5 Essential Steps To Secure Your CMU Tennis Court Reservation (Plus: The Critical 2025/2026 Closure Update)
Planning your next match at the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tennis courts? Before you grab your racquet, it is absolutely essential to check the latest facility status, as of December 21, 2025, a critical update impacts court availability. The outdoor courts at Gesling Stadium have recently undergone major renovations, and while the tentative reopening was set for early October, the facility is also subject to the annual Pittsburgh winter closure.
The CMU Athletics Department mandates that all tennis court usage—when the courts are open—requires an official online reservation. This system ensures fair access for the entire CMU community, including students, faculty, and staff, all of whom must present a valid CMU ID. Understanding the specific booking policies and the current closure status is the first step to securing your spot on the court.
Critical Update: CMU Tennis Court Renovation and Seasonal Closure 2025/2026
The CMU tennis courts, located near Gesling Stadium and the Cohon University Center, have been a major focus of CMU Athletics' broader strategy for facility improvement. This commitment to enhanced playability and durability has led to significant, though temporary, disruption to court access.
The 2025 Renovation Timeline
- Closure Date: The courts were closed for major renovations starting on May 11, 2025.
- Project Scope: The aging six-court facility was replaced with a new post-tension concrete system, designed to provide improved durability and a better playing surface.
- Tentative Reopening: The initial tentative re-opening date was set for early October 2025.
Current Status (December 2025)
Even if the renovations were completed on schedule in October, the outdoor tennis courts are subject to a predictable seasonal closure. Historically, the outdoor tennis courts are closed from December through March due to winter weather conditions in Pittsburgh.
Actionable Advice: Always check the official CMU Athletics reservation portal directly for the most current 'open' status. If the courts are available, the reservation system will be active; if they are closed for renovation or weather, the system will reflect this unavailability.
The 5-Step Guide to CMU Tennis Court Reservation (When Open)
The process for securing a tennis court reservation is straightforward but strictly enforced. Only individuals with a valid CMU ID are eligible to book a court. The system is designed to maximize access for the entire campus community.
1. Access the Official Online Reservation System
CMU utilizes an online system, often powered by DSE Recreation, for all facility bookings. You must navigate to the specific court reservation page on the Carnegie Mellon University Athletics website. This is the single source of truth for availability and booking.
2. Check Eligibility and Log In
Before proceeding, confirm you have a valid CMU ID. The reservation system requires you to log in using your Andrew ID credentials. This step verifies your status as an eligible member of the CMU community (student, faculty, or staff).
3. Understand the 3-Day Booking Window
Reservations for the tennis courts can only be made up to 3 days in advance. This short window prevents courts from being booked out weeks ahead of time, ensuring spontaneous play is still possible and keeping the schedule fluid. Plan your booking within this strict 72-hour timeframe.
4. Select Your Slot and Adhere to the One-Per-Day Rule
Browse the calendar for available time slots. While the exact duration can vary, slots are typically scheduled in hourly increments. Crucially, each person is permitted only one reservation per day. Attempting to book multiple slots under the same ID will violate the policy.
5. Confirm, Check In, and Respect the 10-Minute Rule
Once your reservation is confirmed, you must physically check in at the facility desk and scan your CMU ID upon arrival. The most important policy to remember is the 10-Minute Rule: if you do not report and check in within 10 minutes of your reserved start time, the court reservation is forfeited, and the court becomes available to any other eligible user on a first-come, first-served basis for the remainder of the hour.
Essential CMU Tennis Court Policies and Etiquette
Adhering to the facility policies ensures a positive experience for everyone utilizing the Carnegie Mellon University recreational services. These policies cover everything from eligibility to no-show penalties.
Reservation and Usage Policies
- CMU ID Required: A valid CMU ID is mandatory for both booking and checking in at the facility.
- No Fees: Usage of the tennis courts is typically included as part of the recreational services for CMU affiliates, meaning there are no additional court reservation fees.
- Forfeiture Rule: Failure to check in within the first 10 minutes of the reserved time will result in the loss of the court.
- Single Booking Limit: Only one court reservation is allowed per person, per day, to maximize access for the entire student and staff population.
Alternative Indoor Racquet Facilities
When the outdoor courts are closed (due to renovation, weather, or seasonal closure), CMU offers indoor alternatives for racquet sports enthusiasts within the Wiegand Gym area. These indoor courts also require a reservation through the same online system.
- Squash Courts: Two courts are available for squash only.
- Racquetball Courts: Two courts are available for racquetball only.
Whether you are a seasoned player or looking to join one of the CMU Tennis Club activities, always confirm the current operating status and secure your booking via the official CMU Athletics online reservation portal. Being prepared for the seasonal closures and adhering to the strict 3-day and 10-minute rules will ensure your time on the court is well spent.
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