USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS
CENTER
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is the
largest public tennis facility in the world. It’s also the home
of the annual U.S. Open, the biggest of the four Grand Slam
professional tennis tournaments. An estimated 46.5 acres, the
center has 45 public tennis courts, including indoor ones with
clay surfaces. It is open to the public seven days a week and 11
months a year — not during the U.S. Open, of course!
The main attraction is Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world’s largest
outdoor tennis-only venue. Named for one of the sport’s first
great African-American stars, this arena seats more than 22,000
and boasts 90 luxury suites, restaurants, and a two-level players
lounge. Next door is the Louis Armstrong Stadium, which honors
the memory of the jazz legend who lived in nearby Corona and
performed at the venue when it was called the “Singer Bowl”
during the 1964 World’s Fair.
Inside scoop: The qualifier rounds to the U.S. Open take place a
week before the main event. They are free to the public.
Address: Perimeter Road and www.usta.com.
WORLD’S FAIR MARINA
Operated by the NYC Parks Department, the World’s Fair
Marina is a public water facility with a promenade located along
Flushing Bay. It is separated from Citi Field and the northern
edge of Flushing Meadows Corona Park by the Grand Central
Parkway.
Built as a boat basin for the 1939 World’s Fair, the marina was
expanded for the 1964 World’s Fair. It currently has slips, a boatand
kayak launch, a ferry landing, and a restaurant/catering hall.
Inside scoop: Skyline Princess Cruises and Wheel Fun Rentals
are among businesses that rent vessels or operate party boats and
ferries there.
Address: 125-00 Northern Blvd., Flushing, and www.
nycgovparks.org/facilities/marinas/13
32 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com
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