(NEW YORK, NY) — Last week, the new and improved USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens hosted the 50th US Open.
The $600-million project debuted its final piece, the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the world’s first naturally ventilated tennis arena with a retractable roof.
The stadium, designed by Rossetti, a multi-disciplinary architecture firm based in Detroit, is equipped with 14,000 seats, state-of-the-art sightlines, loads of concessions, and a terrace overlooking the grounds.
The increasingly high demand for the construction and reformation of tennis infrastructures follows the rapidly growing popularity and admiration for the sport.
The first day of the 50th year anniversary attracted a crowd of 67,832 fans, setting an all-time-single-day attendance record.
For many, tennis is synonymous with networking. Events like the US Open draw in some of the most powerful people in the world.
Amongst the crowd last week were entrepreneur and model, Karlie Kloss, former US President, Bill Clinton, professional boxer, Mike Tyson, and many more.
According to the United Tennis Industry Association, the average income of a typical recreational tennis player is $98,000, and with millions of tennis players in America, it’s fair to say that tennis is a preferred pastime amongst the elite.
For professions with a focal point in sales, such as real estate, tennis is a great way to connect with prospective clients, partners, and mentors. Here’s why:
As mentioned previously, tennis attracts high-class players who can turn into high-end buyers, sellers, or even renters. But that’s not all, playing tennis provides a hefty amount of face time, making it the perfect setting to get to know someone better. The 1:1 ratio means there is no need to compete for attention and more time to focus on business.
Escaping the digital word is arguably one of the greatest advantages of using tennis as a networking tool. In-person interactions can go a long way when it comes to sales. While connecting through digital platforms has its perks, creating a good rapport with prospective business partners or clients is most effective when done the old-fashioned way, in person.
While attending big events like the 50th US Open is a great opportunity to network and build your career, it’s not the only way. According to the New York Times, there are over 500 public tennis courts in New York City, making it simple and convenient to schedule a leisurely game.
