Pat Rafter Arena delivers winning serve
For Stadiums Queensland's Asset Management and Development General Manager David Spencer, the completion of the Queensland Tennis Centre heralds the birth of a new era in Australian tennis.
The $82 million state-of-the-art centre includes 23 International Tennis Federation standard courts, with the showpiece being the 5500-seat Pat Rafter Arena.
'Tennis Queensland named the arena after Pat Rafter in recognition of his achievements,' David said.
'I'm sure most people would agree Pat is a fantastic ambassador for tennis and the State of Queensland.'
'Getting the project to this point has been a true team effort, with Project Management by the Department of Public Works, Mirvac carrying out construction, and Stadiums Queensland providing practical input based on experience gained in developing our other venues including Skilled Park, the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium.
'The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation was also involved in the early stages of the project.'
The Queensland Tennis Centre recently hosted the inaugural Brisbane International, bringing to our State tennis players such as Radek Stepanek (who won the men's singles final), Fernando Verdasco (a crowd favourite and runner up), Victoria Azarenka (women's singles winner), Marion Bartoli (runner up), Ana Ivanovic, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Seeing 16-year-old Queenslander Bernard Tomic, who secured a wildcard entry to the tournament, provided a particular highlight for local fans.
'With the Queensland Tennis Centre now fully commissioned, Queensland is definitely the place to host major tournaments. For the world's top players, it provides the perfect lead in to the Australian Open and a great location to start the tennis circuit for the year,' David said.
A special feature of the Queensland Tennis Centre is that it brings together on one site all three grand slam competition surfaces with two grass courts, four clay courts, and 17 plexicushion hard courts. This will position Queensland as a premium training centre, because we now have a greater capacity to develop our juniors on all international Grand Slam surfaces, so they will be well placed to take on the world.
'Another difference between the Queensland Tennis Centre and other major tennis venues in Australia is the feeling you get when you walk into the (Pat Rafter) main arena. It's very open and airy and the quality of natural light is exceptional, due largely to the fabric roof. During a tournament the atmosphere is incredible.
'Also included in the Pat Rafter Arena are 20 corporate suites, a state-of-the-art players' gymnasium, a memorabilia area and three function rooms. The Queensland Tennis Centre is the first of its kind in Australia, setting the benchmark for tennis infrastructure throughout the country.
'Most importantly though, this is a centre that the whole community can enjoy as all the courts, including centre court, will be available for hire to the general public.
"People will get a chance to see what it's like to play on the same surfaces as the world's top tennis players," David said.
While Pat Rafter himself was at the top of his generation paving the way for tennis greatness, the Queensland Tennis Centre will undoubtedly become the new breeding ground for Queensland's, and indeed Australia's, next generation of young tennis stars.
Story by Michelle Yan
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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