Who are you?
My name is Vitaly. I am a tennis amateur, who discovered and fell in love with tennis as a 30-something adult in 2014, while living in Las Vegas, by total accident. I have been playing ever since, and worked my way up from NTRP 3.0 to 4.5. I have played in USTA leagues for 8+ years and captained local USTA teams for 6+ years, both Men’s and Mixed divisions. I made 40+ mixed 9.0 nationals in Orlando, FL in 2019.

Why are you doing this?
I believe tennis should be accessible to everyone. I also think Americans don’t play well on clay because of lack of access to true red clay facilities year round. This is why this will be an indoor, climate controlled, 24/7/365 facility for everyone to enjoy and learn to play (and slide!) on real red clay.

Why red clay?
Besides a very limited number of clay facilities in the USA, and especially the Midwest? A friend of mine built a red clay court in Las Vegas, and we would spend 2 nights a week playing there. Since then, I knew that a red clay court was a dream of mine. This is the manifestation of that dream.

How can I get on the court?
We use CourtReserve software for facility management. Register, book a spot, and come play. You will get a pin to enter the facility in your reservation using the East door. If you already have an account with CourtReserve, you can use the same account, and add a new facility by searching for redclayiowa-com in the CourtReserve app.

How much will it cost?
If you are an individual, an educational institution (high school, college, club team, etc) or a group of amateur players, nothing. If you are doing this on behalf of a professional organization and/or want to book large blocks of time, let’s talk.

Can I reserve time?
Yes! We use CourtReserve software for facility management. Register, book a spot, and come play. You will get a pin to enter the facility in your reservation using the East door.

How often do you play?
I play daily. Really. I have no excuse now!

Who is your favorite player?
My all-time favorite is Roger Federer. While I play a 2-handed backhand, Roger has my heart. My second ever is Rafael Nadal – there is no match for his intensity. Of the current crop of players, I am a huge fan of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Of the “lost generation”, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, with Grigor Dimitrov. In the classic era I was a big fan of Stefan Edberg.

Is your court suitable for pickleball?
Currently, we are a tennis only facility. There are plenty of courts around for pickleball, however. Check Ames Fitness and Harvest Tennis who manage great indoor hard court/pickleball facilities.

At some point we will also have non-permanent (removable) pickleball lines for a different experience.

I get it, red clay, but why Ames, Iowa?
While I was born in Ukraine, Ames is home. I went to Iowa State University, and Ames will stay our home for a while.

Is there parking?
Yes, a 3-car attached garage is available at the facility for when the weather is not great with a 220V charging stall for your EV (J1772 and Tesla adapters), and plenty of concrete for outdoor parking as well.

How about locker rooms?
Locker room/shower/laundry, separate bathroom and an observation room with refreshments are available. Lockers are available as well if you are planning on storing some of your dedicated clay gear here.

Who is building the facility?
United Steel Erectors are building the steel shell. Prarieland Homes are providing the foundation, creature comforts, HVAC and all of GC work. Red Clay USA is providing the court surface.

Can I get more hyped?
Sure, check out the 3D plan, as well as construction updates

What’s the estimated time for completion?
We are hoping to have it complete in Spring, 2024 – and so far things look on time. The facility is complete, and is now fully playable.

What clay does it use?
We are working with the great folks at Red Clay USA. The surface is the same indoor surface as used at the WTA Porsche Open in Stuttgart, Germany for many years

Is it wet clay?
No, this is pre-treated, dry clay that does not require watering. This provides longevity, lack of moisture/mold issues, while remaining largely dust-free, slidable, and giving that true playable clay feeling

What’s the catch?
There isn’t one. As long as you are a tennis player (of any skill) interested in playing on real red clay, and don’t leave a mess behind you, you are welcome at the facility.

Do I need to sign a release/waiver form?
Yes, a (digitally) signed release/waiver form by you or your parent/guardian will be required prior to playing at the facility via the CourtReserve app. You will be asked to review and sign it during your sign up/account activation. Any visitors you bring with you even if they are only spectating will also need to sign a waiver, so sign them all up.