The Definitive Tennis Guide to Colorado Springs

Your complete guide to courts, community, lessons, and gear.

The Definitive Tennis Guide to Colorado Springs

Welcome to your complete guide for tennis in Colorado Springs. Whether you're a new resident setting down roots, a visitor looking for a match, or an avid player exploring a new city, this resource provides everything you need to navigate the local tennis scene. Find courts, connect with the community, get lessons, and gear up for your next game.

Quick Guide & FAQ

This section provides fast answers to the most common questions for new residents and visitors.

How do I find tennis partners?

The most effective methods are joining a league or attending a meetup. Springs Tennis serves as the primary organizer for public play; subscribing to their email blast provides weekly invitations to meetups where you can find partners.[1, 2] Digital platforms like the PlayYourCourt Meetup group [3] and Global Tennis Network [4] are also valuable tools for connecting with local players.

As a visitor, what's the best way to find a quick match?

For a short stay, using apps such as PlayYourCourt [3] or Global Tennis Network [4] is an efficient way to find players seeking a game. Another excellent option is to drop into a drill session at a facility that permits non-member participation, such as Life Time Fitness, which allows access with a guest pass.[5]

For a 7-day visit, what are the best court options?

You can play for free at the city’s numerous public, first-come, first-served courts. Memorial Park, with its 15 courts, and Monument Valley Park are premier locations with ample availability.[6, 7] For a premium experience that includes guaranteed court time and spectacular scenery, consider booking a court as a resort guest at The Broadmoor [8] or the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club.[9]

How can I book private or group lessons?

There are three primary avenues for instruction. First, you can contact a private club like The Broadmoor [8] or the Colorado Springs Racquet Club [10] to book lessons with their staff professionals. Second, you can hire an independent coach, such as former WTA professional Abigail Spears [11], or use a directory like FindTennisLessons.com [12] to find an instructor who will meet you at a public court. Third, platforms like PlayYourCourt [13] can match you with a local, certified coach for lessons at a convenient location.

As a beginner (2.0-4.0 NTRP), how do I connect with similar players?

Springs Tennis is the ideal resource. Their City Park Leagues [2] and USTA Leagues [1] are structured by NTRP level, ensuring you play with others of comparable skill. Their weekly Adult Meetups also group players by ability, fostering competitive and enjoyable matches.[2] Participating in their drills, like the "Beginner Plus Drill" or "Adult Tennis Drill (3.0+)", is another fantastic way to meet players at your level.[2]

Why Play Here? A Destination for the Avid Tennis Traveler

For the tennis enthusiast who travels for the love of the game, community, and unique settings, Colorado Springs offers an experience that extends far beyond the baseline.

The Altitude Advantage

Playing tennis at an elevation of over 6,000 feet presents a distinct and memorable challenge. The thinner air means the ball travels faster and with less resistance, requiring adjustments to timing, technique, and string tension. Your physical fitness is tested in new ways, adding an extra dimension to every match. The unique conditions are so notable that the Air Force Academy even hosts an "Elite Camp" specifically designed to help competitive players acclimate their game to high-altitude play.[14] This environment offers a rare opportunity to test your skills under conditions that have trained world-class athletes.

Unmatched Scenery

In Colorado Springs, the court is part of a larger, breathtaking landscape. This is not just about the game; it's about where you play it. You can serve against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the public courts in Manitou Springs [15] or engage in a rally with "breathtaking views" of the iconic red rock formations at the exclusive Garden of the Gods Resort & Club.[9] Few cities can claim such a seamless integration of world-class tennis facilities and world-famous natural beauty, making every match a visually stunning event.

A Welcoming and Organized Community

For a traveler eager to connect with local players, Colorado Springs boasts a vibrant, accessible, and well-organized tennis community. A key reason for this is the work of grassroots organizations like Springs Tennis, which make it exceptionally easy for visitors and new residents to drop into organized meetups, leagues, and social events.[2] You won't be left searching for a game or hitting against a practice wall. Instead, you'll find a city where community organizers have built a welcoming infrastructure that facilitates connections. The PlayYourCourt Meetup group further enhances this, providing another avenue to link up with local players for a friendly hit or a competitive match.[3]

The Tennis Community: Finding Your Game and Your People

The tennis scene in Colorado Springs is defined by its strong sense of community and a wide array of opportunities for social and competitive play. The city’s excellent public court infrastructure provides a foundation for a highly effective grassroots organization, Springs Tennis, to create a centralized and affordable pathway for players of all levels to get involved. This structure fosters a connected community, distinguishing it from cities that rely more heavily on fragmented or exclusive private club systems. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local tennis culture, engaging with this organization is the most critical first step.[2]

Leagues for Every Player

Whether you're looking for sanctioned USTA competition or a more casual league experience, Colorado Springs has an option for you.

Springs Tennis USTA Leagues

This program is one of the largest and most affordable USTA league operations in the city, hosting teams for nearly every NTRP level. For a flat fee of $40 per team, with no additional membership fees required, players get a full season of organized play, and new tennis balls are provided for every match. A significant advantage of this league is its scheduling; unlike many facilities, all matches for a given team start at the same time, eliminating the inconvenience of staggered start times. Matches are held at the well-lit, multi-court facilities of Memorial Park and John Venezia Park.[1] To express interest in joining a team, players can fill out a form on the Springs Tennis website.[1]

Springs Tennis City Park Leagues

For players who prefer not to have a USTA membership, the City Park Leagues offer a more relaxed yet structured competitive outlet. These leagues run for six-week sessions in the spring, summer, and fall at Memorial Park. All communication, including registration details and schedules, is managed through the organization's email blast, making it essential for interested players to subscribe.[2]

Club-Based Leagues

For those seeking a more exclusive environment, private clubs throughout the city run their own internal leagues and field USTA teams for their members. Clubs offering these programs include Life Time Fitness [5], Foothills Swim & Racquet Club [16], and the Colorado Springs Country Club.[17]

Social Play: Meetups and Finding Partners

Connecting with other players for a casual hit or a practice match is simple in Colorado Springs, thanks to both organized events and digital platforms.

Springs Tennis Adult Meetups

This is the cornerstone of social tennis in the city. Held on Friday nights from March through October, these meetups take over all 15 courts at Memorial Park, accommodating up to 60 players. An RSVP link is sent out via the weekly email blast, and players are grouped by skill level upon arrival to ensure balanced play. The first meetup is free, with subsequent events costing only $5, making it an accessible and highly effective way for a new resident to meet a large cross-section of the local tennis community.[2]

Online Player Matching Services

  • PlayYourCourt Colorado Springs Meetup: This public Meetup group has over 360 members and is a fantastic resource for connecting with other players. The platform organizes social tennis outings and allows members to find practice partners or join flexible challenge leagues through its app.[3]
  • Global Tennis Network (GTN): This website lists over 300 tennis players in the Colorado Springs area. Users can filter by skill level (NTRP or GTN rating), age, and gender to find suitable hitting partners. While the platform is robust, the level of community engagement can vary, so it is a useful but secondary tool for finding a match.[4]

Competitive Play: Local Tournaments

The tournament scene in Colorado Springs is diverse, offering everything from USTA-sanctioned events that award ranking points to large, community-focused festivals. Understanding the different types of tournaments available will help players find the right competitive fit. The system includes events at various USTA Levels (where a lower number, like Level 5, signifies a higher level of competition), community-centric events like the Rocky Mountain State Games, and UTR-verified matches.[18]

Key Annual Tournaments

  • Rocky Mountain State Games: This is a major multi-sport festival held in the summer at Memorial Park. The tennis portion is a USTA-sanctioned tournament, but it carries a fun, celebratory atmosphere that attracts players of all ages and abilities from across the region.[19]
  • The Pikes Peak Open: Hosted by the Colorado Springs Racquet Club in March, this USTA-sanctioned tournament features divisions ranging from NTRP 3.0 to the Open level, attracting a strong field of local and regional competitors.[20]
  • The Corley Cup Junior Tournament: A long-standing and prestigious junior tournament held in July at the Colorado Springs Racquet Club for players aged 12-18.[20]
  • Junior Holiday Open: Another key event on the junior calendar, this tournament takes place in late December at the Colorado Springs Racquet Club.[20]

Finding More Tournaments

For the most current and comprehensive tournament schedules, players should consult the official USTA tournament search page at playtennis.usta.com and the UTR Sports tournament page at app.utrsports.net. These platforms provide up-to-date information on registration deadlines, locations, and event levels.[18, 21, 22, 23]

The Courts: Where to Play

Colorado Springs provides a clear, two-tiered system for court access that caters to every type of tennis player. At its core is an extensive and well-maintained public park system, managed by the City and El Paso County, which offers a fantastic, free foundation for the entire tennis community. This is complemented by a strong selection of private clubs and luxury resorts that provide premium, year-round amenities, including the indoor courts essential for playing through Colorado's winters. The choice between them comes down to a player's priorities: the public courts offer unparalleled accessibility and freedom, while the private facilities provide guaranteed court time, professional services, and a host of additional amenities for a fee.

Public Tennis Courts (Free to Play)

All courts managed by the City of Colorado Springs are free to the public and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To help players plan, the city uses a flag system at major facilities (Green for Open, Red for Closed) and maintains a Court Notification System hotline at 719-385-2149 with daily recorded updates on court status, which is particularly useful during and after inclement weather.[6]

Public Tennis Courts in Colorado Springs

Park Name Address Courts Lights Practice Wall Notes
Memorial Park 1315 E Pikes Peak Ave 15 Yes Yes (Reported)[24] The hub for Springs Tennis leagues and the largest public facility.[4, 6, 7]
John Venezia Community Park 3555 Briargate Pkwy 4 Yes Unconfirmed A modern park that also features 8 dedicated pickleball courts.[6]
Monument Valley Park 170 W Cache La Poudre St 6-7 No Yes (Reported)[24] A very popular and scenic location near downtown.[7, 24, 12]
Bear Creek Regional Park 2201 Argus Blvd 8 Yes Unconfirmed Large regional park managed by El Paso County.[4, 25]
Black Forest Regional Park 4800 Shoup Road 2 No Unconfirmed Unique playing experience in a forest setting, managed by El Paso County.[26]
Cottonwood Creek Park 6740 Rangewood Dr 2 No Unconfirmed Well-used community park in the northeast.[4, 6]
Bonforte Park 2323 N Wahsatch Ave 2 Yes Unconfirmed Neighborhood park with lighted courts for evening play.[4, 6]
Boulder Park 425 N Foote Ave 2 No Unconfirmed Centrally located neighborhood courts.[4, 6]
Foothills Park 853 Allegheny Dr 2 No Unconfirmed Located on the west side of the city.[4, 6]
Portal Park 3636 Manchester St 2-4 No Unconfirmed Popular park near Garden of the Gods.[4, 6]
Middle Shooks Run Park 301 N Nevada St 2 No Unconfirmed Conveniently located near downtown.[4, 6]

A Note on Practice Walls: Finding a court with a practice wall or backboard is a common need for players looking to drill alone. While not officially listed on city websites, community members have reported that practice walls are available at Memorial Park and Monument Valley Park.[24] Players are advised to verify in person.

Private Clubs & Resorts

For players seeking a premium tennis experience, Colorado Springs offers several private clubs and resorts. Access is typically limited to members or hotel guests, but these facilities provide superior amenities, including indoor courts for winter play, professional lessons, full-service pro shops, and a guaranteed playing time.

Private Club & Resort Tennis at a Glance

Club Name Indoor Courts Outdoor Courts Guest/Visitor Policy Pro Shop & Stringing
The Broadmoor Yes (Oct-Apr) Yes Hotel guests & members only Yes
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club Yes Yes Hotel guests & member-sponsored guests only Yes
Colorado Springs Racquet Club Yes Yes Membership-based; guest policy not specified Yes
Life Time Fitness Yes Yes Membership or Day/Guest Pass required Yes
The Country Club of Colorado Yes Yes Members, hotel guests, & non-members (fee applies) Yes
Foothills Swim & Racquet Club No Yes Member-owned club; guest policy not specified No Pro Shop

Detailed Club Profiles

The Broadmoor: As a world-renowned luxury resort, The Broadmoor offers an unparalleled tennis experience. Its program is exclusive to hotel guests and members and includes private lessons with top-tier pros, match-arranging services, and complimentary round robins. The facility features both indoor (seasonal) and outdoor courts, and its high-end racquet shop provides the latest gear, demo racquets, and same-day stringing by a Master Racquet Technician. Court time and lessons are at a premium price point, reflecting the five-star environment.[8]

Garden of the Gods Resort & Club: Famous for its spectacular views of the Garden of the Gods rock formations, this resort provides a truly unique playing environment. The facility boasts four indoor and five outdoor courts, a full-service pro shop offering 24-hour turnaround on racquet stringing, and an extensive calendar of lessons and clinics for all ages and skill levels. Access is for resort guests and members, with specific hourly court rates for each. Non-members may play if sponsored by a member, subject to guest fees.[9, 27]

Colorado Springs Racquet Club: Established in 1965, this is a traditional, family-owned tennis club dedicated to the sport. It features six outdoor and four indoor courts, a swimming pool, and a full-service pro shop. The club operates on a limited membership model to ensure members have maximized access to courts and programs. It is a hub for competitive tennis, offering lessons with USPTA-certified pros and hosting major local tournaments like the Pikes Peak Open and the Corley Cup.[20, 28]

Life Time Fitness: This modern athletic country club offers a comprehensive tennis program as part of its membership. With both indoor and outdoor courts, it's a year-round destination for players. Court time is complimentary with membership, and the club offers a full range of programs, from beginner lessons to competitive junior training. Non-members can access the courts with a Day/Guest Pass, making it a flexible option for visitors.[5]

The Country Club of Colorado: Located at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, this club offers 18 courts, including indoor and outdoor options. Its programs are available to members, hotel guests, and non-members, though an additional fee applies for non-member participation in lessons and clinics. The club is staffed by experienced USPTA pros and hosts adult camps through organizations like Elevated Tennis Camps.[4, 29, 30]

Foothills Swim & Racquet Club: This is a member-owned club that fosters a strong community atmosphere. It features outdoor courts and organizes social leagues, USTA teams, and junior programs for its members. While it does not have a formal pro shop, it has a Director of Tennis on staff to manage programs and offers a ball machine for rent.[16]

Lessons & Coaching: Sharpen Your Skills

The coaching landscape in Colorado Springs is decentralized yet rich with quality, offering a diverse range of instructional options to suit any player's needs, budget, and schedule. Players can choose from high-profile independent coaches with professional tour experience, traditional lessons with club pros at private facilities, or the convenience of modern, app-based services that bring a coach to a public court. This flexibility empowers players to find the perfect fit but also means that becoming an informed consumer is key to selecting the right path for improvement.

High-Profile Independent Coaches & Platforms

For those seeking top-tier instruction or the flexibility to take lessons at public courts, these options are ideal.

Abi Spears Tennis

This is a premier coaching service run by Abigail Spears, a former top-10 WTA doubles player and the 2017 Australian Open Mixed Doubles Champion. She offers private, group, singles, and doubles lessons for all skill levels. For serious players seeking the highest level of professional insight on technique, strategy, and the mental game, learning from a Grand Slam champion is an unparalleled opportunity. She also provides online coaching and consulting services.[11, 31]

PlayYourCourt

This platform acts as a concierge service, connecting students with a local, certified coach who will meet them at a court of their choice. It is an exceptionally convenient option for players who prefer to use their neighborhood public courts. PlayYourCourt vets all its coaches, handles scheduling and payments, and offers a money-back guarantee, removing much of the friction from finding a qualified instructor.[13]

FindTennisLessons.com

This is an online directory where players can browse profiles of independent coaches available in the area. A featured instructor for Colorado Springs is Coach Al, who has over 25 years of teaching experience and offers lessons for all ages and skill levels at various public parks across the city, including Monument Valley Park and Meadow Wood Sports Complex.[32, 12]

Club Professionals

Most of the city's private clubs employ a staff of USPTA or USPTR certified professionals who offer a full range of lessons, drills, and clinics. This is an excellent and convenient option for members or guests of these facilities.

  • The Broadmoor: Offers private and semi-private lessons for adults and juniors, taught by their highly-rated staff professionals.[8]
  • Garden of the Gods Resort & Club: Provides an extensive weekly schedule of clinics tailored to different NTRP levels, in addition to private and group lessons from their team of certified pros.[27]
  • Colorado Springs Racquet Club: Lessons are available year-round from their team of three respected USPTA pros: Bill Davis, Eric Rivera, and Hans Carlson.[10]
  • The Country Club of Colorado: Features a team of experienced USPTA pros available for individual and group lessons for both adults and juniors.[29]
  • Life Time Fitness: Offers a wide range of lessons and drills as part of its comprehensive tennis program, led by USPTA and PTR-certified instructors.[5]

Tennis Camps & Academies

For a more intensive learning experience, players can enroll in camps and academies held throughout the year.

For Juniors:

  • Air Force Academy Sports Camps: These are among the most popular summer camps in the region, offering sessions for players aged 8-18. The camps are led by the AFA's Division I men's and women's coaching staff and provide options for both commuters and overnight boarders. The sessions fill up extremely quickly, so early registration is essential.[33] The Academy also hosts an "Elite Camp" specifically for advanced, tournament-level junior players.[14]
  • Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps at Colorado College: This sought-after summer day camp is for players aged 7-18 and offers both full-day and half-day options. It is known for its small instructional groups, which ensure personalized attention, and its fun, high-energy atmosphere.[34]
  • Colorado Springs Racquet Club Junior Camps: These summer camps are directed by USPTA pro Hans Carlson and are open to both members and non-members aged 8-16. The curriculum emphasizes technique, match-play strategy, and fitness.[35]

For Adults:

  • Elevated Tennis Camps: This organization hosts adult tennis camps at The Country Club of Colorado. These camps are designed for players of all levels and focus on improving stroke technique and doubles strategy through fast-paced, exciting drills, all set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.[30]

Shops & Services: Gear Up

Whether you need a new racquet, fresh strings, or the latest apparel, Colorado Springs has a variety of options. The city's retail landscape for tennis is characterized by a split between specialized, expert service found at club pro shops and general availability at large retail chains. For players seeking professional advice, high-performance gear, and expert racquet stringing, the pro shops are the premier destination. Many of these shops offer their retail and stringing services to the general public, not just members. For more basic needs like tennis balls or general athletic apparel, the big-box stores provide convenient options.

Racquet Stringing Services

A fresh set of strings from a knowledgeable technician can significantly impact performance and help prevent injury. Most professional stringers in the city offer a turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours.

Racquet Stringing Services in Colorado Springs

Provider Type Labor Cost (Own String) Turnaround Contact
Garden of the Gods Resort Pro Shop Pro Shop Not specified 24 hours (719) 329-4012[9]
The Broadmoor Racquet Shop Pro Shop Not specified Same-day available (719) 577-5847[8]
Colorado Springs Racquet Club Pro Shop Pro Shop Not specified Not specified (719) 596-2958[36]
GWS Tennis Independent $30 Next Day (970) 379-7060[37]
DICK'S Sporting Goods Retail Store Not specified Not specified (719) 264-1810[38]

Note: For players seeking a wide variety of string types and expert consultation, it is worth noting the detailed service menus of specialized shops in nearby Denver, such as Gates Tennis Center[39] and Pearson Automotive Tennis Club[40], which offer extensive lists of polyester, multifilament, and natural gut strings from brands like Luxilon, Solinco, and Head.

Pro Shops & Retail Stores

Club Pro Shops

These are the best destinations for expert advice, demoing high-performance racquets, and finding specialized tennis gear.

  • Colorado Springs Racquet Club Pro Shop: A full-service shop that carries a curated selection of Yonex, Wilson, and Babolat racquets, shoes, and strings.[36]
  • Garden of the Gods Resort Pro Shop: A high-end shop featuring leading-edge equipment, premium tennis fashion, and accessories.[9]

General Sporting Goods Stores

These stores are reliable sources for tennis balls, basic apparel, and entry-level to intermediate racquets.

  • DICK'S Sporting Goods: With two locations in Colorado Springs (Chapel Hills Mall and First & Main Town Center), this retailer offers a broad assortment of tennis gear and also provides racquet stringing services.[38]
  • Sportsman's Warehouse: While primarily focused on hunting, fishing, and camping, this store carries a wide range of general outdoor and athletic apparel that may be suitable for on-court wear. Its tennis-specific selection is likely to be limited.[41]

Online Retailers

For the most exhaustive selection available, online retailers are an excellent choice.

  • Tennis Warehouse: As a major national online retailer, Tennis Warehouse offers a vast inventory of racquets, strings, shoes, bags, and apparel from every major brand. They are known for competitive pricing, a comprehensive racquet demo program, and in-depth product reviews.[42]

The Local Scene: Players & Prestige

The identity of tennis in Colorado Springs is shaped by its standout players, dominant high school programs, and a rich history of excellence recognized by state and regional awards.

A defining feature of the local junior tennis landscape is the historical and ongoing dominance of Cheyenne Mountain High School. This program stands as a true dynasty in Colorado high school sports. The boys' tennis team has secured an incredible 19 state championships, while the girls' team has amassed an even more impressive 25 state titles.[43] This sustained success, spanning decades, points to a deeply embedded tennis culture within that community, likely supported by strong feeder programs at the middle school and local club levels. The program consistently produces all-state players and remains a top contender for the state title year after year, making it a central pillar of competitive tennis in the city.[44]

Notable Players with Colorado Springs Ties

The city has been home to and shaped by numerous high-level players and influential figures in the sport.

  • Abigail Spears: A former top-10 ranked WTA doubles player and the 2017 Australian Open Mixed Doubles Champion, Spears now resides in Colorado Springs, where she runs her own high-performance coaching business, offering her professional tour experience to the next generation of players.[11, 31, 45]
  • Victoria Palmer Heinicke: A former touring professional who was once ranked in the top 10 in the U.S., Heinicke became a fixture in the Colorado Springs teaching and coaching scene following her retirement. Her contributions to the sport were recognized with an induction into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.[46]
  • Don Willsie: Known as the "mainstay of tennis umpiring in southern Colorado," Willsie was a critical figure in organizing and officiating local tournaments for many years. His dedication to maintaining a high standard of play earned him an induction into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.[46]
  • Nicole Leimbach: A graduate of Pine Creek High School, Leimbach was one of the most dominant junior players in Colorado history. She won four consecutive No. 1 singles high school state titles (2001-2004), achieved a No. 1 national ranking in juniors, and was inducted into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame for her accomplishments.[46]

High School Tennis Powerhouses

  • Cheyenne Mountain High School (CMHS): As one of the most decorated high school tennis programs in Colorado history, CMHS is a perennial powerhouse. The school consistently produces top-level talent and competes for state championships annually.[43, 44]
  • Other Notable Programs & Players: Other local high schools also contribute to the city's vibrant competitive scene, including Rampart High School, Pine Creek High School, Doherty High School, and The Vanguard School. Current standings and lists of standout players can be followed on platforms like MaxPreps and CHSAANow.com.[44, 47, 48]

Rankings and Recognition

For those looking to track the competitive landscape and honor the sport's local heroes, these resources are invaluable.

  • UTR Sports: The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system provides a dynamic and accurate measure of skill for players worldwide. The UTR Sports website (app.utrsports.net) features regularly updated rankings for local men, women, boys, and girls in Colorado Springs, offering a clear picture of the current competitive hierarchy.[49, 50, 51, 52]
  • Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame: This is the highest honor for individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport in the state. While the physical display is located at the Gates Tennis Center in Denver, the list of inductees includes many figures with strong ties to the Colorado Springs community, celebrating the city's rich tennis history.[46]
  • USTA Colorado Annual Awards: Each year, the USTA's Colorado district recognizes outstanding players, dedicated volunteers, and impactful organizations from across the state. Monitoring these awards is a great way to see which individuals and programs from Colorado Springs are making a difference in the statewide tennis community.[53, 54]