The bulldozers are in full operation, and the dust is flying at Trinity's Tennis Stadiums.
The former Delavan courts, originally built in 1968, will be named the Butch Newman Tennis Center once renovations are complete. Newman '65, a former Trinity tennis stand-out, is Trinity's Director of Tennis, and coached the Tiger men's and women's tennis teams to NCAA Division III National Championships.
Newman credits his lifelong friend and former Trinity tennis teammate Al Hill Jr. '65 for making the current project a reality. Hill, a Dallas businessman, provided a $1.3 million challenge grant to be used renovate both the Delavan and Varsity Tennis Stadiums.
"It was his charitable, thoughtful gift which made this all possible," Newman said of Hill. "I am deeply honored to have a friend like that. One of my goals as director of tennis was to totally renovate the stadiums. Come fall, we will have a state-of-the-art facility."
The total project, which is expected to be completed by Sept. 29, will cost over $2 million. There are seven digital renderings of the tennis complex renovations, as well as a handful of photos from the beginning of construction. Recently available is a full description of the renovations, as well as an interview with Director of Tennis Butch Newman.
The new Butch Newman Tennis Center, which will include Mabry Pavilion, involves repositioning the eight courts, adding fencing between them (to stop balls from flying across), shaded areas for the players, and covered seating for spectators. Newman said about half of the expanded seating area will be covered by canopies. Expanded lighting to cover every court, is also part of the planned improvements.
Varsity Tennis Stadium, also undergoing renovations, was originally built in 1958, and will become the Al Hill Jr. Tennis Stadium. The four courts will be resurfaced and the roof above the seating area will be torn down. Canopies similar to the Butch Newman Tennis Center plan will be installed.
Tiger fans in attendance will also be able to follow each match more closely, as both stadiums will be equipped with electronic scoreboards.
For more information, or to participate, contact Rick Roberts at rroberts@trinity.edu or 210-999-7431.
