City of Laredo Introduces Tennis Complex Project at TAMIU Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City of Laredo introduced its Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) during a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 8 at the University’s northeast Laredo campus.

The project grew from joint efforts by the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department, Laredo Tennis Association (LTA), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The University has leased the land to the City of Laredo.

The City of Laredo Tennis Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility to include six National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate-level courts and 12 United States Tennis Association (USTA) recreational-level courts. They will be constructed using post-tensioned concrete and include sports lighting, fencing, bleachers, and necessary equipment.

The courts will be designed using the latest guidelines provided by the USTA. The collegiate-level courts will adhere to all current NCAA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and USTA rules. The recreational courts will feature 36 and 60- foot blended lines layouts, providing for greater opportunities for all age groups. 

The Tennis Complex will also include multi-purpose areas, home/visitor locker rooms, concessions, racket stringing area, a training room, and a second-story observation terrace, serving as a viewing area and gathering space. It will continue to support the educational missions and goals of the A&M System and the University by enhancing recreational sports, the TAMIU College of Education’s Kinesiology program, student life experience, and learning opportunities for current students. The Tennis Complex provides an additional recreation venue for Laredo citizens and promotes local participation, active and healthy lifestyles, and more. It occupies some 11 acres of land.

“The completion of the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU is another step to encourage Laredoans to engage in recreational activities,” said City Manager, Robert Eads, “As we continue to see more progress and normalcy each day, it is important to continue promoting recreational activities and healthy lifestyles to our community. Investing in state-of-the art recreational facilities and keeping them in the best condition possible is key to continue our expansion efforts in our City.”

City leaders envision the sports complex will be used for local, state, and national tournaments that will be organized by the City, LTA, and USTA. Additionally, TAMIU will be using the collegiate courts for NCAA tournaments.

TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz lauded what he called a “public-public” project.

“This is a public-public project as we worked long and worked hard to get this done, in a great partnership with the City of Laredo. This Tennis Complex is a shining example of the partnership with the City.  We’re also planning on the addition of collegiate-level  tennis to our 11 NCAA Division II sports, and hope that will encourage local tennis players to stay here at TAMIU,”  Dr. Arenaz said.

The project will cost approximately $7.5 million and estimated completion is  early 2022. The City of Laredo is working with TAMIU, LTA, USTA, Frank Architects, Inc., Sherfey Engineering, Co., Synergy Structural Engineering, Inc., Trinity MEP Engineering, and Leyendecker Construction to complete the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU.

Attending the morning ceremony were Council Member for District 5, Ruben Gutierrez, Jr.; Council Member for District 3, Mercurio Martinez, III; City Manager, Robert A. Eads; TAMIU President Dr. Arenaz, and President of the Laredo Tennis Association, Tina Treviño.

A certificate of recognition was presented during the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of U.S. Congressman for Texas’ 28th Congressional District, Henry Cuellar, to the City of Laredo and LTA commemorating the  project.