The Ultimate Guide to Tennis in Las Cruces

Welcome to Las Cruces! If you want to grab your racquet and go, here is the essential info:

• Best Public Courts: Lions Park (12 lighted hard courts).
• Meet Players: Connect with the Las Cruces Tennis Players Association (LCTPA).
• Emergency Stringing: DICK'S Sporting Goods on E Lohman Ave.
• Weather Tip: Las Cruces gets hot! Play early morning or under the lights.

Q: How can I find local hitting partners for matches or casual rallies?

A: The best way is to reach out to the Las Cruces Tennis Players Association (LCTPA). They organize weekly scrambles and social events. Connect with them at facebook.com. For competitive matches, joining a USTA league via usta.com is recommended.

Q: Where should a 7-day visitor go to get guaranteed court time?

A: Head straight to Lions Park (701 W. Picacho Ave). With 12 lighted courts, it has the highest availability. Check the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation site at lascruces.gov for any specific park regulations.

Q: How do I join private or group tennis lessons?

A: For group clinics and beginner programs like "Tennis 123", check the LCTPA. For private lessons, Picacho Hills Country Club offers professional instruction (call 575-523-8641). You can also find independent local coaches through sites like findtennislessons.com.

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

A: The LCTPA is welcoming to the 2.0-4.0 crowd. Additionally, reaching out to the local USTA coordinator for Southern New Mexico (Jerry Pippins at Pippins@southwest.usta.com) can place you on a USTA league team appropriate for your rating.

For the avid tennis traveler, Las Cruces offers a fantastic blend of high-desert scenery, year-round sunshine, and a very welcoming community. Because the city isn't overwhelmingly large, the tennis scene is centralized and highly social.

The local community organizers—especially those running the LCTPA—are known for inviting visitors into their weekly scrambles. You get to meet wonderful locals, enjoy playing under the striking views of the Organ Mountains, and take advantage of free, high-quality public courts.

Lions Park

• Address: 701 W. Picacho Ave
• Details: 12 outdoor hard courts, lighted.
• Access: The main hub for community tennis and LCTPA events.

Apodaca Park

• Address: 801 E. Madrid Ave
• Details: Outdoor hard courts (also features pickleball courts).

Frenger Park

• Address: 800 Parkview Dr
• Details: Outdoor hard courts.

NM State Tennis Center

• Address: 1815 Wells St (NMSU Campus)
• Details: High-quality post-tension concrete courts and a clubhouse.
• Access: Collegiate facility, but hosts regional USTA tournaments and summer camps. Visit nmstatesports.com.

Las Cruces Tennis Players Association (LCTPA)

This non-profit group is the lifeblood of Las Cruces tennis. They run social scrambles, beginner clinics, and kids' programs. Find their event schedules at facebook.com.

USTA Southern New Mexico

For organized league play, Las Cruces falls under this district. If you want to join a team, contact the local league coordinator at Pippins@southwest.usta.com or visit usta.com.

• Picacho Hills Country Club: Offers access to a resident tennis professional for private and semi-private instruction. They serve members and often accommodate non-members. Call 575-523-8641 to inquire.
• Community Clinics: The LCTPA often runs "Tennis 123" clinics for adults looking to learn the game or shake off the rust.
• Independent Coaches: Browse background-checked local coaches for private lessons via teachme.to or findtennislessons.com.

While Las Cruces does not have a massive standalone tennis specialty shop, your best bet for immediate gear and services is:

• DICK'S Sporting Goods: Features "Racquet PROS" certified in racquet stringing and grip replacement. They carry standard racquets, balls, shoes, and apparel. Find store details at dickssportinggoods.com.
• Big 5 Sporting Goods & Walmart: Good for picking up last-minute cans of tennis balls or recreational starter racquets. big5sportinggoods.com and walmart.com.

Pro Tip: Many serious local league players purchase customized gear from major online retailers or travel to neighboring El Paso for specialized pro shops.