Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-04-15

Before autumn arrives a reinforced
horseshoe shaped concrete stadium
will have been erected to accommo-
date the thousands of tennis devotees
who will gather for the challenge
round of the 1928 Davis cup matches.
For a decade to come II will be the
scene, annually. of court contests In
which the leading players of the
world will compete. 1t will cost $780,
600.
A tennis stadium still is a novelty.
This West Side Club structure will be
the first permanent amphitheater
constructed in America. With the
exception OF the concrete plant built
at Wimbledon, England, last year, 1t
is the first of its type in the world of
tennis.
In some respects it resembles the
famous Yale foot ball bowl. although
upon much smaller scale. The size
of the Enclosure, approximately oval
in shape, Gin be 1l5 feet in width and
1915 feet in length. Turf SUFFICIENT to
accommodate three courts with ample
space between each one will form the
infield. Around this playing surface
two-thirds of a concrete bowl afford
ing accommodations for some $4,000
spectators. From an architectural
and engineering standpoint, the
horseshoe will provide comfort and
naturalization for the spectator never
heretofore achieved in the construc-
ton of similar tennis stands
The playing Enclosure will be sur
rounded by a wall 10 feet high, which
will provide the proper background
seats will be 8 feet above the ground.
The last or thirty-ninth, row at the
top of the structure will be 81 feet
above the ground The steps between
the rows and seats will vary from
liz inches at the bottom to 14ha
inches at the top. This gives slight
ly concave surface to the amphithea-
ter, enabling those in the rear to see
! clearly over the heads of spectators in
the lower seats. Arrangements for
leasing the priority rights to certain
sections Of the choice seats for pc
riod of years are being worked out. 1t
Is understood that first choice in such
subscriptions will be rendered mem
bers of various clubs forming the
United States Tennis Association.
East End to BE Open.
The horseshoe shaped structure will
consist of what are commonly referred
to 8 the north, south and west stands.
leaving the east end of the stadium
| open where seats would be the least
desirable, due to the rays of the after
| noon sun. At the top of the stadium
Will be promenade 4 feet wide and
| Tia feet long, which can also be used
| for standing room. Ten stairways
| with portals leading to the seats will
| provide quick and convenient access
| and egress from the stadium.
At Wimbledon but one court is pro-
vided for within the Enclosure, but a
larger playing surface was necessary
| at Forest Hills. This Is due to the
fact that a one-court turf would not
stand the severe wear and tear of a
| weeks continuous play, under Ameri-
| can weather conditions.
| Construction of the champions Zip
courts has been started. Former clay
| courts have been plowed up and a
subsurface drainage system installed
Twenty-four inches of top soil mixed
with compost has been laid over this
and carefully rolled and finished to
uniform surface. Upon this will be
placed sod to be taken from the pres
ent grass courts adjoining.