Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Review our FAQ articles below for help!

Court Bookings 

Q: What is the cost of a court booking?

A: Court booking prices vary, depending on the day and/or time of the reservation, as well as if the reservation is for an indoor or outdoor court. Rates for court bookings can be accessed here on our website. NOTE: All court bookings must be paid for in advance of the time you arrive at the NTC. 

ALL OPEN COURT TIME BOOKINGS ARE FINAL. No credits or refunds once the court has been booked.


Q: How do I reserve a court?

A: Reservations for open court time are done online only through the NTC reservation system. You will need to create an NTC profile to book a court if you do not already have one.


Q: When can I reserve a court?

A: Court bookings can be made no more than 48 hours in advance of the reserved date. We do not accept walk-in court reservations.


Q: Can I request a specific court to play on?

A: Court bookings are assigned at the time of check-in. Reservations are subject to court availability, therefore we do not offer the option to choose a specific court. Patrons are expected to play on their assigned court.


Q: Can I play on the tournament courts?

A: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, and Court 17 are not available selections for standard court bookings. To reserve these courts for use, please contact Venue Rentals 


Q: I’m booking a court for myself and some friends. Do my friends have to do anything online?

A: All players on the court must have a profile on the NTC website. It is not required for you to specify at the time of booking who will be playing with you on the court.


Q: Is there a maximum number of players on the court?

A: Open-time reservations can accommodate no more than four (4) players on a court. Additional players will require additional courts.


Q: Do I need to bring a form of ID?

A: Anyone entering the NTC will be required to show a government-issued photo ID when they arrive.


Q: Can I cancel a court booking for a refund? Can I reschedule?

A: We do not issue refunds for court bookings. All court bookings are final.


Q: Can I adjust my reservation at any time?

A: All court bookings are final. There are no adjustments, refunds, or credits once the court is booked. See the inclement weather policy below.


Q: What happens in the case of inclement weather?

A: Customers will be refunded for outdoor court bookings if courts are unplayable during periods of inclement weather. The NTC will also reschedule your reservation for another day if the desired date is within 48 hours of the original reservation date. 


Q: Can I extend the duration of my reservation while I am playing?

A: Yes, provided that courts are available. The use of courts beyond the assigned time will be subject to additional charges to the patron's card on file. Your card on file that was used to pay for the initial reservation will be charged automatically for the additional time. 


Q: If I arrive at the NTC earlier than expected, can I go on-court earlier too?

A: Patrons can check in 15 minutes before their reservation start time, but will only be allowed on court when the reservation start time begins.


Q: Can I bring my outside tennis coach to the facility to practice?

A: No outside instructors are allowed at the NTC. If you would like to book a lesson with one of our on-staff instructors, please see our Private Lessons


Q: Can I borrow equipment, such as racquets, if I do not have my own?

A: Our on-site pro shop has demo racquets, as well as a wide selection of shoes, clothing, and other tennis necessities. Learn more on our website

Facility Tours

Q: Can I tour the grounds at the NTC, home of the US Open?

A: Yes. We offer tours 11 months out of the year. We cannot accommodate tour requests during the U.S. Open and its setup period. Guests are not permitted to walk the grounds by themselves due to safety reasons.


Q: How can I schedule a tour?

A: Please send an email to ntctours@usta.com with your available dates and the number of adults (16+) and children (5-15) attending. Tours are available on select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays only.


Q: How long does a tour last?

A: Tours last approximately 60-90 minutes.


Q: How much does a tour cost?

A: $40.00 (USD) for adults (16+) and $ 20.00 (USD) for children (5-15). Payment must be made in advance via credit card over the phone to secure your reservation.


Q: Can I take pictures on my tour?

A: Photographs are permitted on the grounds and center court of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong, and Grandstand Stadium. Photographs are NOT permitted in the interior of Arthur Ashe Stadium, including hallways, locker rooms, Interview Room, Player Operations area, etc. Your tour guide will inform you when you can and cannot take photographs. 


Q: What documents must I complete before the tour?

A: A Tour Waiver form will be completed when you arrive at the NTC. You must also present a government-issued photo ID at the time of check-in.


Q: Where do I go when I arrive for my tour?

A: Information about (travel, etc.) the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center can be accessed here.

 On arrival, come to the front desk in the lobby of the Chase/Indoor Training Center, which is adjacent to Parking Lot B (free parking available). Click here for directions.


Q: What can/can’t I bring with me on the tour?

A: We recommend bringing a water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. You may bring along a single-compartment drawstring bag. No backpacks, briefcases, luggage, bicycles, or other personal items are allowed. Personal bags must not be larger than 12” W x 12” H x 16” L. We do not offer bag/personal item storage on the Grounds.


Q: Is there a place to purchase souvenirs?

A: Visit our on-site pro shop.

Junior Match Play

Q: What is Match Play?

A: Play a simulated tennis match with their classmates on a bi-weekly basis. This competitive program allows students to practice what they have learned and have fun doing it. Matchplay is only available to the following NTC Ratings: 


Q: How much does Match Play cost?

A: Match Play is offered for free to patrons who enroll in a minimum of two (2) junior tennis programs.


Q: How can I qualify for Match Play?

A: A student enrolled in a minimum of two (2) fully-registered programs is eligible to request registration in that session’s Match Play. Advance registration is required. 


Q: Is there an option to pay for Match Play if I do not meet the above requirements?

A: No, we do not offer paid Match Play.


Q: How can I register for Match Play?

A: All students looking to register must fill out the Match Play Registration Request Form


Q: Does registering for two programs guarantee me a spot in Match Play?

A: No. Registration is contingent on a student’s submission of a registration form and the number of available spots at the time a student's request is received by the NTC. Spots are available on a first-come first-served basis. 


Q: Does submitting the registration form guarantee my spot in Match Play?

A: No. Registration is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration ends when the program reaches maximum capacity, or at the registration deadline, whichever comes first.


Q: If I cannot attend a particular date, can I get a make-up?

A: No. We do not offer make-ups for Match Play.


Q: Can I lose my spot in Match Play?

A: Yes. Students who miss two consecutive Match Play sessions will be automatically removed from the duration of the program.

Private Lessons

Q: How much does a private lesson cost?

A: The most up-to-date pricing for private lessons is found here.


Q: How do I request a private lesson?

A: Lesson requests are submitted through our Private Lesson Request Form, located on our website. You will need to have already created an account with us and attach a credit card to your profile for your request to be processed. NOTE: Submitting a form does not guarantee a private lesson. 


Q: What happens after I submit my request?

A: One of our guest services specialists will reach out to you via email to coordinate the scheduling of a lesson. 


Q: Do I need an NTC Rating to get a private lesson?

A: No. Private lessons do not require a NTC Rating before registration but can be a method of receiving a NTC Rating.


Q: Can I request a specific instructor to work with me?

A: Lessons are scheduled subject to instructor and court availability. While you can request a certain instructor, we cannot guarantee that the instructor will be available on the day/time you are looking to schedule your private lesson. 


Q: What is the cancellation policy for private lessons?

A: All requests to cancel a lesson must be submitted at least 48 hours before the lesson’s start time. Students who fail to show up or notify in time will be charged the cost of the lesson.


Q: Where do I go when I arrive at the center?

A: Please plan on arriving 15 minutes before your lesson time with a tennis racquet and proper tennis attire. On arrival, come to the front desk in the lobby of the Chase/Indoor Training Center, which is adjacent to Parking Lot B (free parking available). Need directions? Click here. 

Evaluations & NTC Ratings

Q: What is an evaluation?

A: NTC evaluations are a process for new students to obtain a required NTC Rating, which ensures appropriate class placement. Learn more about evaluations on our website


Q: Who is eligible for an evaluation appointment?

A: Eligible students include those of all ages and levels and who are new to the NTC above the beginner level. Returning students who have not played at the NTC in over a year are also eligible for an evaluation appointment.


Q: How do I schedule an evaluation appointment?

A: You can review our current offerings for evaluation times on our website. Once you have identified the best date/time for your schedule, please call our front desk at (718) 760-6200 ext. 0, and a guest specialist will assist you with coordinating an evaluation appointment. NOTE: prior to registering, you will need to have created a profile on our website.


Q: How much does an evaluation cost? How long does it take?

A: Evaluations are completely free. Sessions last approximately 15-20 minutes on the court.


Q: I’ve booked my evaluation. What happens next?

A: You will receive an email confirmation for your appointment. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to your evaluation time with a tennis racquet and proper tennis attire. NOTE: Due to high demand, we may not be able to accommodate students who arrive late. 


Q: Where do I go when I arrive at the center?

A: On arrival, come to the front desk in the lobby of the Chase/Indoor Training Center, which is adjacent to Parking Lot B (free parking available). Need directions? Click here. Upon arrival at the NTC, please check in at the front desk and you will be directed to your court by our staff. Once on the court, the instructors will run you through a series of drills to assess your skills. 


Q: What happens after I receive my NTC Rating?

A: After your evaluation concludes, you will be given a slip that shows your assigned NTC Rating, which you can use to register for the appropriate class level online.


Q: Can I reschedule my evaluation if my schedule changes?

A: Yes. If spaces are available, our front desk staff will assist you with rescheduling. Please call our front desk guest specialists at (718) 760-6200 ext. 0 if this applies to you.


Q: What should I do if I cannot attend any of the provided free evaluation dates? Is there another option to obtain an NTC rating?

A: While we offer free, regularly scheduled evaluation appointments, you can also receive an evaluation by booking a private lesson with one of our tennis professionals. 


Q: I’m brand new to the NTC and have never played tennis before. If I don’t have an NTC Rating, can I register for a program?

A: Yes, if you are a beginner and are brand new to the sport of tennis, you do NOT need an evaluation for our introductory programs. Instead, our staff will assign a beginner-level rating to your profile. These include Red Ball, NTC Youth for juniors, and Intro to Tennis 101 for adults. Please send an email to NTCprograms@usta.com if this applies to you.


Q: I’m brand new to the NTC and have some tennis experience. If I don’t have an NTC Rating, how can I register for a program? 

A: If you are brand new to the NTC but are not a beginner with the sport of tennis, you will need to receive an NTC Rating prior to registering. You can do so by scheduling an evaluation or a private lesson.


Q: I’ve been playing at NTC for a while and want a new rating. How can I do that?

A: Existing students (those who have played here within the last year) are not eligible for evaluation appointments. Existing students enrolled in a program will receive an on-court/in-class evaluation as needed. 


Q: Does my rating at other tennis facilities carry over to the NTC?

A: No. The NTC uses its own rating system based on the needs and goals of our patrons. We cannot provide judgment on how other facilities rate their players.


Q: Is my NTC Rating the same as my NTRP Rating?

A: No. While our rating system may appear to be similar to NTRP, it is only based roughly on the USTA adult NTRP system. The NTC Rating system is a benchmark system based on the student population at the NTC.

Program Registration

Q: I’m brand new to the NTC. What do I need to sign up for a program?

A: You will need:


Q: I’m brand new to NTC and have never played tennis before. I don’t have a NTC Rating. Can I register for a program?

A: Yes. If you are brand new to the NTC, you do not need a rating for our introductory programs. These include Red Ball, NTC Youth for juniors, and Intro to Tennis 101 for adults. Please send an email to ntcprograms@usta.com if this applies to you.


Q: Can I register for a program if the session has already begun?

A: Yes. You can sign up for a program at any time. Prices are prorated.


Q: I’m registered for a program, but need to cancel. How can I get a refund?

A: The NTC offers four (4) seasonal sessions for tennis programs year-round. These include Fall (Sept. - Jan.); Winter (Jan. - April); Spring (April - June); and Summer/Camp (June - Aug.) Per our terms and conditions, a student can receive a refund no less than 30 days in advance of the program session's start date, not the student's individual program. Once that date has passed, we can no longer issue a refund. Cancellations incur a $100 administration fee regardless of the date requested. Please send all refund requests to ntcprograms@usta.com.


Q: I registered for the wrong day and need to switch. What should I do?

A: Our programs team may be able to facilitate your switch, provided the program has available space. Please email ntcprograms@usta.com requesting to switch. All switches are subject to the policies stated in our Terms & Conditions. NOTE: Please do NOT register for your desired program day until the Programs Office has responded to your request. 


Q: I’m registered for a program, but my availability has changed and I can no longer attend on that day. What should I do?

A: Per our terms and conditions, a student may switch the day they are enrolled for another scheduled date at any time, provided spaces are available. This will incur a $100 administration fee. Please send an email to ntcprograms@usta.com for any requests to switch classes.


Q: I’m brand new to NTC and have some tennis experience. If I don’t have an NTC Rating, how can I register for a non-introductory program?

A: If you are brand new to the NTC but are not a beginner with the sport of tennis, you will need to receive an NTC Rating prior to registering. You can do so by scheduling an evaluation or a private lesson.


Q: I’m trying to enroll in a program that fits my NTC Rating, but I cannot register online. Why?

A: All of our programs have age restrictions, with junior programs being the most regimented. Sometimes, a student’s rating may make them eligible for a program even though the student is technically too young or too old to register. Registration may also be affected by other factors, not including the aforementioned. If you find yourself in this situation, please send an email to ntcprograms@usta.com 


Q: I’m interested in registering for the High-Performance Pathway. How do I get started?

A: All prospective high-performance students must undergo an evaluation to be considered for the program. To learn more, please send an email to ntcpros@usta.com


Q: The class I want to enroll in is full. What should I do? 

A: We are always looking for new ways to expand our class offerings. If the class you want to enroll in is at capacity, we recommend you register for the waitlist to receive notifications when spots become available. 


Q: Will my program be held indoors or outdoors?

A: Programs are held both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.


Q: Is there a chance that my instructor could change during the program session?

A: Yes. Due to instructor availability, which is subject to change, an instructor might not teach for the full duration of a program session. 

Program Cancellation & Absences

Q: What should I do if I am unable to attend a class?

A: Students should send notice of an absence a minimum of one (1) day in advance of the date of absence by filling out the age-appropriate Absence Notification Form. NOTE: Notifications sent via email will not be processed.


Q: Am I able to get a make up for a missed class?

A: Please note that we do not offer makeup for missed classes. We do not offer makeups, credits, refunds, or carryovers, for no-shows, same-day cancellations, or missed classes. We offer students participation in one (1) seasonal clinic during or at the end of the current session in lieu of make-up for any one (1) missed class. Notice of a student’s absence must be given at least one (1) day in advance of the absence to be eligible for a seasonal clinic.


Q: How do I qualify for a seasonal clinic?

A: To qualify for your one (1) seasonal clinic, notice of a student’s absence must be given at least one (1) day in advance of the absence. Each student is allotted one (1) seasonal clinic per class they are registered for, I.E. a student cannot receive more than one seasonal clinic for each class they are registered for.


Q: Why was my request for a seasonal clinic rejected?

A: In order to be eligible for a seasonal clinic, you must submit notification of your absence at least one (1) day in advance of the absence. If you have already missed a class and scheduled a seasonal clinic for the missed date, you will not be eligible for any additional seasonal clinics.


Q: What is the cost of a seasonal clinic?

A: Seasonal clinics are free of charge.


Q: Can I reschedule my seasonal clinic if I am no longer able to attend on that date?

A: Yes, provides space is available. If you need to reschedule, please send an email to NTCprograms@usta.com or call our front desk at (718) 760-6200


Q: If the NTC is closed, does that count as my one (1) seasonal clinic?

A: No. Any unforeseen closures will result in a complementary clinic that you will be automatically scheduled for. If you are unable to attend on the rescheduled date, we will not be able to accommodate requests for a substitute date.


Q: How can I request a refund if I am no longer able to attend a program I have registered for?

A: Please see our cancellation policy in the Terms & Conditions. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing NTCprograms@usta.com 


Q: Under what circumstances am I eligible for a refund? 

A: Requests must be made 30 days prior to the start of the program session. There will be no refunds/credits issued after the 30-day advance deadline date, or after the program session start date, not the student's individual program start date. 

Summer Camp

Q: How can I register my child for camp?

A: Registration is done online by visiting https://ntc.usta.com/tennis-programs-and-camps/camps 


Q: Can I cancel the registration?

A: Per our terms and conditions, a student can receive a refund no less than 30 days in advance of the camp session start date, not the student's camp week. There will be no refunds/credits for any missed portion, days, or weeks for summer camp after the deadline.


Q: My child doesn’t have an NTC Rating. Can I still register for camp?

A: Yes. Our instructors evaluate campers on the first day of each camp week and place campers accordingly. 


Q: Is there a waiver I must sign for my child?

A: Yes. ALL campers registered must have a signed waiver on file to participate in the camp.


Q: What sort of activities can I expect from summer camp?

A: While tennis is the central focus of our summer camp program, campers may also participate in a variety of activities. In years past, depending on the age and group of the campers, we have held activities such as pickleball, soccer, table tennis, talent shows, arts & crafts, and many other activities.


Q: Can I drop off my child earlier than camp starts?

A: Campers can be dropped off 15 minutes before the start of camp. Any campers who arrive before the stated arrival time will be asked to wait outside of the NTC lobby until the start of camp check-in.


Q: Can I enter the facility during summer camp?

A: No. Adults not involved facilitating camp will not be permitted on-site during summer camp hours.


Q: Can I pick up my child later than camp end-time?

A: On-court activities end at 4 PM to begin the pick-up hour. For an additional fee per camp week, you can register for late pick-up, which lasts until 5 p.m.


Q: Can I pick up my child earlier than camp end-time?

A: Yes. Prior notice in an email from the parent or legal guardian must be given to the front desk. Please send an email to ntcprograms@usta.com if this applies to you.


Q: Can I have someone else pick up my child from camp?

A: Yes. Prior authorization in email from the parent or legal guardian must be given to the front desk. Please send an email to ntcprograms@usta.com if this applies to you.

     

Q: Is lunch available for purchase for full-day campers?

A: Yes. If purchasing lunch please see the sample prix fix menu. East Gate Grill lunch orders are taken daily upon arrival. Please ensure the camper has the exact change for payment. If you pack lunch, please keep it in a cooler with an ice pack.


Q: Are snacks available for purchase?

A: Yes. Although the NTC has several cash and card vending machines, we recommend campers pack healthy snacks daily. 


Q: Is Camp indoor or outdoor?

A: Camps are held both indoors and outdoors on the field courts, weather permitting.


Q: What materials do I need for camp?

A: The following should be brought each day of camp:


Q: What are the required certifications for NTC summer camp staff?

A: All USTA employees are required to undergo a background check before being hired and must receive SafeSport certification.

InstagramFacebook