NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans recently hosted the first professional women's tennis event in the city limits since 1988, allowing the institution an opportunity to showcase the University Tennis Center to a new audience.
The UTC has been undergoing constant renovation since it came into UNO's possession under the direction of Privateer head tennis coach
Burzis Kanga, who doubles as the director of the facility.
"The University Tennis Center continues to grow as we have made improvements to this facility and people are recognizing that the facility is as good as any,” said Kanga. “We keep making modifications and improvements so we can host more and more events."
The recent modifications include resurfacing of the courts, plus additional canopy and rest areas throughout the facility.
“The USTA was very pleased with the facility at the University Tennis Center,” said tournament promoter Abrie DuPlooy. “Bunny Williams, the USTA supervisor for the event, could not stop giving compliments about the amenities and cleanliness of the facility.”
“This site is a perfect fit to host pro events and other major tournaments. The courts were brand new, the clubhouse amenities included large bathrooms, seating capacity, lounge chairs, a café and the entire outside was well manicured.”
According to DuPlooy, the tournament will return next July due to the high standards of the facility and staff.
In addition to hosting the professional event next summer, the UTC has plans for several more major events during the next 12 months starting with the 2012 Big Easy Classic.
The September tournament will feature top collegiate players from around the region and will serve as UNO's first home-hosted tournament since the institution served as the host of the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Championships.
Other events on tap for the UTC include a number of high school and benefit tournaments, as well as events on a national scale that cover all levels and age groups.
“Burzis and UNO have really upgraded this facility in such a way that it will benefit his recruiting efforts and shine as a positive light for the University,” said DuPlooy. “I can see this site as one of the premier destinations for events in the city and an amazing job has been done to bring back this facility after years of deterioration.”
Information on the facility can be found on UNOPrivateers.com with patrons interested in utilizing the facility encouraged to contact Kanga at
bkanga@uno.edu or (504) 280-1108 or (504) 280-1412.
