The USTA National Tennis Center is a public facility in Queens, New York, not a membership club

The USTA National Tennis Center (now officially called the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) is a 42-acre public sports complex in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens. It is owned by the City of New York and operated by the United States Tennis Association. Unlike a private tennis club, you do not need membership to use most of the facility — you pay per visit or book courts by the hour through the city's Parks Department.

The center is best known as the home of the US Open, the tennis tournament held each August and September. During the tournament, the facility is closed to the public. Outside tournament season, the grounds include 22 outdoor hard courts, indoor courts, and practice facilities that are open to players of all levels.

If you are looking for a place to play casual tennis or take lessons, the National Tennis Center operates differently than a traditional club. There is no initiation fee, no annual dues, and no waiting list. You book a court when you want to play.

Key Takeaways

  • The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is a public facility operated by the USTA in Queens, open to anyone who books and pays for court time.
  • Court reservations are made through the New York City Parks Department website or by phone, and rates vary by court type and time of day.
  • The facility closes during the US Open tournament in late August and September each year.
  • Lessons and clinics are offered by certified instructors and can be booked separately from court rental.
  • The center has both outdoor hard courts and indoor courts, so play is available year-round depending on weather and maintenance schedules.

How to reserve a court and what it costs

To book a court at the National Tennis Center, you contact the New York City Parks Department directly. Reservations can be made online through the Parks Department website or by calling their tennis reservations line. You will need to provide your name, phone number, and the date and time you want to play.

Court fees depend on which courts you choose and what time you book. Outdoor hard courts cost less than indoor courts. Peak hours (typically evenings and weekends) cost more than off-peak times (weekday mornings and afternoons). Rates change seasonally and are set by the Parks Department, so you should check the current pricing when you call or visit the website to reserve.

Most courts require a minimum reservation of one hour. Payment is usually due at the time of booking, and cancellations must be made within a certain window (usually 24 hours) to receive a refund. If you are a frequent player, ask about multi-court packages or seasonal passes, which may offer a lower per-hour rate than single bookings.

Lessons and coaching at the facility

The National Tennis Center offers private lessons and group clinics taught by certified instructors. These are booked separately from court time — the lesson fee covers the instructor, and you pay the court fee on top of that. Lessons are available for beginners through advanced players and for both adults and children.

Group clinics are often less expensive per person than private lessons and are a good way to meet other players at your level. Private lessons allow you to work on specific skills or prepare for tournament play. You can request an instructor when you book, though availability varies by season and time of day.

To arrange a lesson, contact the facility directly through the Parks Department or ask at the pro shop when you arrive for a court reservation. Instructors can often be booked the same day, but scheduling in advance gives you more choice of times and instructors.

What to bring and facility amenities

Bring your own tennis racket, shoes, and water. The facility has a pro shop on-site where you can purchase or rent rackets, buy balls, and pick up other tennis gear if you forget something. The pro shop also sells snacks and drinks, though prices are higher than off-site vendors.

The center has locker rooms with showers, restrooms, and seating areas. Parking is available in the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park lot, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours and on weekends. Public transportation (subway and bus) serves the park, and many players use the 7 train to reach the facility.

The facility does not have a restaurant, though there are food vendors in the park and nearby in the Flushing neighborhood. Bring snacks or plan to eat before or after your court time if you want to avoid the limited on-site options.

When the facility is closed or unavailable

The National Tennis Center closes completely during the US Open tournament, which typically runs from late August through early September. The exact dates change each year, so check the USTA website or call ahead before booking during late summer.

Individual courts may also be closed for maintenance, resurfacing, or repairs. The Parks Department updates court availability on their website, and you will be told which courts are available when you make a reservation. If your preferred court is closed, you can choose an alternative or reschedule for another date.

Weather can also affect outdoor court availability. During heavy rain or extreme heat, the facility may close outdoor courts temporarily. Indoor courts remain open year-round unless maintenance is scheduled.

Differences between the National Tennis Center and private clubs

A private tennis club typically requires membership, charges annual dues, and may have a waiting list or initiation fee. Members have reserved court time, access to social events, and often coaching included in membership. The National Tennis Center operates on a pay-as-you-play model — you have no membership status, no reserved time, and no social membership benefits.

The advantage of the National Tennis Center is lower cost and flexibility. You play when you want without long-term commitment. The trade-off is that you cannot reserve the same court at the same time every week, and you do not have the community or social structure of a club.

If you play frequently (more than twice a week), a private club membership may offer better value and convenience. If you play occasionally or want to try tennis without committing to a club, the National Tennis Center is a lower-cost entry point.

How to get there and parking

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, 1 Tennis Place, Flushing, Queens, New York 11368. The facility is accessible by the 7 subway line (Mets–Willets Point station) and by several bus routes that serve the park.

If you drive, parking is available in the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park lot. Parking fees are charged during peak hours and weekends; off-peak parking may be free depending on the season. Arrive early during peak times, as the lot fills quickly, especially on weekends and during nice weather.

The park is also accessible by bicycle, and there is bike parking near the tennis courts. Many players from nearby neighborhoods bike to the facility rather than drive or take transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just show up and play, or do I have to reserve in advance?

You must reserve a court in advance through the Parks Department. Walk-ups are not permitted. Reservations can sometimes be made the same day by phone, but online booking is available up to several weeks in advance, depending on the Parks Department's system.

Do I need to be a member of the USTA to play at the National Tennis Center?

No. USTA membership is not required to book a court or play at the facility. You pay per court rental, just like any public tennis facility. USTA membership is separate and is mainly for tournament play and insurance coverage.

What is the difference between the National Tennis Center and the US Open?

The National Tennis Center is the facility itself — the courts, buildings, and grounds. The US Open is the professional tennis tournament held there each year. During the tournament, the facility is closed to the public. Outside tournament season, it operates as a public tennis center.

Can I bring my own tennis balls, or do I have to buy them there?

You can bring your own balls. The pro shop sells balls if you need them, but you are not required to buy from the facility. Many players bring used balls for practice and reserve new balls for match play.

Are there beginner-friendly courts, or is the facility only for experienced players?

The facility welcomes players of all levels. Beginners can book courts and take group clinics or private lessons. Group clinics are often organized by skill level, so you will play with others at your experience level. There is no skill requirement to reserve a court.