Sports Announcer Andy Taylor | The Voice of the US Open | USOpen.org
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A Grand New Stage for the Game: Louis Armstrong Stadium
Since 2013, the United States Tennis Association spent $600 million completely transforming the Billie Jean King National Tennis center. The first renovation took place next door, where the largest venue in the sport – Arthur Ashe Stadium – received a retractable roof. There’s a new Grandstand. The grounds have been completely overhauled, and today – during US Open Fan Week – the vision for the new Louis Armstrong Stadium was finally revealed. With 14-thousand seats and its own retractable roof, the US Open’s second show court is no longer an historic shell of glory; but a modern, premiere venue for the sport.
[blockquote quote=”Alright, this is awesome. I know the players are going to be super excited. As a New Yorker and as a Queens boy, I couldn’t be prouder of this stadium.” source=” John McEnroe – 4-time US Open Champion in the original Louis Armstrong Stadium”]
A special performance from Wynton Marsalis
Andy Taylor emceed Wednesday’s dedication, featuring a performance from legendary composer and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. The celebration culminated with the new stadium’s first match: John and Patrick McEnroe vs. James Blake and Michael Chang. Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager crashed the party for a special segment on NBC’s Today Show.
The video above includes many highlights from the dedication, honoring the great “Satchmo” and all the memories created in the original Louis Armstrong Stadium.
[blockquote quote=”The USTA’s commitment to Mr. Armstrong’s name speaks to their understanding of American culture and to Louis’ enduring legacy. It also reaffirms his place in the history of Queens, of New York City and of his national status as an American ambassador of the first order.” source=” Wynton Marsalis – Trumpeter, Composer, and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center”]
The Borough embraces Satchmo’s new house
A host of local dignitaries participated in Wednesday’s dedication, including Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins. USTA President and Board Chair Katrina Adams. USTA CEO Gordon Smith. Queens borough president Melinda Katz. Oscar Cohen, a founding member of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Chief Operating Officer Danny Zausner. And Rossetti Architects president Matthew Rossetti.
Additionally, students of PS143Q Elementary School and members of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and Museum also supported the event, while Net Generation ambassadors helped lead Wynton’s band on court for the dedication’s opening performance.
Welcome to the new Louis Armstrong Stadium, a grand new stage for the game.
