Staff Writer

The much-anticipated opening of the Troy Tennis Complex on Elm Street will be a reality today.

At 10 a.m., the 12-court complex will open for play, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, Troy State University Athletic director Johnny Williams and Troy City Schools Superintendent Hank Jones announced Tuesday.

For the first few weeks, the complex, which includes a pro shop, will open to the public at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Eventually, after operating procedures and staffing are finalized, it will be open from 10 a.m until 10 p.m.

"We are extremely excited about this facility and what it will mean to our tennis program, the university, the city schools and the city of Troy," Williams said. "We believe it will be the finest tennis facility in the Atlantic Sun Conference and one of the nicest in this part of the country. As a community, we have taken a bold step forward."

Construction of the facility has been a joint effort between the city of Troy, Troy State and the Troy City Schools.

Anyone wishing to use the courts can do so at no charge, but individuals are asked to check in through the pro shop before entering, said Dan Smith, director of Troy Parks and Recreation.

Smith said the facility will be a tremendous asset to the community as a whole.

"We are elated," Smith said of the courts being officially opened for play. "These will be the finest courts Troy has ever had and we are pleased about the opportunities they will make available to our community through tournaments and everyday use. The facility will greatly promote tennis in our city."