July 9, 2009
By: Laura Haning, Illinois Sports Information
The Fighting Illini tennis teams welcomed a new addition to its facilities this season. The Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex, completed this past spring, was made possible by the generous donation of UI alumnus Shahid Khan and his wife, Ann. The addition of the new complex now puts Illinois' facilities among the most elite in the nation, providing players with a top-notch home court advantage.
The Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex boasts 12 new outdoor championship courts, located on the east side of the Atkins Tennis Center. A sidewalk anchors the courts, dividing them into halves, with six courts on each side. A new entrance welcomes fans on the east side of the Atkins Tennis Center, where the men's and women's teams now have access to first-class locker rooms and sports medicine and training areas. Fans can also enjoy a brand new pro shop to find their favorite Illini tennis gear.
Coaches and players are happy to break in the brand new expansion and pleased with the improvement to the Illinois program. "Illinois tennis has the whole package when it comes to top facilities in the Big Ten and NCAA," women's tennis head coach Michelle Dasso said.
"We have an unbelievable outdoor and indoor court situation adjacent to one another and a top-notch training room. I hope the future brings a final sweet sixteen team and individual championship to Champaign, because I know we would run an amazing event and have the community support to pack the stands."
Fans have already flocked to the new facility when Illinois had the opportunity to host the first and second rounds of the men's and women's NCAA Tournament. It's been a thrilling experience for players to be the first group of Illini to train and play at the new complex.
"It was great to have the opportunity to play a few Big Ten matches and host the NCAA Tournament at the new outdoor complex," redshirt junior Leigh Finnegan said. "The atmosphere was motivating and the facility is top-notch in comparison to Big Ten and other surrounding schools. I believe it will help our ability to attract larger crowds and recruits in the future."
Improvements at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex continue this summer, as scoreboards are currently being installed and new public restrooms are also being added and will be completed by the 2009-2010 season. For continued coverage of Illinois tennis, visit fightingillini.com.
