Veltri Racquet Center is a must-see destination on the Florida Tennis Trail

Veltri Racquet Center, located in the City of Plantation, is a premier tennis facility named after former Mayor Frank Veltri, an enthusiastic tennis player. Since opening in 1981, the center has undergone three expansions and now boasts 26 clay courts and 2 hard courts.   

The center is renowned for hosting the prestigious Orange Bowl International Championships, which have been held there since 2011. The USTA moved this iconic event from Key Biscayne to Veltri in order to provide young players with more opportunities to compete on clay courts. 

In addition to the Orange Bowl, the Veltri Tennis Center also hosts other major events such as the Girls 14 & Under Clay Court Nationals in July, the ITF J100 in May, and many other state and national tournaments. These events attract players and spectators across the region, boosting economic activity and encouraging broader community involvement. The center’s ability to combine world-class events with community-focused initiatives makes it a cornerstone of the Plantation community.

The Veltri Racquet Center fosters inclusivity, health, and social connection through a comprehensive range of programs. One standout initiative is its Wheelchair Tennis Program, a hallmark of its adaptive sports offerings. This program provides free bi-monthly sessions for individuals with disabilities on the first and third Thursdays of each month. By supplying specially designed sports wheelchairs for public use—the only facility in the area to do so—the program guarantees equitable access for all participants. 

The City of Plantation helps ensure that the sport of tennis flourishes at the Veltri Racquet Center. By combining robust infrastructure support with innovative community engagement strategies, the city continues to invest in the upkeep and improvement of the center, ensuring that its courts, amenities, and accessibility remain at a world-class standard. 

The City of Plantation also actively promotes Veltri Racquet Center through targeted social media campaigns, advertising, and marketing efforts. The city enhances programming and resources through collaborations with organizations like USTA, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and Baptist Health. And, the city’s Police Department and Fire Department’s Community Outreach Division actively participate in events, fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere and strengthening community ties. 

In recognition of its exceptional contribution to tennis, Veltri Racquet Center recently won the USTA’s Outstanding Facility Award under the public courts, large tennis center category. Veltri Racquet Center's Supervisor of Racquet Sports, Dan Debruyne, accepted the award at the 2024 US Open in Flushing Meadows.

Bill Cascioli has been a long-time member at Veltri Racquet Center. Cascioli explains, “I have been a member of several tennis clubs throughout both Broward and Palm Beach Counties since moving to Florida full time in 1998. I can say without hesitation that the Veltri Racquet Center in Plantation is the best one I've been associated with since joining in 2009. The club has plenty of activities for players of all levels, including individual and group lessons. Veltri also hosts numerous USTA leagues as well as in-house six-team, 66-player men's doubles league along with terrific social events like Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day mixers.”

Ridda Domenech, another member at Veltri Racquet Center adds, “As an active USTA player for two years and captain of several ladies’ and mixed doubles teams, Veltri has been instrumental in my tennis journey. One of Veltri’s standout offerings is its diverse programming. Veltri provides ample opportunities to sharpen skills and connect with other players. Social events further enhance the sense of community, making it a welcoming space for tennis enthusiasts to come together.”

Looking ahead to an exciting calendar in 2025, Veltri plans to continue to expand its offerings with even more innovative programming. From ladies’ boot camps to junior development clinics, the center remains dedicated to fostering growth, competition, and community connections.

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Written by Matt Pressman, Editor and Publisher of Florida Tennis. Photos courtesy of City of Plantation Parks and Recreation.