Humble Beginnings, Impressive
Growth
In 1920 when Auckland Tennis was looking
for a permanent base, the only available site was a tip
in Stanley Street. Undeterred, the local clubs raised
the-then enormous sum of 1,800 pounds to prepare the site
and build new courts.
For the next 30 years the ASB Bank
Tennis Centre in Stanley Street was home to hard-fought
local tennis matches. But in 1956 Auckland hosted its
first international tournament and has never looked
back.
Then, as now, there was no such
thing as a free lunch for spectators. By the 1960s the
shuttle bus fare from town to Stanley Street was sixpence.
Admission was five shillings for the first three days
and 7/6 for finals and semifinals - a whole tournament
for the equivalent of $4. By the 1970s, 25 cents got
you all-day parking next door at Carlaw Park.
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