Pensacola is known for its white sand and fighter jets, but if you're a tennis player, the real action is usually happening at 2130 Summit Boulevard. Honestly, finding a public facility that doesn't feel like a neglected park can be a struggle. Most municipal spots have cracked asphalt and nets that look like they’ve survived a few too many hurricanes. Roger Scott Tennis Center isn't that place.
It’s big. Like, really big.
With 28 courts total, it holds the title of the largest tennis facility in Northwest Florida. You've got options here that you just don't see at your average city-run park. We’re talking 18 hard courts and 10 clay courts, all of them lighted. If you’ve ever tried to play on clay in the middle of a Florida summer, you know it’s a game-changer for your knees and your hydration levels.
What Makes Roger Scott Tennis Center Different?
Most people think "public" means "average." Roger Scott flips that. In fact, it was named the "National Municipal Facility of the Year" by Tennis Industry magazine and has been a USTA Florida Member Organization of the Year multiple times.
The variety of surfaces is a huge draw. The 10 rubico-clay courts (often called hydro-courts) are maintained daily. These aren't just patches of dirt; they are professional-grade surfaces that stay moist from underneath, keeping the dust down and the bounce consistent. If you prefer the speed of a hard court, the 18 cushioned hard courts provide a more traditional, faster game.
It isn't just about the courts, though. The facility serves as a hub for the community. You'll find everyone from local legends who have been playing there for forty years to kids barely taller than their racquets.
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Professional Tournaments and Local Prestige
One thing that surprises people is the level of play you might see on any given Tuesday. This isn't just for casual rallies. The center regularly hosts the Pensacola Pro Tennis Championship, a USTA Men’s $25,000 Futures event.
Watching professional-level athletes navigate the clay at Roger Scott is a trip. You’re seeing the next generation of ATP stars in a setting where you can basically reach out and touch the fence. In 2025 and moving into 2026, the tournament schedule remains packed, including the massive Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament which draws hundreds of players for a cause that the local Pensacola community rallies behind every April.
Programs for People Who Actually Want to Get Better
Let’s be real: tennis is hard. If you didn't grow up playing, jumping into a match can be intimidating. Roger Scott has a pretty robust "Love to Learn" program. It's specifically designed for adults who have never picked up a racquet or maybe haven't played since high school.
They don't just throw you out there. The pros, led by people like Director of Tennis Bruce Caton and Junior Director Michael Edge, actually break down the mechanics.
- Adult Clinics: These happen throughout the week. Men’s clinics are typically Tuesday nights, while women’s clinics run on Mondays and Saturdays.
- Junior Programs: They use the "Red Ball, Orange Ball, Green Ball" system. It scales the court size and ball pressure to the kid's age. It works.
- Quads: This is a local favorite. It’s a six-week ladder system where you move up or down based on your wins and losses. It’s competitive but social.
The junior program is particularly massive. During the summer, the "Racquet Round Up" reaches over 500 kids. It’s one of the largest free tennis clinics in the country. It’s part of a broader mission by Tennis-4-Everyone, a non-profit that works out of the center to bring the sport to kids who might not otherwise have access to it.
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The Cost: Is it Actually Public?
Yes, but it’s not "free" like a neighborhood park. There's a fee, which is how they keep the courts from falling apart.
For a 1.5-hour block, you’re looking at about $8 for a hard court and $12 for a clay court. If you’re under 18, it’s a bit cheaper. If you plan on playing three or four times a week, the memberships are the way to go. Members get the perk of booking courts 48 hours in advance, which is crucial because the clay courts fill up fast, especially during the "Under the Hill" league seasons or USTA league play.
Interestingly, they even sell beer, wine, and canned cocktails at the front desk. It’s a very "Pensacola" vibe—serious about the sport, but also serious about enjoying the afternoon.
Navigating the Facility and Pro Shop
The Get A Grip Pro Shop on-site is actually useful. It’s not just a shelf with three cans of balls. They do professional restringing, usually with a pretty quick turnaround. If you’ve popped a string in the middle of a tournament, that's a lifesaver.
They carry brands like Wilson, Head, and Babolat. You can demo racquets too. This is something people often overlook—don't buy a $250 racquet online without hitting with it first. Spend the few bucks to demo a couple of frames on Court 1 and see what actually feels right for your swing.
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Location and Logistics
It’s located right near the Pensacola International Airport. 2200A Summit Blvd.
If you're visiting from out of town, it's about a 15-minute drive from downtown and maybe 20 minutes from the beach, depending on the bridge traffic.
Operating Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Keep in mind that Florida weather is... Florida weather. If a squall blows through, those clay courts will be closed for a while to drain. The hard courts dry faster, but the staff is pretty strict about court safety. You can always call the front desk at 850-912-4103 to check court status before you drive over.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you're thinking about heading over to Roger Scott, don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Call Ahead: Even though it's public, leagues dominate the schedule. If you aren't a member, you can't reserve in advance, but you can call to see if there's an open window.
- Try the Clay: If you’ve only ever played on hard courts, pay the extra few dollars for the clay. It’s a different game—slower, more tactical, and way easier on your joints.
- Check the Clinic Schedule: If you don't have a partner, the Saturday morning clinics are the best way to meet people at your skill level.
- Bring Water: Yes, they have vending machines and water on the courts, but the Florida humidity is no joke. Bring a gallon. You'll need it.
- Watch a Match: If there's a USTA tournament or the Futures event going on, go watch. It’s free to spectate, and the level of play is inspiring.
The Roger Scott Tennis Center is a rare beast: a government-owned facility that actually operates like a high-end private club. Whether you're looking for a serious USTA league or just want to hit some balls on a Saturday morning, it's the heartbeat of the tennis community in the Florida Panhandle.