The new Kastles Stadium at The Wharf in Southwest DC. Photo by Erik Uecke.
The rules and overall vibe of the World Team Tennis-brand of play practiced by the Washington Kastles may leave some tennis purists cold, but when it comes to securing plum locations for the team to play, even the stodgiest Wimbledon audience would have to approve.
For its first three seasons, the Kastles played their matches in a temporary stadium erected on the parking lot where the old convention center used to be downtown. It was convenient, to be sure, but more importantly it was picturesque. Surrounded on all sides by tall city buildings (well, tall by Washington standards), the location gave the experimental team tennis franchise the feel of a lively, urban, sports-themed party.
That spot was always going to be temporary, though, and now that the massive CityCenter DC development project is at last under construction, the Kastles have moved to the Southwest Waterfront. Finishing touches have yet to be put in place for the first match of the 2011 season (featuring Venus Williams against the Kansas City Explorers July 5), but the Kastles were kind enough to give us a sneak peek of what tennis along the waterfront will look like this summer.
In an effort to maximize on waterfront charm, fans will be able to wander along the upper promenade during matches without technically exiting the stadium. And earlier this week, the Kastles announced they'd be providing limited boat parking at Gangplank Marina for season ticket holders.
The new location will also allow the Kastles to keep the stadium in place continuously for at least two years, which leaves room for special events. Already on the books: A charity soccer event with Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra on July 31, and next spring, a potential partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Tickets and information on the upcoming season at Kastles Stadium at The Wharf can be found at the Kastles Web site.
New Kastles Stadium in Southwest: A Sneak Peek (Pictures)
The rules and overall vibe of the World Team Tennis-brand of play practiced by the Washington Kastles may leave some tennis purists cold, but when it comes to securing plum locations for the team to play, even the stodgiest Wimbledon audience would have to approve.
For its first three seasons, the Kastles played their matches in a temporary stadium erected on the parking lot where the old convention center used to be downtown. It was convenient, to be sure, but more importantly it was picturesque. Surrounded on all sides by tall city buildings (well, tall by Washington standards), the location gave the experimental team tennis franchise the feel of a lively, urban, sports-themed party.
That spot was always going to be temporary, though, and now that the massive CityCenter DC development project is at last under construction, the Kastles have moved to the Southwest Waterfront. Finishing touches have yet to be put in place for the first match of the 2011 season (featuring Venus Williams against the Kansas City Explorers July 5), but the Kastles were kind enough to give us a sneak peek of what tennis along the waterfront will look like this summer.
Slideshow: See pictures of the new Kastles Stadium at The Wharf
In an effort to maximize on waterfront charm, fans will be able to wander along the upper promenade during matches without technically exiting the stadium. And earlier this week, the Kastles announced they'd be providing limited boat parking at Gangplank Marina for season ticket holders.
The new location will also allow the Kastles to keep the stadium in place continuously for at least two years, which leaves room for special events. Already on the books: A charity soccer event with Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra on July 31, and next spring, a potential partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Tickets and information on the upcoming season at Kastles Stadium at The Wharf can be found at the Kastles Web site.
Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos
Editors' Picks
These Badass Bluegrass Sisters Ruled DC’s Honky-Tonk Bars
What Happened to All the People Who Left the Trump Administration?
A Heartwrenching Story About Why Teachers Are Leaving DC in Droves
Meet the Obama Appointee the Trump Administration Loves
Most Popular in News
These Badass Bluegrass Sisters Ruled DC’s Honky-Tonk Bars
An Explainer of 35X, the Terrible Airport Gate Where Donald Trump Jr. and Robert Mueller Were Both Spotted
The Media’s Failure on John Kelly
The Sex-Abuse Scandal That Devastated a Suburban Megachurch
POLL: We Gave Some DC Figures Beards. Do You Think They Look Hotter?
December 2018: The Unmaking of Mike Isabella
Related
He Represents Some of America’s Leading Athletes. His Thoughts on the Redskins, Sports Betting, and Whether Players Should Kneel.
Here Are Capitals Players’ Favorite Moments With the Stanley Cup
I Spent My Saturday Watching People Watch Soccer. And I’d Do It Again.
Wale & Friends Will Perform at DC’s New Sports Complex—And Tickets Are Only $5
More from News
What Not to Buy John Waters for Christmas, and Other Pressing Holiday Questions
Washingtonians of the Year 2018
This Is How the Danish Ambassador Gets Through Winter in DC
Meet the Septuagenarian Couple That Teaches DC How to Waltz
Washingtonian Today: You’re All Essential to Us
The Media’s Failure on John Kelly
How the Swedish Ambassador Gets Through Winter in Washington
Washingtonian Today: Bad Hair Day