Atkins Tennis Center

The Fighting Illini tennis program enjoys a state-of-the-art tennis facility in the Atkins Tennis Center. Voted one of 1992's Most Outstanding Facilities by the USTA, the Atkins Tennis Center is one of the foremost tennis centers in the Big Ten Conference and the country.

The Atkins Tennis Center was completed in October 1991, just more than a year after the ground breaking took place. The 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 and field facilities. The 58,000-square foot building houses six indoor courts, a pro shop, men's and women's team locker rooms, separate public lockerrooms and offices for the Fighting Illini tennis coaches. Eight open-air courts are located west of the building. All 14 courts are lighted and have a Plexi-pave surface.

Atkins has been the host for several prestigious tournaments, including legs of the U.S. Junior Davis Cup and the ITA Collegiate Summer Circuit in the summers of 1995 and 1997 and the USTA Challenger in 1996. The center was also the site for the 1997 Men's NCAA Regionals, the 1995 Women's Big Ten Tennis Championships and NCAA Regionals, and the 1994, 1995, and 1996 Men's Big Ten Singles Championships.

The center serves faculty members, students and the residents of the Champaign-Urbana area.

The Atkins Tennis Center boasts one of the finest tennis teaching staffs in the nation. With five full-time teaching pros and three part-time assistants, the tennis center offers complete junior and adult programs, as well as individual instruction.

The facility was made possible by a $2.5 million donation from Clinton and Susan Atkins of Champaign. The Atkins announced their gift in November 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. Atkins' father, C.P., designed the steelwork for the building.

The Atkins Tennis Center was officially dedicated Nov. 2, 1991, the date of the Atkins' wedding anniversary.