As the St. Louis region prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Arthur Ashe winning the 1975 Wimbledon tennis championship over Belleville’s Jimmy Connors, East St. Louis School District 189 will unveil six new tennis courts at East St. Louis Senior High School
A ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at the high school located at 4901 State Street.
The “post-tension concrete courts” are built to last and are equipped with advanced lighting and blended court lines to enhance use for student athletes and the Metro East community.
The celebration takes place during National Tennis Month and reinforces the District’s commitment to expanding access to top-tier facilities and opportunities for youth development, according to Superintendent Arthur R. Culver.
“We are incredibly proud to unveil our new tennis courts that reflect our commitment to providing diverse, high-quality opportunities for our students,” said Culver.
“We believe these courts will spark a love for the game and inspire a new generation of student-athletes to explore tennis, build confidence, and stay active both on and off the court.”
The ceremony will feature a special tennis exhibition by Phoenix Cobbs, a rising 5th grade tennis talent from James Avant Elementary School. She will display her skills in friendly play against regional players.
The East St. Louis Senior High School band will perform, and the girls’ tennis team and coaching staff will be introduced.
The courts would not be possible without grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the USTA Missouri Valley Section, and the USTA St. Louis District.
“DCEO’s $2.5 million investment in East St. Louis School District 189’s tennis courts and athletic stadium will improve the safety and functionality of these school facilities,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.
“The State-supported renovation projects will benefit students and families throughout St. Clair County.”
As part of its continued partnership with USTA, the new courts will be open for Youth Tennis Lessons with open play and free tennis lessons for youth on Saturdays in the summer, beginning from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17.
The local tennis association is committed to partnering with the school district to advance shared goals.
“The new tennis courts at East St. Louis Sr. High School are a continuation of our efforts to rebuild courts that have been unplayable within this community, while also encouraging local youth and adults to play the game,” said Joe W. Lewis, Jr., vice president of the East St. Louis Community Tennis Association.
“We were instrumental in helping the school reestablish its girl’s tennis team several years ago. The installation of the new courts will allow the team to practice at the school and host tournaments at home instead of travelling to other local courts to practice and play.
“This project represents a powerful investment in East St. Louis youth and the broader community—building not just courts, but opportunities for connection, wellness, and lifelong skills.”