Holiday Park, long considered one of Fort Lauderdale’s crown jewels, is experiencing a historic rebirth — one that blends the city’s sporting heritage with a bold, forward-looking vision for generations to come.

With a newly completed $9.5 million renovation, funded through the Orange Bowl Committee’s Legacy Program along with the support of the USTA and the city of Fort Lauderdale, the park has re-emerged as one of the premier public tennis facilities in the United States. This transformational commitment represents the largest legacy fund financial contribution in Orange Bowl history since the organization’s founding in 1935. 

This week, Holiday Park proudly welcomes the world as it becomes the new home of the Orange Bowl International Junior Tennis Championships, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in global tennis. Known simply as “the Orange Bowl,” the event has shaped the careers of countless superstars, and now — after decades in South Florida — the tournament begins a new chapter at a venue deeply intertwined with tennis greatness. 

At the heart of the celebration is the dedication of the Chris Evert Stadium Court, honoring one of the greatest champions the sport has ever produced. The court sits within the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, named for the legendary coach whose influence shaped American tennis for more than half a century. Jimmy Evert served as Fort Lauderdale’s beloved teaching professional for decades, molding thousands of players — including his daughter, Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion who grew up mastering her craft on these very courts. 

Holiday Park’s upgraded design preserves that legacy while elevating the complex to world-class standards. The renovations include resurfaced competition courts, expanded seating, improved lighting, modern locker rooms, and enhanced facilities capable of hosting international events. City officials describe it as a bridge between past and future — a place where new champions will rise on the same clay where legends were formed. 

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis delivered an emotional, inspiring speech at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the significance of community investment and the unifying power of public spaces. He spoke about Holiday Park as a place where families gather, friendships form, and generations come to play, dream, and cheer together. Trantalis highlighted how the renovation not only honors the Evert family and their unparalleled contributions to tennis, but also strengthens the city’s commitment to youth sports, inclusivity, and civic pride. 

For many, this revival is deeply personal. Among those reflecting on the park’s powerful influence was former top junior, collegiate, and professional player Bobby Blair, who attended the ceremony. “I grew up playing on these courts,” Blair recalled. “Every time I visited my grandmother on NE 6th Avenue as a kid, I came here to play. Holiday Park in many ways shaped my life in tennis and beyond. Seeing this transformation — and seeing Chris Evert’s name on this stadium court — is incredibly meaningful.”