UC Santa Barbara's men's and women's tennis teams are back in action, but with a pretty major difference compared to years past. The California university got a substantial upgrade thanks to UCSB alumnus John Arnhold who graduated from the school in 1975 and his wife, Jody. The Gauchos kickstarted their 2022 season in style with an all-new and very impressive tennis facility.
The center boasts an 1860-square-foot team building which has a lounge and lockers room inside. All six courts are equipped with live-streaming cameras, and last but not least an amazing digital scoreboard that can be seen from both the stands and courts.
Arnhold has traveled and seen many Division 1 programs across the country and wanted the same for Santa Barbara. He believes the $5.2 million dollar venue that now holds up to 300 spectators will help with recruiting, but also hopes to see the community use the Arnhold Tennis Center as well. Arnhold believes the center can host tournaments and turn into the "focal point" of Santa Barbara tennis.
"It’s a nice place to play, and the best place in Santa Barbara to watch tennis. Nobody else has behind-court seating like this,”Arnhold told Santa Barbara newspaper, Noozhawk last week.