Orange Bowl Opened at Newly Renovated Jimmy Evert Tennis Center in Fort Lauderdale
- Dec 19, 2025
- 1 min read
World-class junior tennis officially returned to Fort Lauderdale as the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships opened at the newly renovated Jimmy Evert Tennis Center at Holiday Park. The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony unveiling the Chris Evert Stadium Court, following a $9.5 million investment in facilities and infrastructure.
Hosted by the Orange Bowl Committee in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the United States Tennis Association, the ceremony celebrated the transformation of the historic tennis venue into a modern hub for both community play and elite international competition.
The renovation delivered 20 state-of-the-art clay courts, a new 700-seat stadium court named in honor of tennis legend and Fort Lauderdale native Chris Evert, and comprehensive upgrades designed to support athletes, spectators, and long-term tournament growth. The improvements position the center as a premier destination for junior tennis in the United States.
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from Evert alongside Orange Bowl Committee President and Chair Henri Crockett, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, USTA General Manager Tracy Davies, and ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler, who served as emcee. City officials and USTA representatives also participated, highlighting the venue’s role in both local recreation and international sports development.
The reopening coincided with the start of the 2025 Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, reinforcing Fort Lauderdale’s place on the global junior tennis calendar and honoring Chris Evert’s lasting legacy in the sport.
