Leftwich Tennis Center

4145 Southern Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117 United States

Building Area (sf): 132,029 sf

Completion: July 31, 2023

Noted as a “tremendous asset for the city,” the new Leftwich Tennis Center is one of the best tennis facilities in the country with a goal to bring more tournaments—and sports tourism dollars—to Memphis. Opened in November 2023, Leftwich is home to the University of Memphis Tiger tennis teams and the transformative, community-building work of Tennis Memphis.

Thanks to an innovative partnership between the City of Memphis, the University of Memphis and the nonprofit organization Tennis Memphis, the Leftwich Tennis Center offers facilities to inspire year-round play on 24 outdoor courts and 12 indoor courts.

The center’s inclusive design caters to players and spectators alike. An especially distinctive design among indoor/outdoor tennis facilities, Leftwich features a covered upper-level deck that extends from the indoor viewing platform to provide spectators with shade and unobstructed views to every court. Outdoor viewing areas also are covered and provide extra ventilation with high-volume/low-speed fans.

Subtle yet striking design elements include light-green accent colors to mimic a tennis ball and wall tile with lines that represent a tennis racquet. Linear lights were placed in a crisscross pattern to look like a tennis racquet, while drop-down pendant lights resemble tennis balls. In true school spirit, the colors of the tennis courts match the University of Memphis’s blue and gray school colors. The center also meets the highest energy code rating for insulation and energy savings.

To optimize hosting higher-profile, televised tournaments, most courts are wired for PlaySight cameras and cameras for closed-circuit broadcasts. Indoor courts have 100 footcandles for proper lighting and TV broadcasts. Outdoor courts have 75 footcandles.

To serve as a hub for youth and community outreach, classrooms and training rooms house the center’s Homeschool Tennis Program, a blend of tennis training, character development and life skills enrichment.

1 - Overall view of 24 outdoor courts. Photo by Think Dero. 2 - 12 indoor courts. Photo by Think Dero. 3 - Entry. Photo by Joe Luther. 4 - Colorful corridor and member lounge. Photo by Joe Luther. 5 - Pro Tennis Shop featuring striking design pieces including light-green accent colors to mimic a tennis ball. Photo by Joe Luther. 6 - Lobby and Member Lounge with an abundance of natural light and views of outdoor courts. Photo by Joe Luther. 7 - Serving as a hub for youth and community outreach, classrooms and training rooms house the center’s Homeschool Tennis Program, a blend of tennis training, character development, and life skills
enrichment. Photo by Joe Luther. 8 - The center features a covered exterior upper-level deck that extends from the indoor viewing platform to provide spectators with shade and unobstructed views to every court. Photo by Joe Luther. 9 - Outdoor terrace with views of outdoor courts overlooking Audubon Golf Course. Photo by Joe Luther. 10 - Floor Plan by 4fDesign. Feature Photo and Banner Photo by Think Dero.