Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14
Tiger Tennis Complex Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204
Year Opened: n/a
Capacity: 100
Towson Tennis
Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991.
Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions.
The Tiger Tennis Complex, home to the Tiger tennis team, is located behind TU Arena and adjacent to the TU Field Hockey Complex and Tiger Softball Stadium. There is only a women's tennis team at Towson.
Food & Beverage 1
There is a simple concession stand located at the nearby Tiger Softball Stadium that sells basic options such as soda, water, chips, and candy. It is a simple affair and you will want to eat elsewhere for a real meal. This will only be useful if softball is going on, and the stand is open, at the same time as a tennis event.
Atmosphere 1
This is a basic setup with a small set of bleachers and a small, covered picnic area. There is no PA or scoreboard to keep track of action.
Neighborhood 3
Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the complex. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana.
Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here.
Fans 2
There will be very few fans at most meets as the complex is behind 3 other athletic facilities and is not very well known to most fans.
Access 3
Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. The Tiger Tennis Complex is hidden behind SECU Arena and may not be easy to find. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches.
Return on Investment 4
There is no admission charge so the return on investment is quite good.
Extras 1
The only real extras are the unique location (hidden by an arena, the nearby loading dock, and two other fields).
Final Thoughts
The Tiger Tennis Complex is not a place you will normally search for an amazing sports experience, but if you happen to be in the area it is a cheap way to enjoy a game of tennis.