The USTA will spend an estimated $500M "through the coming decade to build a new Louis Armstrong Stadium, a new grandstand on unused land at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and a double-deck viewing area for fans to watch players practice" during the U.S. Open, according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. USTA officials said that Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was "built on a swamp-like ash dump, could not physically absorb the weight of a roof that would cover its expanse." Despite years of "consultations with engineers, the organization has not found the lightweight, cost-effective technology that is needed." The new Armstrong Stadium "will be able to support a roof, but it will not get one until Ashe does." The USTA's plans for the tennis center "are expected to be announced" by N.Y. Mayor Michael Bloomberg today. The USTA's plans indicate that Armstrong Stadium, which "seats 10,000 will be replaced on its current site with a building that can fit 15,000." The grandstand, which "abuts Armstrong Stadium in the northeastern part of the tennis center, will be torn down." The construction project "will be financed" by the USTA (N.Y. TIMES, 6/14).
