The Atkins Tennis Center provides a number of services to the Urbana and Champaign communities as well as University of Illinois students and staff. Programs include junior and adult clinics, men's and women's leagues, and group and private instruction. In addition, Atkins has a Pro Shop which carries rackets, shoes, apparel, and other tennis accessories. Be sure to explore the website to learn more about what Atkins has to offer. If you have any questions, please call the front desk at (217)244-8562.

FACILITY OVERVIEW AND HISTORY

The Atkins Tennis Center, constructed at a cost of $5.3 million, is located on the University of Illinois' south campus, just east of the baseball and track facilities. The 58,000 square foot building houses 6 indoor courts, a pro-shop, men's and women's team locker rooms, separate public locker rooms, and offices for the Fighting Illini tennis coaches. Eight outdoor courts are located west of the building. All 14 courts are lighted and have a plexi-pave surface.

The Atkins Tennis Center was made possible by a $2.5 million donation from Clint and Susie Atkins of Champaign in 1987. Clint Atkins is a real-estate investor and co-founder of the Plastic Container Corporation of Champaign.

Felmley-Dickerson General Contractors of Champaign oversaw the tennis facility project. Ken Nelson of Unteed, Nelson, Slack, Anderson Ltd. was the architect and C.P. Atkins, Clint's father, designed the steelwork for the building.

The Atkins Tennis Center was officially dedicated on November 2, 1991, the date of the Atkins' wedding anniversary. The completion of the Tennis Center marked the beginning of a new era for tennis on the University of Illinois campus and in the community.