AECOM Hunt’s work at the United States Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center encompasses Arthur Ashe Stadium’s retractable roof, Grandstand Stadium, the south campus redevelopment, and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The first phase of construction began in fall 2013, when AECOM Hunt was selected to serve as design-builder for the octagonal, 236,000 square foot, 6,500-ton retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium. Originally built in 1997, Arthur Ashe Stadium holds the most important matches of the U.S. Open, but for many years players and spectators faced rained-out events, so the USTA decided to build a retractable roof.
The roof’s 250’ x 250’ retractable opening is the largest in the tennis world, constructed from 1,700 individual pieces and covered with lightweight and durable Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane fabric (PTFE). The roof is suspended independently from a framework of eight super columns driven 180 feet into the ground to reach bedrock.
At the same time, AECOM Hunt was working on the new 8,000-seat Grandstand Stadium and redevelopment of the Center’s south campus. Grandstand Stadium was constructed in the southwest corner of the site in order to improve overall fan circulation. The south campus tournament courts were redeveloped to accommodate heavy traffic flow. To facilitate this open feeling, ten courts were demolished and rebuilt. This work and Arthur Ashe’s roof were unveiled during the 2016 U.S. Open.
Additionally, AECOM Hunt built Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest venue and second retractable roof stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Construction on Louis Armstrong Stadium began after the conclusion of the 2016 U.S. Open. The 278,000 square foot stadium seats 14,000 people and features two entranceways, an escalator and elevator, visiting areas, storefronts, and concession stands.