSETTI to reimagine the 42-acre site. This led to a transformation into a vibrant "entertainment district" and "sports spectacle," blending tradition and innovation to elevate the experience for fans, players, and sponsors alike.

Four immersive Discovery Workshops marked the beginning of a comprehensive reimagining of the NTC. These sessions explored fundamental questions about tennis and year vision plan that guided the transformation of 85% of the campus, expanding it from 42 to 46 acres. This expansion not only increased capacity but also ensured a seamless and comfortable pedestrian experience. The ambitious master plan introduced world-class amenities, including two new stadiums, a retractable roof for Arthur Ashe Stadium, 13 new tournament courts, and enhanced public spaces—all designed to enrich the player and spectator experience while fostering sponsorship opportunities.

The master plan balanced bold, iconic stadiums with versatile, functional support structures to create a cohesive campus that embodies the spirit of the US Open. Primary stadiums became significant landmarks with striking visual appeal, incorporating clay-based façade claddings to honor the site's historic legacy and evoke a sense of permanence. In contrast, smaller structures like sponsor pavilions and retail follies featured light, transparent materials with metallic finishes. These elements incorporated floor-to-ceiling glazing, offering moments of respite and delight for visitors. Secondary tournament and practice courts were reimagined to provide spectators with intimate and unique viewing experiences, while pedestrian corridors and lightweight seating structures created a dynamic flow across the site. Ancillary buildings were intentionally understated, serving as a functional backdrop to ensure the spectacle of the US Open remained the focal point of the campus.

In 2024, the US Open achieved a record-breaking milestone, hosting over 1 million spectators—a 42% increase since the completion of the ten-year vision plan in 2019. Evolving into a multifaceted social and cultural event, the tournament now offers an unparalleled experience that blends world-class tennis with a vibrant atmosphere, exceptional dining, and unique fan engagement. ROSSETTI’s collaboration with the USTA has been pivotal in this transformation, seamlessly integrating innovative design with the needs of fans and athletes. Looking ahead, ongoing projects like a new player performance center and upgrades to Ashe Stadium ensure the NTC continues to honor its rich heritage while evolving as a global spectacle that embodies the energy and spirit of New York City.

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