Fresno State Athletics
Getting to the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center
Google Map Directions
Apple Pin Directions
From the North
Take State Route 99 south to the Shaw Avenue exit. Turn left on Shaw.
Travel east on Shaw to Cedar Avenue (approximately 15 miles).
Turn left on Cedar, proceed approximately 100 yards, then turn right on Scott Ave.
The parking lot (Lot G) will be on your right hand side.
From the South
Take State Route 99 north to Freeway 41 north.
Proceed to the Shaw Avenue exit and travel east on Shaw to Cedar (approximately three miles).
Turn left on Cedar, proceed approximately 100 yards, then turn right on Scott Ave.
The parking lot (Lot G) will be on your right hand side.
From the Fresno Air Terminal
Exit the airport parking lot by turning right at the signal.
Follow Clinton to Cedar Avenue.
Turn right on Cedar.
Just after crossing through Shaw Ave., turn right from Cedar Ave. onto Scott Ave.
The parking lot (Lot G) will be on your right hand side.
Parking Options
Option 1:
P26 – Yellow/Green Lot, 8-10 min walk
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Apple Pin:
Option 2:
P30 – Yellow Lot, 6-8 min walk
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Apple Pin
Option 3:
P31- Green Lot, 8-11 min walk
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Apple Pin
Option 4:
P20 -Green Lot, 11-15 min Walk
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Apple Pin
Option 5:
P24 – Yellow Lot, 8-10 min Walk
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HISTORY
Opened on Feb. 1, 1998, the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center is one of the premier tennis facilities in the western United States and has become a key fixture in the recent success of the Fresno State Tennis program.
The facility has played host to numerous NCAA events as well as the 2001 WAC Tournament. The men's team hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament in 1999 and 2000 while the women did the same in 2001, 2007, and 2008. Perhaps the Center's most memorable match came during the 1999 NCAA's, when Fresno State knocked off USC 4-1 in the second round before a throng of over 1,000 enthusiastic fans.
Beginning in the summer of 2002, the Wathen Tennis Center underwent an expansion that enhanced the look of the facility. In addition to resurfacing all 12 courts and replacing all wind screens, the grass berm and wrought-iron fencing that runs along the east side of the Center was extended to the north end of the courts. This allows spectators to comfortably enjoy viewing on all 12 courts and makes the complex the ideal location for WAC and NCAA Tournaments.
Additionally, a generous donation from the Wathen family allowed for the addition of lights during the summer of 2005. The six courts inside the stadium are now surrounded by light towers, making the facility the perfect home for night matches.
The Tennis Center was a result of a $250,000 donation from longtime Fresno State tennis supporter Spalding Wathen, an area home builder. The donation turned a good facility into a great one. Not long after receiving Wathen's donation, three new courts were constructed and six existing courts were resurfaced. A raised earthen berm was constructed alongside the six southernmost courts and an elevated viewing platform consisting of steel reinforced concrete was built between the six main courts. Approximately 400 luxury chair-back seats atop the platform face the complex's six main courts, making for easy viewing of all six courts while a dual match is in progress.
