USTA National Tennis Center Grandstand Stadium
Project Type
Outdoor Stadium
SPS Seating Decking
Location
Flushing Meadows, New York, US
Date
2016 and 2026
Team
ROSSETTI (now HOK + ROSSETTI)
WSP Global (NY)
AECOM Hunt
Walters Group Inc.
After the success of our seating decking at Court 17, the USTA returned to the SPS Stadia + Arenas System for Grandstand. Once again, the deciding factor was the system’s unique combination of prefabrication, fast installation and high strength at a light weight.
A challenging, nine-year modernization schedule for the National Tennis Center by architects ROSSETTI saw the entire grounds of Flushing Meadow brought up to a modern spectator standard with better courts, enhanced amenities and the ability to accommodate the growing numbers of tennis fans flocking to the complex.
Impressed by the results at Court 17, the SPS Stadia+Arena System was selected for the new Grandstand Stadium. In partnership with Walters Group, SPS Technology won the contract with AECOM Hunt to supply and install tiered seating decking for 5,800 spectators in the upper bowl of the 8,125-seat Grandstand.
SPS solves technical challenges
In 2015, the USTA decided to rebuild Grandstand from the ground up in time for the 2016 US Open, The project faced two major hurdles. First, poor ground conditions called for lighter foundations and lighter structure above them. Second, the stadium only looks circular. Grandstand actually has 16 sides, which made delivery of the seating decks more complex.
Prefabricated, pre-coordinated SPS panels solved both problems. Their light weight suited the difficult ground conditions, and their ‘ready to install’ design kept the project on schedule. In total, 38,140 ft² [3,543 m²] of SPS seating decking was delivered to site, which crews quickly installed using light weight cranes.
Our video of the SPS terrace erection cycle shows a seating deck being installed in less than three minutes.
Maintenance ensures longevity
Since its 2016 debut, Grandstand has require minimal maintenance. Jumping ahead to 2026 the USTA invited the SPS Technology team to:
- Install new caulked joints
- Repair caulking and rusting on aisle steps
- Replace nosings and cover plates throughout
- Repaint all topside SPS surfaces, including non-slip grit
A minimal investment to keep what the tennis world’s first LEED-certified stadium fit for future generations.
”The SPS stadia system is one of the most accurate stadia systems we have worked with. The design-build process helped coordinate the accuracy of structural steel and eliminated unforeseen conditions. The engineers at SPS helped to coordinate and resolve complex expansion joint issues which were a huge concern for our unstable site. The SPS system helped to complete a complex, 16-sided stadium in an extremely limited amount of time. As designers of sports venues, we especially appreciate the look of the finished system from below and above. The finish is beautiful.
Douglas WoodwardRA, LEED AP, Associate, Senior Designer, ROSSETTI
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