LATHAM, N.Y. — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced it will move its 2023 Girls Tennis Individual State Championships from Sportime to the outdoor courts of Central Park in Schenectady. The event starts this Thursday, Oct. 26, and goes through Saturday, Oct. 28.
The event schedule will now be as follows:
Thursday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – Singles – First Round
11 a.m. – Singles – Second Round / Doubles – First Round
12:30 p.m. – Doubles – First Round / Doubles – Second Round
1:30 p.m. – Doubles – Second Round
Friday, Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m. – Singles & Doubles Quarterfinals
12:00 p.m. – Singles & Doubles Semifinals / Medal Matches
Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. – Singles Championship & Medal Matches (Awards following)
11 a.m. – Doubles Championship & Medal Matches (Awards following)
“Sportime has been a great venue for our event but both our organization and Sportime have recognized the issues that have arisen due to the ongoing construction at their facility,” Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director stated.
“Our goal is to provide a quality state tournament experience for student-athletes and we feel, due to the cooperation of weather and the ample number of courts available, moving to Central Park will enhance the experience for both the student-athletes and fans who attend the event. We are appreciative of the City of Schenectady’s willingness to host us and are looking forward to working with them,” Zayas added.
Sportime experienced a major fire in April and lost the function of its entire upstairs and downstairs lobby, which served as a viewing area for spectators as well as a space for a tournament desk, trainer, and souvenir sales. Aside from the lobby, the club also planned a renovation of the courts (completed), various entrances, and new lighting in the building.
Prior to the fire, Sportime successfully hosted the NYSPHSAA Girls Tennis Championships in 2021 and 2022. This year was the final year of a three-year bid. The 2024 State Tournament will return to Sportime for the first year of a new three-year bid term.