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International Tennis Hall of Fame
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Tennis Forever - The Campaign for the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis Forever

Past • Present • Future

The Campaign for the International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame celebrates all that is special and inspiring about our sport. The physical property is a testament to tennis’ history and evolution. The museum collection contains countless inspiring stories and moments in time that must be carefully preserved and shared with the world. The tennis facility bustles with players ranging from those picking up a racquet for the first time to Tour pros vying to leave their own mark on tennis history.

For many of us, we are fortunate and grateful to consider tennis as an integral part of our lives. Through the Tennis Forever Capital Campaign, together we can ensure that the organization dedicated to celebrating this great sport is well positioned to honor tennis’ past, to thrive in the sport today, and to inspire its future.

Tennis Forever

YOUR DOLLARS IN ACTION TO DATE

Campaign Goal: $12 million
Campaign Progress: $10,300,400 million

Several campaign projects are being concurrently implemented to the capital fundraising and are resulting in a significant and positive impact. This includes complete resurfacing of the ITHF grass courts, extensive work on digitizing the ITHF’s vast museum collection, and execution of major preservation projects on the National Historic Landmark property, among others.

Resurfaced Grass Courts

Complete resurfacing of all 13 grass courts on property, inclusive of removal of 6-8 inches of existing material, tilling of new soil into the land, and planting a new strain of perennial rye grass and Kentucky bluegrass.

CAMPAIGN INITIATIVES

The campaign funding initiatives fall into two broad categories: Connection & Conservation.

CONNECTION

Imagine the global tennis community: a collection of fans from all walks of life, players of every ability, coaches, historians, scholars, and contributors. The Hall of Fame is working to expand its impact on a local and global scale through engaging in-person programs and digital experiences.

Tennis Forever - Digital Experience

Digital Experience

Cost: $3,000,000

THE OPPORTUNITY

Currently just 1.5% of the ITHF’s vast and fascinating museum collection is on display in the museum, and even that can only be experienced by those who visit Newport in person. A digital museum experience will preserve our collection, extend our impact, and help create a connected global tennis community.

THE PROJECT

  • Professionally photograph objects, and scan or convert existing older format materials to digital files, inclusive of 25,000 objects (art, trophies, apparel, and more); 300,000 photos, and 4,000 reels of film

  • Utilize appropriate technology to archive in a searchable, sharable manner

  • Develop engaging digital exhibits, experiences, and social media integrations for worldwide interaction with tennis fans, educators, and other professionals

  • Implement new systems integration across the organization to increase efficiency and better position the organization to dedicate resources to growth areas

  • Renovate and modernize the enshrinement gallery to present a 21st century experience on par with the level of excellence represented by the Hall of Famers, and extend this experience to both museum visitors and online fans 

THE IMPACT

Digitizing will both ensure the collection’s careful preservation and make it possible for fans across the world to explore and engage with tennis history without ever leaving their home. Initial results of this initiative have included the creation of award-winning digital exhibits, which have been utilized by tens of thousands of tennis fans from more than 150 nations.


Through engaging digital experiences, we will be able to bring tennis history to the forefront of the tennis conversation, share motivating stories with the next generation of players and fans, and ensure that the legacy of our Hall of Famers is preserved and celebrated.

Tennis Forever - Mission Delivery

Mission Delivery

Cost: $3,000,000

THE OPPORTUNITY

A focal point of the Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve and promote the stories of those who created tennis history, and to utilize their stories to inspire the next generation of tennis fans. We are committed to developing programming that will engage tennis fans locally and globally.

THE PROJECT

  • Creation of TeamFAME, a National Junior Tennis & Learning network (NJTL) chapter based at the Hall of Fame, and development of a long-term expansion plan. NJTL is a national network of non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost tennis and education programming to kids in need, designed to improve their lives on and off the court.

  • Preserve the stories of Hall of Famers through a comprehensive oral history program, inclusive of interviewing Hall of Famers on camera and developing creative ways to share their stories through digital means, media partners, and other applications

  • Utilization of oral history and digital content for inspirational, educational programming for NJTL and other youth programming

THE IMPACT

After launching with just one class of students in 2018, TeamFAME now serves local students in grades 5 – 8, and has introduced the sport and its benefits to hundreds more through community outreach programs. Capturing the Hall of Famers’ stories via oral history ensures that their legacies are preserved and celebrated, and that the Hall of Famers are engaged in this process. The oral history program and TeamFAME are two significant and complementary initiatives to deliver on our mission of preserving, celebrating, and inspiring.

CONSERVATION

The 140-year-old property that houses the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved local institution. Revitalized facilities and strategic management of the property are essential for keeping our programs vibrant and for upholding our role as the steward of tennis history and caretaker of this significant property.

Tennis Forever - Grass Court Resurfacing

Grass Court Resurfacing

Cost: $2,750,000

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our grass courts are the hallmark of what makes our facility unique. By resurfacing the 140-year-old historic grass courts, we preserve the sport’s rich tradition in Newport. Improved courts will keep our tournaments competitive on the national and international stages, and provide an enhanced and consistent playing experience for recreational and professional players alike.

THE PROJECT

  • Complete resurfacing of all 13 grass courts on property, inclusive of removal of 6-8 inches of existing material, tilling of new soil into the land, and planting a new strain of perennial rye grass and Kentucky bluegrass

  • Development and execution of long-range maintenance plan inclusive of necessary personnel, acquisition of equipment, and periodic fraze mowing

THE IMPACT

The court resurfacing was completed in 2019 and the results have been visible in positive feedback from professional tennis players on the ATP Tour, as well as an enhanced and consistent playing experience for all levels of players. Continued investment in long-term maintenance is vital to ensuring that the historic Hall of Fame courts remain a competitive and appealing venue for tennis players. Revenue generated through the tournament and the tennis club is vital to supporting overall ITHF operations and mission.

Tennis Forever - Landmark Preservation

Landmark Preservation

Cost: $3,250,00

THE OPPORTUNITY

The historic buildings and grounds that house the International Tennis Hall of Fame are the most valuable artifact in our collection. The nine-acre property is where the US Open originated, it is the site of a significant social history for our community, and is an architectural masterpiece. Caretaking of a heavily trafficked, historic property is quite expensive and requires specialty maintenance.

THE PROJECT

  • Environmental improvements inclusive of HVAC, roofing, shingling and other necessary maintenance to ensure longevity of the building and safekeeping of its contents

  • Restoration of external decorative frieze original to the 1880 design and construction

  • Development of a Master Plan in consult with architects, preservationists, and engineers for long-range maintenance and caretaking of the National Historic

  • Renovation of the Court Tennis facility to ensure the sustainability of this historic version of tennis that pre-dates lawn tennis and is still actively played on the property.

  • Renovation of the USTA Wing within the museum to offer a multi-functional space that expands the museum’s footprint , and offers a meeting and event space that is designed in complement to its unique surroundings. 

THE IMPACT

Carrying out critical improvements and restorations throughout the property and implementing a long-term, sustainable maintenance plan will ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and will preserve the legacy of our landmark property. This work will fulfill our intention to remain responsible stewards of the site’s architectural, cultural, and tennis history and will ensure a first-class experience for future generations.

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

Supporting the Tennis Forever Capital Campaign via a Naming Opportunity is an impactful way to ensure that the International Tennis Hall of Fame has a sustainable financial foundation. Building this long-term sustainability is vital to ensuring that the Hall of Fame is a responsible steward of this historic property and can deliver on the organization’s mission to preserve and promote tennis history well into the future. Celebrate your love of the sport, participate in the preservation of Newport’s architectural and social history, or pay tribute to a loved one by naming a piece of this remarkable landmark.

Canfield House

Home of TeamFAME, a chapter of the National Junior Tennis & Learning network

The beautiful historic building on our property has recently been renovated to become a welcoming learning center for our after school youth program. The building contains four classroom spaces, which are used for programming in academic support, health and wellness, and character building.

$1,500,000

Individual classroom naming rights also available for consideration

Tennis Forever Naming Opportunity - Canfield House

TeamFAME Staff Leadership Position


The impact, potential, and development of our youth tennis and education programming within our community is dependent on an outstanding leader. Naming this position ensures that the role of TeamFAME Director is sustainable and will be filled by a visionary and dedicated person.


$500,000

TeamFAME Staff Leadership Position - Tennis Forever Capital Campaign
Tennis Forever - Front Lawn Courts Naming Opportunity
Tennis Forever - Front Lawn Courts Naming Opportunity

Front Lawn Courts

The centerpiece to our grass court tennis activities, the Front Lawn Courts are the site of the Hall of Fame Open, many other tournaments of all levels, and regularly used by members and guests. These four courts in the center of the property.

$250,000 per court - 3 of 7 courts already reserved
Entire Bank Already Named

Club & Practice Courts

The Club and Practice Courts are the ATP tournament players’ home for all competition preparation, and they host many hours of tennis club member and guest enjoyment. These six courts are located in the Southeast corner of the property.

$200,000 per court
$2,000,000 entire bank

Men's & Women's Locker Rooms

Located in the historic Court Tennis building for use by members and guests of Court Tennis and Lawn Tennis.

$250,000 per room

Tennis Forever - Horseshoe Piazza and Gardens naming opportunity

Horseshoe Piazza Gardens

Immediately upon entering the property from Bellevue Avenue, visitors are awestruck by the magnificent site of sweeping porches overlooking a lush grass tennis court surrounded by unique historic architecture and beautiful landscaping.

$250,000
Already reserved

Tennis Forever - Lawn and Stadium Promenade naming opportunity

Lawn & Stadium Promenade

Brick walkway that weaves through the center of the historic property between the stadium and the grass courts.

$250,000

Additional Naming Opportunities

ITHF staff will be happy to discuss additional opportunities to support the initiatives of the Tennis Forever capital campaign. Naming opportunities such as individual classrooms in Canfield House, museum exhibits, and additional interior spaces are available for consideration.
Tennis Forever, the Campaign for the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis Forever

"The next decade will bring endless possibilities for advancing the mission of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Mega-stars will be inducted, exciting new museum technologies will present themselves, and the globalization of our game and our audience will only accelerate. To address these challenges head-on, the Hall of Fame will need the resources from this campaign."

- Michael F. Goss
Former International Tennis Hall of Fame Chairman

Campaign Committee

John Arnhold, Co-Chair
David Goulden, Co-Chair
Nancy von Auersperg, Co-Chair

Michael Barnello • Russ Fradin
Marianne Gaige • Michael F. Goss
Phil Han • Steve Lewinstein
Andrea Lisher • Andrea Ride
E. Ramone Segree • Dan Swan
Dana Tananbaum• Todd Traina

Honorary Co-Chairs

Stan Smith, Hall of Fame Class of 1987
Pam Shriver, Hall of Fame Class of 2002
Charlie Pasarell, Hall of Fame Class of 2013

To learn more or to make a donation, please contact Diana Weston at dweston@tennisfame.com or 401-324-4073

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