Friday, August 29, 2025–9:00 a.m.
-News Release-
The USTA has announced that the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College (RTCBC) in Rome, Georgia, is one of 45 winners in the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country. This marks the second Outstanding Facility Award for RTCBC, having received the honor previously in 2019.
All 45 recipients were honored this week at an awards reception held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as part of the 2025 US Open.
As one of the largest tennis facilities in the United States with 51 outdoor courts and 6 indoor courts, RTCBC hosts tournaments and events most weekends of the year, from local junior events to national and professional competitions. The tennis program, operated by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, features diverse daily programming such as junior development, beginner classes, leagues, and advanced clinics that cater to all skill levels and ages. Since first winning the award in 2019, RTCBC has made a number of site improvements, including a “Top Spin Terrace” viewing deck, new tennis nets and patio furniture, and enhanced wireless capabilities for vendors and live streaming services. In 2021, the property also added a Fairfield Inn and Suites, providing coaches, players, and guests with direct access to the tennis facility.
“Outstanding tennis facilities like Rome Tennis Center at Berry College help us to grow the game at the grassroots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Theodore Loehrke, Managing Director, Section Partnerships, USTA. “The great work of RTCBC continues to support our shared mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.”
“We take great pride in being one of the largest facilities in the country and recognize the responsibility that title holds for the broader game of tennis,” said Colt Gaston, General Manager of RTCBC. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and the City of Rome’s ongoing investment in maintaining our award-winning reputation and delivering an exceptional tennis experience for both fans and players.”
Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in grassroots tennis programs.
Nominated facilities were voted on in the following categories: Public Courts that are either small tennis centers with 2-11 courts or large tennis centers with 12 or more courts; Private Facilities that offer both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis (small: 2-11 courts; large: 12 or more courts); and Educational Institutions such as colleges, universities, public and private grade schools, middle schools, or high schools. A new category, Innovation, was added this year to recognize facilities that have been particularly innovative when it comes to delivering tennis. All 2025 award winners will receive a wall plaque and an all-weather sign, which can be mounted at the facility.
For more information about Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, please visit: https://rometenniscenter.com/
