For now – the United States Tennis Association plans on starting the 2011 U.S. Open on schedule with Monday’s Day Session…but they’re using the word “tentatively.”
I can tell you this, being on-site at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – they’re accurate in describing minimal damage to the facility. Here in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the big screens are still intact…the great crew from Norcon Communications is working on the sound quality…and hundreds of hard-working NTC crew-members are working feverishly to ready the facility for an on-time start to the Open. Even up here in the broadcast booths, broadcasters from around the world are setting up their rooms for the first day of matches.
As of right now (4:00pm) – we’re still experiencing some strong wind gusts and heavier pockets of rain, but for the most part, Irene picked up speed and barreled up into New England shortly after Noon.
Facebook photos of the stadium today
I’ll keep you posted when I hear further updates…
