Starting in January 2015, the LSU tennis program can take to the court come rain or shine.
Thanks to the new tennis facility tentatively scheduled to be completed by next January, LSU tennis will have 12 outdoor and six indoor courts for practice and competition.
Other than making it the last Southeastern Conference school to enjoy indoor courts, LSU coach Jeff Brown said the new facility will give the program a leg-up in many respects.
“When we would go to other places, you may be sort of envious of what these other places were able to practice and play their matches in,” Brown said. “But we’re going to be one of those places now. That’s going to be exciting to have that as the backdrop for everything that we do.”
The new facility will stand near Alex Box Stadium off of Nicholson Drive. What is to be made of LSU tennis’ current home, W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium, has yet to be determined. 
The 12 outdoor courts will be separated in the middle by a grandstand for spectators. Lady Tigers coach Julia Sell said the facility’s amenities, which include a training room, players lounge, coaches’ offices and locker rooms for both genders, will benefit the present and future members of the LSU tennis program.
“It puts your program in a different place as far as what you can provide for your players,” Sell said. “When you bring in recruits, obviously, there’s that first effect of ‘Wow.’ Right now, every recruit we have has come for the coaching staff and when you have that facility, it’s going to combine both. That’s a tough combo to beat.”
But while the Tigers and Lady Tigers are excited for their new home, several unknowns remain. Associate Athletic Director for Operations and Project Development Eddie Nuñez said the estimated cost to build the facility is still unknown, as the Athletic Department is currently in the process of bidding the plan to potential contractors. However, Nuñez said he expects construction on the eight-month undertaking to begin within the next month and a half.
“We’re eager to get this project up and running,” Nuñez said. “We’ve been really pushing for it for some time now … [The facility] will have all the amenities that our student-athletes will need to be competitive not only in conference but also nationally.”
Adding to those features is LSU’s opportunity to host larger events. What Brown called a “big new house” is already giving Sell ideas for next season.
And while a name for the new stadium hasn’t been decided on yet, Sell said the facility’s construction marks the beginning of a new era for LSU tennis.
“You can play a dual men’s and women’s match at the same time,” Sell said. “You can host regionals. You can host fall tournaments. I want to bring in a professional tournament. It’s a huge advantage for anything.”