National Tennis Center, also known as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, is a stadium complex located in Queens, New York City. The venue is situated within the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The stadium complex opened for the local public in 1978. It is operated by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). NTA is home to the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament. It is played on an annual basis in August and September. The complex features 22 courts inside, along with 12 in the adjoining park. The three stadiums included in the complex are said to be among the largest tennis stadiums in the world. The stadium complex was rededicated for Billie Jean King on August 28, 2006.
The National Tennis Center underwent heavy renovation and division before its opening. It was divided into two venues named Louis Armstrong Stadium along with the adjoining grandstand. The stadium underwent a major expansion, which was completed in 1999 (for four years). Some of the notable additions include 12 courts, a pro shop, classrooms, food commissary, fitness facilities, hospitality center, museum, players’ lounge, locker rooms, training, and office space.
The National Tennis Center hosted its first-ever non-tennis event in July 2008. The New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) played in the “Liberty Outdoor Classic: 2008” at the stadium. This game was itself the first-ever professional basketball regular-season game ever played outdoors. The contest also featured the Indiana Fever, who defeated the New York Liberty.