By Madina Toure
The retractable roof currently being built above the Arthur Ashe Stadium is expected to be up and running in time for the 2016 U.S. Open next August.
The project, which started three years ago, involves the building of a 250 foot by 250 foot opening retractable roof above the stadium. The roof, which would cover the entire 23,000-seat stadium, will consist of both fixed and retractable sections.
The estimated cost of the project is about $160 million to $170 million, said Danny Zausner, chief operating officer for the National Tennis Center.
“We had to design a roof that would have a portion of it that’s there permanently and a portion of it that moves into place and closes the opening when we need to close the space if there’s a threat of rain or if it’s actually raining,” Zausner said.
The project is currently in the middle of its second phase, which entails the building of the roof’s fixed sections. A new court lighting system, a new sound system and new video screens will be installed as well.
Zausner said the roof is necessary given that potential rainy weather can have a negative impact on the fans, tennis players and broadcasters.
“Anything that can help us keep the certainty of the 14 days of the tournament makes the roof worthwhile,” he explained. “Financially, there’s no return on investment that would justify the cost but when you think about how it benefits the fans, the broadcasters … it’s the right decision for the tournament.”
The first phase, which took place last year, focused on the underground foundation work, which included pile driving and electrical relocations.
The third and final phase will begin after this year’s U.S. Open. That phase will consist of the installation of the retractable sections, the special mechanization equipment to operate the retractable portions and a mechanized air system.
Last year, the USTA unveiled three new courts — Courts 4, 5 and 6 — and a multi-tiered viewing gallery — West Stadium Courts and Practice Gallery — for the practice courts.
This year, it started building a new Grandstand Stadium to replace the existing Grandstand Stadium, which is expected to be complete by 2016.
The Grandstand project also consists of the large remodel of the south campus, complete with widened courses connecting the current Court 17 with the new Grandstand. That project will start this fall and be done for the 2016 U.S. Open.
Next fall, the association will start work on the new Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The total cost of the association’s projects is in excess of $500 million, Zausner said, with each costing anywhere from $160 million to $170 million.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
