Opened on Feb. 1, 1998, the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center is one of the premier tennis facilities in the western United States and has become a key fixture in the recent success of the Fresno State men’s and women’s tennis teams.
The facility hosted the 1999 and 2000 NCAA men’s tennis regional tournaments, and will host the 2001 WAC tournament. In 1999, the men defeated USC 4-1 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Last season the tables were turned when USC defeated Fresno State at home 4-1 to take their trip to the NCAA Championships. This loss ended the Bulldogs’ 28-match winning streak at home. The men are now 32-2 at the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center.
The Bulldog women’s tennis team put together a perfect 7-0 record in 2000, improving their home record to 26-3 overall. The 2000 season saw Fresno State defeat Arkansas 5-4, which was ranked No. 61 at the time of the defeat but spent most of the season ranked in the top-25.
The complex is the result of a $250,000 donation from longtime Fresno State tennis supporter Spalding Wathen. The donation turned a good facility into a great one.
Three new courts were constructed and six existing courts were resurfaced. A raised earthen berm is located to the east of the courts, providing a landscaped area ideal for tailgating prior to matches. An elevated viewing platform consisting of steel reinforced concrete is located between the six main courts. Approximately 400 luxury chairback seats atop this platform will face the complexes six main courts. Courts are also equipped with Colorado Time System scoreboards that keep running scores during matches, allowing spectators the opportunity to immediately know the score on every match at the facility.
The Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center is unmatched in the San Joaquin Valley for ideal viewing of tennis matches.
"It’s amazing the impact this facility has had on this program from recruiting, to fan support, to the smiles on the players’ faces each day at practice, said men's coach Michael Hegarty. "The Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center is one of the finest college environments in the nation."
