The 13 Largest Tennis Stadiums
In The World By Capacity
The 13 Largest Tennis Stadiums In The World By Capacity
When it comes to tennis, the size and scale of a stadium can elevate the intensity of a match and transform the spectator experience.
Across the globe, massive arenas host the biggest tournaments, creating iconic moments in tennis history. From the intimate yet historic stage of Wimbledon’s Center Court to the towering modern stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium, these venues are more than just settings for matches – they are living monuments to the sport’s rich history.
In this article, I explore the 13 largest tennis stadiums in the world, discussing their unique features, fascinating histories, and unforgettable experiences for fans and players alike.
Stadiums By Capacity
Here’s an overview of the 13 stadiums we’ll cover. Click the links for any stadium to jump to that section, or scroll to learn about all of them. For context, I’ve also included a section about how capacity is determined for a stadium.
Stadium | Location | Capacity | Tournament |
Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Miami, Florida | 14,000 | Miami Open |
Louis Armstrong Stadium | Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York | 14,053 | US Open |
Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia | 14,820 | Australian Open |
Wimbledon Centre Court | Wimbledon, London, UK | 14,979 | Wimbledon |
Central Court | Wuhan, Hubei Province, China | 15,000 | Wuhan Open |
Diamond Court | Chaoyang, Beijing, China | 15,000 | China Open |
Court Philippe Chatrier | Paris, France | 15,225 | Roland Garros |
Perth Arena | Perth, Western Australia | 15,500 | United Cup |
Accor Arena | Paris, France | 15,609 | Paris Masters |
Rotterdam Ahoy | Rotterdam, Netherlands | 15,818 | Rotterdam Open |
Pala Alpitour | Turin, Italy | 15,657 | ATP Finals |
Stadium 1 | Indian Wells, CA | 16,100 | BNP Paribas Open |
Arthur Ashe Stadium | Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York | 23,771 | US Open |
13.) Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (14,000)
Primarily known for hosting NFL games, Hard Rock Stadium transforms into a vibrant tennis hub for the Miami Open each year. In 2019, it replaced the tournament’s previous venue in Crandon Park.
The multipurpose stadium opened in August of 1987 and boasts a 64,767-person capacity. However, for the Miami Open each year, organizers build a temporary stadium on the football field with a capacity of 14,000, making it one of the largest tennis venues globally. The stadium’s open-air vibe is perfectly well-suited for Miami’s warm weather.
In 2020, the stadium introduced one of its most unique attributes, the SkyView gondola, which helps transport fans from the south side of the stadium’s complex where the remainder of the tennis courts reside.
Stadium | Hard Rock Stadium |
Location | Miami Gardens, Miami, Florida |
Capacity | 14,000 |
Tournament | Miami Open |
12.) Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York (14,053)
Situated in Flushing Meadows, the Louis Armstrong Stadium is the largest No. 2 court among the four Grand Slam events and the second-largest court at the US Open behind Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Built for $200 million over five years, the stadium opened in time for the 2018 US Open. It features a retractable roof that allows play during rainy conditions and an innovative natural ventilation system that helps keep fans cool. However, as experienced in 2021 during a storm at the US Open, the stadium isn’t completely impervious to weather, so visitors should keep that in mind if poor weather is on the horizon.
Despite its large size, the stadium’s design encourages an intimate viewing experience because the upper bowl or seating section overhangs the lower bowl, bringing fans closer to the action. As a result, it has become a fan favorite for watching the world’s best players compete.
Notably, Louis Armstrong Stadium was the central show court in Flushing Meadows until 1997, when Arthur Ashe Stadium opened. The original stadium, built for the 1964 World’s Fair, was demolished in 1996 to make way for the current stadium and is named after the jazz legend and civil rights activist who lived nearby in the Corona neighborhood of Queens.
Stadium | Louis Armstrong Stadium |
Location | Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York |
Capacity | 14,053 |
Tournament | US Open |
11.) Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (14,820)
Named after Australian tennis player Rod Laver, this Melbourne Park centerpiece is the crown jewel of the Australian Open. It first opened in 1988, and although it’s best known for tennis, it serves as a multipurpose venue, hosting various sporting events and concerts.
The stadium offers an impressive capacity of 14,820 for tennis matches, double the size of Margaret Court, the second-largest court at the event. Furthermore, it was the first-ever tennis venue to feature a retractable roof, which allows for play during rain or extreme heat.
Unique to this venue, Rod Laver is still alive and well, so players can attend a match there and catch a glimpse of the legend, who is a fixture at the tournament and regularly attends matches.
Stadium | Rod Laver Arena |
Location | Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia |
Capacity | 14,820 |
Tournament | Australian Open |
10.) Centre Court, Wimbledon (14,979)
Wimbledon’s Centre Court may not be the largest, but it’s undeniably the most iconic, exuding tradition unmatched by other venues.
Initially opened in 1922, the court is part of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Throughout the year, it serves as the tournament’s central show court and the main clubhouse for its 375 members.
Beyond the perfectly manicured grass court, one of the venue’s most unique features is the Royal Box, which is reserved for the Royal Family and various distinguished guests, including British armed forces, government leaders, famous tennis personalities, and anyone else the Chair of the All England Club chooses to invite.
In 2009, tournament organizers installed a widely debated retractable roof, allowing play to continue during rain, which happens regularly during the tournament. However, despite the lights installed to allow play after dark on the court, the introduction of the roof also came with an 11:00 p.m. curfew to limit noise for residents living nearby.
Beyond play, one tradition fans revel in as part of the Center Court experience is strawberries and cream. In 2019, concession stands served fans nearly 192,000 portions of the delish snack.
Stadium | Wimbledon Centre Court |
Location | Wimbledon, London, UK |
Capacity | 14,979 |
Tournament | Wimbledon |
9.) Central Court, Wuhan (15,000)
Home to the Wuhan Open, a WTA 1000 event, Central Court is part of China’s Optics Valley International Tennis Center.
Built for $225 million, the state-of-the-art facility opened in 2015, not long after Li Na’s 2011 French Open win, which prompted significant investment from the Chinese government into the sport.
The stadium features three floors, each with space for 5,000 fans for a total of 15,000, making it one of the world’s largest. Like most premiere tennis stadiums, Central Court in Wuhan features a retractable roof that closes in 16 minutes, allowing play to continue during rainy conditions.
From afar, the court’s contemporary design is unmistakable. It’s intended to mimic the design of a whirlwind, spinning tennis ball, and crown.
Stadium | Central Court |
Location | Wuhan, Hubei Province, China |
Capacity | 15,000 |
Tournament | Wuhan Open |
8.) Diamond Court, Beijing (15,000)
Home of the China Open, an ATP and WTA combined event, the Diamond Court stadium matches the capacity of Central Court in Wuhan with 15,000 seats but opened eight years earlier in 2007.
The Chinese government originally built the stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics, calling it the Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Court, before it began to host the China Open in 2009, prompting a name change.
From the outside, the stadium has a geometric diamond-shaped appearance. Its 16 pairs of columns arranged in a “V ” provide the primary structure and visual appeal. Meanwhile, the retractable steel roof offers protection from the elements when necessary.
The Diamond Court is part of China’s National Tennis Center, which also features the famous Lotus Court, with a capacity of 10,000 spectators.
Stadium | Diamond Court |
Location | Chaoyang, Beijing, China |
Capacity | 15,000 |
Tournament | China Open |
7.) Court Philippe-Chatrier, Paris (15,225)
One of the most prestigious tennis stadiums, Court Phillippe-Chatrier, is located at the heart of the Stade Roland Garros and the central show court at the calendar’s second Grand Slam, the French Open.
The stadium opened in 1928, following France’s win over the United States in the 1927 Davis Cup, and is where the country successfully defended its title once again against the Americans that year.
Following a 2019 renovation, the stadium’s capacity increased to 15,225, making it one of the largest stadiums worldwide. In 2020, the addition of a retractable roof and lighting upgraded the venue to be on par with the other three Grand Slam center courts.
The stadium’s four main grandstands are named after the Four Musketeers: Jacques Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet, and René Lacoste. These four members of France’s Davis Cup team helped lead the country to five consecutive wins from 1927 to 1932.
Phillippe-Chatrier has hosted some of the most legendary clay-court battles in history, and the slower red clay surface remains one of the sport’s biggest equalizers, neutralizing powerful serves and favoring gritty tactical play.
Stadium | Court Philippe Chatrier |
Location | Paris, France |
Capacity | 15,225 |
Tournament | Roland Garros (French Open) |
6.) Perth Arena, Perth (15,500)
Although primarily known for hosting basketball games, the Perth Arena, also known as the RAC Arena for sponsorship reasons, is currently home to the United Cup (previously known as the ATP Cup).
The venue opened in 2012 and has a total spectator capacity of 15,500. Fans tested this number during the 2019 Hopman Cup match between the United States and Switzerland, with a record-setting 14,064 attending.
The architectural firms based the arena’s design on the Eternity Puzzle, which features a retractable roof perfect for tennis. Beyond tennis, the Perth Arena also features an underground parking lot and five dedicated spaces for special functions and events.
Unfortunately, the venue’s grossly underestimated construction cost is closely tied to its reputation. Rather than $150 million, it cost a whopping $550 million.
Stadium | Perth Arena |
Location | Perth, Western Australia |
Capacity | 15,500 |
Tournament | United Cup |
5.) Accor Arena, Paris (15,609)
The Accor Arena, located in the heart of Paris, is known in the tennis world for hosting the Paris Masters. Like many of the stadiums on this list, it’s a multipurpose facility catering to sports and music.
From the outside, the stadium casts a distinct pyramid-like silhouette. One of its most unique design features is the grass slopes overlayed on top of concrete, giving the stadium a genuinely distinct look that resembles a grassy hill as much as a modern piece of architecture.
However, despite its organic and unassuming exterior, it’s a full-fledged stadium that can host over 15,609 spectators for tennis. Soon after opening in 1984, the stadium began hosting the Paris Masters in 1986, and organizers haven’t looked back. In 2014, work started on a renovation and wrapped up in 2015, helping to modernize the famous landmark.
Stadium | Accor Arena |
Location | Paris, France |
Capacity | 15,609 |
Tournament | Paris Masters |
4.) Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam (15,818)
The Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands is a highly versatile stadium and venue covering a massive 580,000 sq ft. It hosts the ABN AMRO Open, also known as the Rotterdam Open, and is a leading venue for concerts, conferences, and even sports like boxing and basketball.
With a rich history dating back to 1950, following World War II, the complex has evolved considerably, including several renovations and expansions that have helped the venue maintain its stature as one of the biggest in sports. It’s capable of seating 15,818 for tennis and has been the venue of choice for the Rotterdam Open since 1972.
One of the unique elements of the Rotterdam Ahoy is its dedication to sustainability. Since 2020, the stadium has been powered 100% by wind and solar energy, with 5,442 solar panels covering the complex. Meanwhile, a moss sedum roof helps retain rainwater, which is stored underground and used for tasks like cleaning floors.
Stadium | Rotterdam Ahoy |
Location | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
Capacity | 15,818 |
Tournament | Rotterdam Open |
3.) Pala Alpitour, Turin (15,657)
Taking over where the O2 Arena left off, the Pala Alpitour, otherwise known as the Inalpi Arena or Palasport Olimpico, will host the year-end ATP Tour Finals from 2021 to 2030.
When set up for tennis, the stadium can hold 15,657 spectators, making it the third-largest active tennis facility on our list.
Italy originally constructed the Pala Alpitour in 2005 to host hockey events at the 2006 Winter Olympics, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the stadium is located at Torino Olympic Park in Turn, Italy. In fact, visitors will find the country’s Olympic Stadium right around the corner.
Despite its initial emphasis on hockey, designers always intended the ultra-modern and flexible facilities design to be used for other sporting and entertainment events. So, hosting the ATP Finals there starting in 2021 was a natural fit. The event has turned out to be wildly successful at the Pala Alpitour, spurred on by the success of players like Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini, including successful Davis and Fed Cup wins.
Stadium | Pala Alpitour |
Location | Turin, Italy |
Capacity | 15,657 |
Tournament | ATP Finals |
2.) Stadium 1, Indian Wells (16,100)
Located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, Indian Wells is home to Stadium 1, the third-largest tennis stadium in the world and the second-largest explicitly built for tennis matches.
The stadium is part of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which opened in March 2000 and is the home of the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP and WTA combined event often referred to as the fifth Grand Slam.
Compared to other major tennis tournaments, the location is unique in that it’s in the middle of a desert, one of the reasons people doubted the tournament’s viability. However, thanks to the current owner, Larry Ellison, a prominent tennis fan who became the owner of the facilities and tournament, the stadium and surrounding facilities have continually seen considerable upgrades, including Stadium 2 with an 8,000-fan capacity, which has made it a favorite among the pros.
First-time visitors will also enjoy the stylish and relaxed atmosphere, which includes live music, exceptional food court selections, and a breathtaking backdrop of the desert mountains.
Stadium | Stadium 1 |
Location | Indian Wells, CA |
Capacity | 16,100 |
Tournament | BNP Paribas Open |
1.) Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York (23,771)
Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows tops my list of the largest tennis stadiums in the world, and it knows how to put on a show. With an impressive 23,771-seat capacity, the stadium is home to the US Open.
The stadium opened in 1997, replacing No. 11 on my list, Louis Armstrong Stadium, as the main venue at the tennis center. It was named after American tennis player Arthur Ashe. Ashe won the inaugural US Open in 1968, at the start of the Open Era, where professionals could compete.
Beyond its scale, the energy of a packed house at Arthur Ashe is like no other stadium in tennis, especially for night matches where the unmistakable New York crowd’s influence is part of the fun.
Initially, the stadium didn’t have a roof. However, due to the location’s unpredictable weather when the tournament is held, organizers eventually decided to install a retractable roof, which debuted in 2016. Interestingly, the roof only adds to the volume of fans cheering, further elevating the energy level in the stadium during matches.
Although Arthur Ashe Stadium’s size reigns supreme, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the sport and whether or not another event will try to outdo the US with a stadium that surpasses its capacity.
Stadium | Arthur Ashe Stadium |
Location | Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York |
Capacity | 23,771 |
Tournament | US Open |
How is capacity determined?
Several key factors determine a tennis stadium’s capacity, including seating arrangements, safety regulations, and design specifications.
First and foremost, the number of seats a stadium can accommodate is a primary factor in determining its capacity. Seating is typically arranged in tiers or levels, with premium seats, such as courtside boxes or suites, often occupying more space than general seating. Designers aim to maximize the number of seats while maintaining comfortable sightlines for all spectators, ensuring that everyone has a clear view of the court.
Many modern stadiums feature private boxes, VIP suites, and hospitality areas, adding to their overall capacity. While these areas may hold fewer people than standard seating sections, they contribute to the official capacity while offering a more luxurious experience for fans.
Building codes and safety regulations determine how many people a stadium can hold. These regulations govern things like the width of aisles, the number of exits, and the space between rows, ensuring crowds can evacuate quickly and safely in an emergency. Regulatory bodies such as fire departments and local government agencies set these standards.
Multipurpose venues, like Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium or Rotterdam Ahoy, are designed to be flexible and host various events beyond tennis, such as concerts and football games. As a result, depending on how the venue is configured, the seating capacity for tennis matches may differ from the maximum capacity used for other events.
In short, a stadium’s official capacity reflects the maximum number of people who can safely and comfortably enjoy an event, balancing design efficiency with safety standards.
Wrapping Up
Tennis is a sport of precision, skill, and drama—and the world’s largest stadiums provide the perfect backdrop for all three.
These venues, with their architectural grandeur and vibrant atmospheres, are more than mere arenas; they are homes to some of the greatest spectacles in sport. Whether it’s the history-laden grass of Wimbledon, the hard-hitting action under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, or the desert oasis of Indian Wells, each stadium contributes to the magic that makes tennis such a beloved global sport.
These giants of the game continue to shape the future of tennis, welcoming fans worldwide to witness the sport’s finest moments.
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