City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held

The long-cherished dream of tennis play on courts at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) became a new reality Thursday, January 30, at 10:30 a.m. with formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the 18-court facility.

Known as the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, the project grew from joint efforts by the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department, Laredo Tennis Association (LTA), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The courts opened for play Thursday afternoon.

“I understand this was a long-awaited project which started before my administration, so I am happy it is finally becoming a reality. These modern facilities will encourage not just talent in our community but also promote a healthy lifestyle for all ages. I look forward to witnessing the success of these facilities,” said Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño.

Likewise, District 5 Council Member Ruben Guti érrez, Jr., added, “This is a monumental step forward for our community and the future of tennis in Laredo. The new City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU exemplifies the power of partnerships and our shared commitment to fostering active, healthy lifestyles while expanding recreational opportunities for all. This state-of-the-art facility will not only elevate the sport locally but also provide a first-class venue for players of all ages and skill levels to thrive. I am proud to see this vision come to life and to witness the positive impact it will have on our city’s youth, athletes, and families for generations to come."

The state-of-the-art facility includes six National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate-level courts and 12 United States Tennis Association (USTA) recreational-level courts, constructed using post-tensioned concrete and includes sports lighting, fencing, bleachers, and necessary equipment.

The courts meet the latest guidelines provided by the USTA and the collegiate-level courts adhere to all current NCAA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and USTA rules. The recreational courts will feature 36- and 60-foot blended line layouts, providing greater opportunities for all age groups.  

The Tennis Complex includes multi-purpose areas, home/visitor locker rooms, concessions, a training room, and a second-story observation terrace, which serves as a viewing area and gathering space.

TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo said the new Tennis Complex is closely linked to the educational mission and goals of the A&M System and TAMIU.

“The Tennis Complex supports the educational missions and goals of the A&M System and TAMIU by enhancing recreational sports, the TAMIU College of Education’s Kinesiology program, student life experience, and learning opportunities for current students. Eventually, it will be home to the University’s planned addition of tennis to its Dustdevil athletic program.  Most importantly, this partnership provides an additional recreation venue for all Laredo citizens and promotes local participation, active and healthy lifestyles, and more across some 11 acres of campus land,” Castillo said. 

At the June 8, 2021, groundbreaking ceremonies, the late TAMIU president, Dr. Pablo Arenaz, lauded what he then called a “public-public” project.

“This is a public-public project. We worked long and worked hard to get this done in a great partnership with the City of Laredo. This Tennis Complex is a shining example of the partnership with the City. We’re also planning on adding collegiate-level tennis to our 11 NCAA Division II sports, and hope that will encourage local tennis players to stay here at TAMIU,” Dr. Arenaz said at the time.

Tina Treviño of the Laredo Tennis Association said the addition of the new courts at the Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University is a source of great pride.

“I’m filled with great excitement, joy, and pride to see that the 18 courts at the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University have come to fruition. Dr. Alfredo Treviño, my late husband, and I dreamed of a facility like this to serve all present and future tennis players in our beloved City of Laredo. Our community deserves this high-quality facility. It is my hope that the community will embrace and appreciate the support of the Killam family donation of land to TAMIU to be designated for a tennis court complex and the partnership of the City of Laredo for the complex’s construction. I personally look forward to seeing youngsters and adults of all ages and abilities begin to look at tennis as a sport of good health and character-building, and know they can make tennis their lifetime sport,” she said. Treviño is a TAMIU alumna (’80).

Tennis Complex at TAMIU director is Jaime Donjuan who provided access details.

“We’ll be operating on an online reservations basis which can be reserved two days in advance.  Our schedule provides access weeklong with Monday-Thursday services available from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.,” Donjuan explained. 

A dedicated website for the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, including facility details and online court reservation capacity, is available at  tamiu.edu/tennis

The new Complex will be used for local, state, and national tournaments. Additionally, TAMIU will use the collegiate courts for NCAA tournaments.

The final cost of the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU was $7,907,550. The City of Laredo worked on the project with TAMIU, LTA, USTA, Able City, Inc., Sherfey Engineering, Co., Synergy Structural Engineering, Inc., Trinity MEP Engineering, and Leyendecker Construction.

The City is now home to seven tennis courts and facilities and the community can learn more about them by visiting the Parks & Recreation Department website at laredoparksandrec.com or calling 956.729.4610.

For additional information on the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, contact TAMIU’s Jaime Donjuan at jaime.donjuan@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.3741.