Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex
The Gator men’s tennis program has always been the benefactor of one of the nation’s top tennis facilities. In 1999, though, thanks to the additional generous contributions of Dr. Alfred A. Ring, the entire facility underwent a complete facelift that has turned it into one that is unlike any other in the country. Ring has made substantial contributions over the last several years to bring the complex to its current elite status, funding several major projects.
Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex was completed in 1999 following a $1.7 million renovation project. The focal point of the project was a new building adjacent to the courts that serves as home to the men’s and women’s teams.
The main building of the complex encompasses 5,620 square feet and includes coaches’ offices for the men’s and women’s teams, as well as a training room and locker rooms for both players and coaches. There is also a conference room, as well as a reception area and a 3,000-square-foot courtyard. The complex has a locker room for opposing teams, bringing the total building areas to 7,163 square feet.
The complex features a 1,000-seat grandstand overlooking six main lighted courts, in addition to a second row of nine courts. The second row combines six outdoor courts and the three covered courts in the Ring Pavilion, giving Florida a total of 15 regulation courts. The courts, which were resurfaced in the summer of 2006, are made of a blue hard court surface similar to the type of court found at the U.S. Open.
“This outstanding facility offers us all the tools we need for success as a coach or as a player,” said Gators head coach Andy Jackson. “The set up at Florida is ideal. Having ample court space including some covered courts, office space, locker rooms, and a meeting room with such close proximity to our weight and training centers provides us with the ultimate in convenience.”
The grandstand is highlighted by a two-level, 12-seat press box and features electronic scoreboards over each of the six courts, providing continuous scoring updates on all six grandstand courts. Concessions and restrooms are conveniently located beneath the grandstand. Palm trees and a lush green landscape surrounding the attractive complex easily make it one of the most inviting tennis environments for both the spectator and the competitor.
Even prior to the latest renovation, the complex has received national attention for its splendor. The NCAA selected the University of Florida as the host for the 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999 and 2003 NCAA women’s championships. Florida also played host to the NCAA Region III Qualifying Tournament in both 1995 and 1997, as well as men’s and women’s regionals in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009 as well as the 2006 and 2007 women’s regional.
The courts have also seen some of the state’s premier prep talent as the University of Florida and Gainesville have frequently served as hosts for the Florida State High School Championships. Competition continues at the complex through the summer months with sessions of the Gator Tennis Camp, which attracts some of the top young talent in the region to Gainesville.
Did You Know?
The Ring Complex Project won the Silver Award in the 1999 City of Gainesville Beautification Awards in the Institutional Category. Competition was sponsored by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Division.
