 |
| Kastles Stadium in Penn Quarter (photo Darren and Brad) |
As I watched my current tennis favorite, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, go down in the Australian Open, I was reminded that we have our own mini tennis culture here in DC. From the annual Legg Mason Classic in Rock Creek Park to the World Team Tennis Kastles that call Penn Quarter home, we are a tennis town, to a certain degree.
According to TennisDC.com, there are over 180 tennis courts in the District, 109 in Northwest alone. There are none in Mount Pleasant, though. But, right across the street, at Columbia Heights Education Campus, are two courts. The next closest courts to Mount Pleasant are the two at Marie Reed in Adams Morgan (you can get there on the 42). And then, the Banneker courts near Howard U. The Marie Reed courts are very busy during good weather weekend days. I've never checked out the Banneker courts. East Potomac Park has 23 courts if you're looking to have a better chance of snagging one; you can reserve a court in advance. And Rock Creek Park Tennis Center has 25 courts, 5 of which are heated.
Legg Mason is part of the US Open series and happens this year July 30 to August 7. The final matches are played at the Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park, at the previously mentioned tennis center. This is just up 16th from Mount Pleasant near Carter Barron Amphitheater.
The Washington Kastles are the 2009 World Team Tennis champions and count Venus and Serena Williams as team members. The Kastles joined the league in 2008 and play in a temporary court which is constructed yearly at the 11th and H NW parking lot. The 2011 season is July 5-24. I'm very curious as to where the Kastles will play after Center City DC construction is underway. It will consume the massive parking lot for years with a multi phase build out. We'll see.
Anyway, totally random post for Friday, but I'm thinking warm thoughts at the end of this very cold, wet week. Have a great weekend!
