PURCHASE, N.Y., June 24, 2026 – The Eastern Section of the United States Tennis Association (USTA Eastern) is excited to announce that the newly-renovated tennis courts in Schenectady’s Central Park will serve as the home of the USTA Eastern Adult League Sectional Championships in 2026. The championships are the largest organized adult team tennis competition in the state and will attract roughly 2,000 players to the park over five weekends throughout June, August and September. The first USTA Eastern sectional matches begin this Friday, June 26 following a brief ceremony celebrating the upgraded courts at 9:30 a.m. All matches are free for spectators.
“For more than two decades, the residents of Schenectady have warmly welcomed the New York and New Jersey tennis community, and we are beyond grateful for the generosity and hospitality,” said USTA Eastern Executive Director and CEO Amber Marino. “We are thrilled to once again bring our biggest event back to the city, as well as celebrate the world-class transformation of the tennis courts in Central Park.”
The tournament is just one example of the longstanding collaboration between the section and the city of Schenectady to grow tennis in the community. USTA Eastern and the National USTA collectively provided $1 million in grant funding to help make the recent court reconstruction project a reality. Due in part to that investment, the city added an additional court and upgraded all courts with post-tension concrete, which will keep them more durable long-term. The section has also offered grants and support to local tennis organizations like 15-LOVE and will work with 518 Social Tennis to increase the amount of programming and instructional offerings to residents.
“For more than 20 years, USTA Eastern has been a valued partner and an important part of Schenectady’s summer tradition,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “The transformation of the Central Park tennis courts represents a significant investment in our community that will serve residents for years to come while continuing to attract major events. We are proud to welcome these athletes and their families back to Schenectady.”
To commemorate the 2026 USTA Eastern Adult League Sectional Championships in Schenectady, USTA Eastern will provide complimentary co-branded cooler bags to attendees while supplies last. Featuring both USTA Eastern and City of Schenectady logos, the bags offer a convenient way for players and spectators to keep items cool throughout the tournament weekends and reflect the strong partnership between the section and the city.
Additionally, USTA Eastern has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Discover Schenectady, Schenectady County’s designated tourism promotion agency. Over the years the two organizations have worked closely together to bring more value to a number of tennis-related events and initiatives.
“These championships are a tremendous asset for Schenectady County, generating economic activity for our local businesses while showcasing the quality of life and amenities that make this community a great place to visit,” said Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature Gary Hughes. “We appreciate USTA Eastern’s continued commitment to Schenectady and look forward to another successful season of competition at Central Park.”
“Discover Schenectady is thrilled to welcome back USTA Eastern for their Sectional Championships at Central Park this summer,” said President of Discover Schenectady Elissa Fornasiero. “These tournaments have a significant positive economic impact of nearly $2 million to Schenectady County with athletes, USTA staff and fans staying at our local hotels and visiting local restaurants and shops. We greatly value our partnership with the USTA Eastern leadership team and staff and thank them for their continued investment in Schenectady County.”
USTA Eastern Sectional Championship matches will be held at Central Park in multiple divisions on the following dates:
● June 26-28, 2026 (Tri-Level and 55 & Over Mixed Doubles)
● August 7-9, 2026 (18 & Over Women and 40 & Over Men)
● August 14-16, 2026 (18 & Over Men and 40 & Over Women)
● September 18-20, 2026 (55 & Over Men and Women)
● September 25-27, 2026 (65 & Over Men and Women and 40 & Over Mixed Doubles)
Champions in each division advance to this fall’s 2026 USTA League National Championships, where they will compete against opponents from the 16 other geographic sections of the USTA. In 2025, two teams representing USTA Eastern claimed a national title and three others finished as finalists.
Learn more about the USTA Eastern Adult League program
About USTA Eastern
The USTA Eastern Section, currently based in Purchase, N.Y., is a not-for-profit community service organization whose mission is to grow tennis to inspire healthier people and communities. It is one of 17 geographic sections of the United States Tennis Association, the governing body of tennis in the United States, and supports more than 31,000 members. The section encompasses all of New York State, northern New Jersey and Greenwich, Connecticut. The section believes there is a place in the game for everyone, and its staff works to incorporate programs and initiatives that attract new and diverse audiences. The section also establishes and maintains rules of fair play, high standards of sportsmanship and represents, in its jurisdiction, the programs and policies of the USTA.
About Discover Schenectady
Discover Schenectady is a non-profit organization responsible for promoting travel, tourism, conference and convention assets and opportunities throughout Schenectady County. Discover Schenectady inspires visitors to experience and enjoy all that Schenectady County has to offer, from its vibrant communities with dining, entertainment and shopping to its gorgeous waterfront and outdoor activities. For more ways to Discover Schenectady County all year long, visit www.discoverschenectady.com
For more information, contact: Monica LaMura, Director, Marketing & Communications, USTA Eastern; lamura@eastern.usta.com