The centerpiece of this revitalization project is a $1.5 million Legacy Gift from the Orange Bowl, which will supplement the City of Fort Lauderdale’s commitment of approximately $8 million, bringing the total investment to $9.5 million. This unprecedented partnership was also supported by the USTA as a key ally in solidifying the facility’s future.
The main outcome of this partnership is the relocation of the prestigious Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships (Boys’ & Girls’ 16s and 18s), which will call the new JETC their home in December 2025. For more than 75 years, this event has been recognized as one of the world’s premier junior tennis tournaments. Its distinguished alumni list includes dozens of future Grand Slam champions and world No. 1 players such as Chris Evert, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Roger Federer, Coco Gauff and others, cementing its place as a crucial proving ground for the sport’s elite.
“For nearly eight decades, the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships have played a vital role in developing the sport’s future stars, including some of America’s greatest champions,” said Tracy Davies, General Manager of USA Tennis. “We are incredibly grateful for the investment from the Orange Bowl Committee and the City of Fort Lauderdale, which will provide these future champions with access to a world-class facility befitting the event’s prestigious history.”
Taking an old facility to the next level
The extensive renovation, which began in January 2025 and was completed in fall 2025, includes:
- 20 ultra-modern clay courts: Installation of underground irrigation systems (hydro-courts), the industry standard for optimal playing conditions.
- Chris Evert Stadium field: Construction of a brand new 700-seat stadium court that will be named after Fort Lauderdale’s own tennis legend, Chris Evert.
- Improved infrastructure: Complete facility upgrades including high-efficiency LED field lighting, new fencing, modern shade structures, improved pathways and completely renovated restrooms.
“Our partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the USTA on this historic renovation represents a shared vision for the future of tennis in South Florida,” said Henri Crockett, President and Chairman of the Orange Bowl Committee. “The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center has a rich history of developing champions, and with these world-class improvements, we are proud to move the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships here. This investment is a commitment to the legacy of this sport and the community that embraces it.”
“The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center has long been a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale’s athletic and cultural identity,” said Mayor Dean Trantalis. “This partnership not only honors our city’s proud tennis heritage, but also ensures that future generations of players, from local youth to international competitors, have a world-class location to learn, train and compete. We are thrilled to welcome the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships to their new home here in Fort Lauderdale.”
Grand Reopening – Chris Evert Stadium Court
The community is invited to mark their calendars for the official Grand Reopening and Dedication Celebration of Chris Evert Stadium Court, scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025, with special guest appearances including tennis icon Chris Evert.
The newly renovated facility will host the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships for the first time from December 5 to 14, 2025, welcoming elite junior athletes from around the world. For the first time in the history of the event, the best junior wheelchair tennis players in the world will also be present this year.
#Renovation #Jimmy #Evert #tennis #center #completed #ready #host #location #Orange #Bowl #World #Tennis #Magazine