16 December 2011 | Tennis Queensland

The Queensland Tennis Centre is ready for next month’s Brisbane International following the completion of flood repairs works to Pat Rafter Arena.

Sport Minister Phil Reeves and State Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn today inspected the refurbished arena, in particular the back-of-house facilities which sustained water damage earlier this year.

“The QTC and Pat Rafter Arena are back better than ever and the venue is ready to welcome some of the world’s best tennis players to Brisbane in January, reinforcing our reputation as the events state, as well as the champions state,” Mr Reeves said.

“Just two days after Robin Soderling defeated Andy Roddick in the men’s final, flood waters inundated the venue.

“At one point, water in Pat Rafter Arena was over the umpire’s chair.  

“While the main bulk of courts and facilities reopened in February, the grass and clay courts reopened in October with work recently completed on the damaged back-of-house facilities around Pat Rafter Arena.

“There have been between 50-75 construction workers on site daily to repair this facility.

“Staff and contractors have done a great job with the restoration work and the QTC is now back and better than ever.”

The revised ground floor layout provides: 

• larger player change rooms with better facilities;
• larger gym facilities;
• dedicated media work and dining area;
• refurbished corporate dining facilities; and
• dedicated player entrance with direct access to the change rooms and Centre Court.

Mr Finn said efforts have been made with the design to address the potential damage of any future floods.

“Flood tolerant materials are being used where possible, all hydraulic fittings are commercial grade quality and can be washed down in the event of a flood and the air conditioning system has been redesigned to improve its resilience to floods,” Mr Finn said.

“It’s an exciting time for sport in Queensland. The Brisbane International continues to grow each year and I can’t wait to see the Queensland Tennis Centre brimming with people in time for another successful tournament.

“The fact that high calibre tennis stars such as Sam Stosur, Serena Williams and Andy Murray are set to touch down in Queensland for the International shows the strength of the event and its importance prior to the Australian Open.”

Tennis Queensland Chief Executive and Brisbane International Tournament Director, Cameron Pearson said the new facilities will maintain the QTC’s reputation as one of the best in Australia.

“This is a terrific facility and the new additions which have been primarily aimed at improving the amenities for players will keep it that way,” Mr Pearson said.

 “It’s been a big year for everyone in terms of the flood recovery but in terms of the BI we’re in a good position with bump in now underway, ticket sales are going well, we have some of the world’s best players signed and I can’t wait for that first serve to get the tournament underway in 2012.”