Beren Will Be Better Than Ever

Robert M. Beren '47, M.B.A. '50, who funded the construction of the present Beren Tennis Center back in 1981, has now pledged a $3-million minimum gift to the College to build a larger, state-of-the-art outdoor tennis center on the same spot. Plans for the new facility were finalized in April. The complex (pictured left, at center) will include 18 courts (as compared to the eight courts in the present Beren Center), a two-tiered pavilion, dressing rooms, and permanent spectator seating. Men's tennis coach David R. Fish '72 calls the center "a dream come true," noting that "in 1900, Harvard had 102 courts--the largest tennis installation in the world. As we approach the year 2000, we can once again boast a complex that is a gem among all tennis centers." Fish has a lot to rave about. The recently completed Murr Center (at bottom right in the drawing, opposite the open end of Harvard Stadium)--an indoor racquets facility that also houses the athletic department offices and 16 squash courts--sports six brand-new tennis courts as well.

On deck next door to the revamped Beren Tennis Center will be Jordan Field, a much-needed artificial-turf facility. Many of the adjacent grassy fields are virtual swampland at certain times of the year. The new field, which will be built on a concrete slab pitched to shed water, will allow teams to practice and compete whatever the weather. Jordan Field will also level the playing field in another sense: Harvard teams will no longer be at a disadvantage when facing opponents well-trained on home Turf.