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Public-private partnership between six local entities will create Nation’s largest tennis complex
ROME, GA 7.27.11
Tennis Center Website
Tennis Center Website Media Release Info
ROME, GA 2.15.11
2011 Joint City / County Commission Meeting Video for Tennis Center
Tennis Center Concept Video
Tennis Megaplex Master Plan
ROME, GA 1.21.10
Exclusive 2010 RSN Press Conference Video
Economic Impact Study
(scroll down to view two detailed CAD drawings & aerial images of the complex's location)
Local and State dignitaries announced on Thursday the plans for the Tennis Center of Georgia. Representatives from the City of Rome, Floyd County, Berry College, Coosa Valley Tennis Association, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau touted the project as one with a tremendous economic impact, both state-wide and locally.
The project was conceived and planned, and will be constructed and operated, as a true public/private partnership between Rome, Floyd County, Berry College, and members of the local tennis community. This type of joint effort, with shared responsibility and support for a project that provides benefits of economic impact, job creation, and tax revenue, is uniquely consistent with the type of projects the State of Georgia has promoted as the way things should be done. Once the complex is funded there will be no additional requests for State aid relative to the operation and upkeep of the facility – it will stand on its own and be the responsibility of the partners.
The project would be built on 30 acres of land currently owned by Berry College on the new Armuchee Connector behind Mount Berry Square Mall. The number of courts total 74 with 14 being “quick start” or reduced sized courts for youth. The current layout of the complex was developed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) based upon the original design by Berry College.
Rome is an ideal spot to locate this project due to the incomparable reputation of the local tennis community and their experience in hosting and staffing tournaments. Tournament organizers at all levels have already heard of what is planned and are requesting regular updates on when the new facility could open and bid to host their tournaments. Rome is also accessible from several interstates, ideally central to the southeastern region, and close to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which will provide an economical and direct route for participants from all over the country.
The short and long term impact of the proposed tennis complex is significant in terms of job creation, dollars spent in our state, and expansion of tax revenues for local and State governments. The Selig Center for Economic Development at UGA was engaged by Berry College, and in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association and local officials have projected at a minimum, based upon the lowest expected range of tournament participants, the center can produce an economic impact of over $16 million dollars per year. This figure does not include the jobs created in the short run in constructing the complex, nor the long-term job creation from the hospitality, retail and service oriented businesses that would seek to locate near the facility.
ConnectSouth, a public affairs company, has been hired to assist with the pursuit of State bond funding for the proposed Tennis Complex. The effort is being coordinated through the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau. Funding from the County and City comes from specific portions of the Hotel/Motel Tax and contributions from the Chamber and tennis community. Specifically, $7.5 million is being sought in State bond funds. The current working budget for the project is $13.6 million.
