Grand opening of Court Thirteen to be celebrated
On Friday, June 14, members of the public are invited to a free, all-day open house with music and drinks at the Payne Park Tennis Center in downtown Sarasota, the City of Sarasota has announced.
The event has been planned to celebrate the latest amenities at the city-owned and operated facility, “including the grand opening of Court Thirteen, a pro shop and social gathering place for tennis enthusiasts,” a news release points out.
The Tennis Center is located at 2050 Adams Lane, near the Terrace Building.
Among the open house festivities will be the following, the release says:
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — complimentary coffee service.
- 1 to 5 p.m. — the offering of free drinks (one ticket per person, valid for beer, wine or coffee); drink specials; and games with prizes (cornhole and ping pong) at Court Thirteen.
- 5 to 6:30 p.m. — “ ‘Serve and Sip’ — Tennis Triples (fees apply),” the release notes.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. — music and social time.
“Whether you’re an avid tennis player or a member of the community who is curious about Payne Park Tennis Center, we invite you to stop by anytime during the open house,” said Mark Hamilton, general manager of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, in the release. “Enjoy a complimentary beverage and check out what our amazing facility has to offer. It’s a great space and we want everyone to experience it,” he added in the release.
Court Thirteen, which is located indoors at the Payne Park Tennis Center, “is part pro shop, part lounge,” the release notes. “The pro shop offers tennis racquets, balls, apparel and bags for sale. Racquet restringing services are also available.”
The release further points out, “The lounge features a café with pre-packaged foods, snacks, water and soft drinks for sale in a cool, inviting environment. For those who like to unwind and socialize post-match, a full bar with liquor, beer and wine” is available.
Fridays at Court Thirteen will feature live music and special events, the release notes.
Court Thirteen is operated by Tevatan Corp., which also manages Hart’s Landing, another City of Sarasota property, the release says.
“New fencing around the 12 clay courts is another significant upgrade at the tennis center,” the release continues. The fencing allows for the installation of wind screens, “a desired feature for tennis players,” the release adds. “Previously, wind screens could not be accommodated.”
“The upgrades at Payne Park Tennis Center are impressive,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle in the release. “Court Thirteen, from the initial concept to the name, originated from our Parks and Recreation Team at Payne Park Tennis Center who saw the need, envisioned the possibilities, and worked hard to make it a reality for the community. They did an amazing job,” he pointed out. “It’s awesome!”
“Payne Park Tennis Center features 12 Har-Tru clay courts in downtown Sarasota,” the release says. “The facility is open to the public daily with affordable rates.
All 12 courts will be open for regular play during the open house.