The Definitive Tennis Guide to Lubbock, TX

Quick Guide for Visitors & New Residents

If you have just arrived in Lubbock and want to get on the court immediately, here is what you need to know:

• The Public Hub: Head straight to Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center. It has 12 lighted courts, a pro shop, and is the center of local tennis activity.
• Free Park Play: Try Dupree Park or Wagner Park for free, first-come, first-served outdoor park courts.
• Gear & Stringing: Got a broken string? SouthSide Sports or the Burgess-Rushing pro shop are your fastest local fixes.

Why Lubbock is Great for Tennis Travelers

Lubbock combines genuine West Texas hospitality with an impressive collegiate athletic pedigree. For the avid tennis traveler, this means you get access to high-quality, university-grade surfaces (like the US Open-style DecoTurf at Texas Tech) alongside a community that is incredibly welcoming. Local organizers and facility directors are known for personally helping visitors find hitting partners, making it remarkably easy to plug into the local scene without needing a long-term club membership.

Courts & Facilities

Public Courts

• Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center 3030 66th St The premier public facility in Lubbock. Features 12 lighted outdoor courts, 16 lighted pickleball courts, and a full pro shop. Hosts USTA leagues, clinics, and local tournaments.
  Contact: ci.lubbock.tx.us
• Dupree Park 58th St & Toledo Ave Standard park courts, first-come, first-served. Excellent for casual, free play.
• Wagner Park Flint Ave & 28th St Neighborhood park courts near the university, available for public use.

Private Clubs

• The Falls Tennis & Athletic Club 4705 112th St Lubbock's premier private racket club. Offers indoor and outdoor courts, fitness amenities, and high-level social mixers. Highly recommended if you are relocating permanently.
  Contact: thefallslubbock.com
• LakeRidge Country Club Offers indoor courts, which are perfect for avoiding the West Texas wind and heat.
  Contact: lakeridgecc.com
• Hillcrest Golf and Country Club Features 6 outdoor tennis courts along with comprehensive summer camps and lessons.
  Contact: hillcrestcc.com

University Facilities

• Don and Ethel McLeod Tennis Center Texas Tech University Features 12 professional-grade DecoTurf hardcourts. A great place to watch high-level collegiate matches.
  Contact: texastech.com
• Penny Gullo Tennis Center Lubbock Christian University Home to NCAA Division II tennis programs.

Communities & Leagues

Lubbock boasts a tight-knit and competitive tennis community:

• USTA Texas Section: Lubbock runs highly active USTA leagues year-round. It is the best way to get competitive matches against players of your exact NTRP level.
• Flex Leagues: Services like gladiatortennis.com provide flexible scheduling for recreational and intermediate players who cannot commit to rigid USTA team schedules.

Lessons & Coaching

Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an advanced game, local coaching is widely available:

• Burgess-Rushing Clinics: The city runs highly affordable adult beginner clinics and junior camps throughout the summer and fall.
• Club Pros: The Falls Tennis & Athletic Club employs high-level coaching staff (such as director Eric Huntley) available for private member instruction.
• Independent Coaches: Use directories to find vetted, independent local coaches who can meet you at public parks.

Shops & Services

Keeping your gear in shape is easy in Lubbock:

• Burgess-Rushing Pro Shop The most convenient place for stringing drop-offs if you already play there.
• SouthSide Sports 4202 50th Street A dedicated local business offering professional racquet stringing services.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors 11445 Quaker Avenue A large big-box retailer suitable for picking up balls, grips, and entry-level racquets in a pinch.
  Contact: academy.com

Local Tennis Legends

Lubbock has a rich history of tennis figures who have deeply influenced the sport across Texas:

• Jerry Franklin: Inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, Franklin was a storied West Texas coach who mentored 13 state champions and played for Lubbock Christian University’s first team.
• Emilie Burrer Foster: A Lubbock Christian University alum who became a legendary collegiate player and coach, eventually leading as the ITA Division I Coach of the Year.
• Kathy Vick: A renowned West Texas player inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame for her dedication to the sport and participation on national senior cup teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hitting partners for casual matches or rallies?

The easiest route is to visit or call the pro shop at the Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center, where staff frequently match players. You can also post in the local Lubbock Reddit community, or use platforms like globaltennisnetwork.com and the TennisPAL app.

What is the best way for short-term visitors to find hitting partners?

If you are visiting briefly, contact Gladiator Tennis flex leagues to see if any local ladders are taking substitutes, or ask the front desk at Burgess-Rushing to place your name on their visitor matching list.

How can a 7-day visitor secure court times?

For guaranteed time slots, call Burgess-Rushing to reserve a public court. If you want to play at private clubs like The Falls, contact their membership director ahead of time; many private clubs offer 7-day guest passes or honor reciprocal memberships from your home club. Alternatively, city parks are free and require no reservations.

How can I join private or group tennis lessons?

Both major facilities—Burgess-Rushing and The Falls Tennis & Athletic Club—offer year-round clinics and private lessons for all ages. You can also browse local independent coaches on mytennislessons.com or findtennislessons.com.

How can NTRP 2.0-4.0 players find matches of similar skill?

Join the local USTA Texas leagues, which are strictly organized by NTRP ratings and host matches mostly out of Burgess-Rushing. For a less formal commitment, look into local flex leagues that automatically pair you with 2.0 to 4.0 players based on your self-rating.