Grandstand Stadium at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during 2019 US Open match in New York

Just in time for the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. Taking place August 30 to September 12, the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament will welcome back fans.

“Under the guidance of GBAC, we have implemented the most stringent protocols to welcome back athletes, coaches, employees, and our incredible fans back to our stadiums with peace of mind,” says USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Chief Operating Officer Daniel Zausner. “After hosting the 2020 tournament without fans on site, this year’s U.S. Open will be an unforgettable celebration and we look forward to opening our doors.”

As a GBAC STAR accredited facility, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center follows the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices to combat biohazards and infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The performance-based program was established by biorisk management experts to raise the standard for cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention in facilities of all types and sizes.

As one of the world’s largest public tennis facilities, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has 34 courts within its 46.5 acres and 12 additional courts in a nearby adjoining park. Within the complex are three stadiums, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has capacity for 23,771 attendees. In 2019, the tournament was attended by over 730,000 people.

“We’ve had the pleasure of working with many sports and entertainment facilities to help them navigate cleaning for today’s and tomorrow’s biorisks,” says GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is committed to upholding our 20-step program, ensuring cleanliness will remain at the forefront during this year’s U.S. Open tournament and beyond.”