The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York has achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), just in time for the 2021 US Open Tennis Championships.
Taking place between 30 August and 12 September, the 2021 US Open Tennis Tournament will finally welcome back fans.
Daniel Zausner, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “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. After hosting the 2020 tournament without fans on site, this year’s US 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.
GBAC Executive Director, Patricia Olinger, added: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with many sports and entertainment facilities to help them navigate cleaning for the biorisks of today and tomorrow. 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 US Open tournament and beyond.”
