7 Shocking Facts About The Milstein Family Tennis Center: Columbia’s $20M Vertical Masterpiece

The Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center is not just a sports venue; it is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced collegiate athletic facilities in the United States, officially opening its doors in February 2023. Located at Columbia University’s Baker Athletics Complex on the northern tip of Manhattan, this state-of-the-art structure has completely redefined the landscape for Ivy League and NCAA tennis, replacing an aging air-supported bubble with a permanent, climate-conscious, and architecturally stunning vertical design. The facility's construction and recent opening have cemented Columbia's commitment to its "fitness for all" motto and provided the men's and women's varsity tennis teams with a world-class home court. As of late 2025, the center continues to draw attention not only for its elite athletic capabilities but also for its pioneering approach to urban design and environmental resilience, ensuring the Milstein legacy serves the Columbia community for decades to come.

The Milstein Family: A Legacy of Philanthropy at Columbia University

The extraordinary facility is named in honor of Philip and Cheryl Milstein, whose family has a profound and long-standing tradition of philanthropic support for Columbia University. The dedication of the tennis center is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and the broader university community.

• Philip Milstein (Columbia College, Class of 1971): Philip Milstein is a distinguished alumnus of Columbia College. His deep connection to the university and his family's multi-generational history of giving have made them pivotal figures in Columbia's development.
• Cheryl Milstein (Barnard College): Cheryl Milstein is also closely tied to the university, having attended Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia. They are often described as a quintessential Barnard/Columbia couple, underscoring their shared commitment to the institutions.
• Major Philanthropic Contributions: The Milsteins' generosity extends far beyond athletics. They have made significant gifts, including a notable $20 million donation through their family foundation to support the construction of Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC)'s new medical and graduate education building.
• Family Tradition: Their philanthropy is part of a broader family tradition. The Milsteins have four children, further cementing their legacy and connection to the future of the university.
• The Tennis Center's Impact: The donation for the tennis center is seen as a continuation of their desire to support the advancement of all aspects of the university, from medicine to world-class collegiate athletics.

A Deep Dive into the State-of-the-Art Milstein Family Tennis Center Facilities

The Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center is a marvel of modern athletic architecture and engineering, designed by the renowned firm Perkins & Will. Its purpose was to provide a permanent, year-round, and superior training and competition environment for the Columbia Lions men's and women's varsity tennis teams, a significant upgrade from the previous temporary air-supported structure.

1. The Innovative 12-Court Configuration

The facility boasts a total of 12 world-class tennis courts. This includes six indoor courts and six outdoor courts, offering maximum flexibility for training, competition, and public use regardless of the weather. The courts are strategically stacked in a vertical design, a necessity given the dense urban setting of the Baker Athletics Complex on the northernmost tip of Manhattan.

2. Pioneering Environmental Resilience and Flood Management

Perhaps the most unique and critical feature of the Milstein Center is its climate-conscious architecture and environmental resilience. Given its location near the water and the challenges of urban flooding, the design incorporates specific features to mitigate risk. The building is engineered to allow flood water to flow through the ground level without compromising the mechanical systems and other vital operations, which are strategically protected and elevated. This site-sensitive design sets a new standard for urban athletic facilities.

3. Advanced Daylighting Technology for Optimal Play

Daylighting was a central design driver for the architects. The facility utilizes advanced daylighting technology to maximize natural light on the indoor courts. This feature is crucial as it enhances visibility and comfort for players, reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, and significantly improves energy efficiency, aligning with modern high-performance building solutions.

4. Eliminating the "Bubble" Era

The new center effectively eliminated the need for the large, seasonal air-supported structure—or "bubble"—that previously housed the indoor courts. The permanent, climate-controlled, and acoustically superior structure provides a consistent, high-quality playing experience year-round, a major benefit for both the Ivy League and NCAA competition schedule.

The Milstein Center's Impact on Columbia Athletics and the Community

The opening of the Milstein Family Tennis Center has had an immediate and profound impact on Columbia's athletic programs and its engagement with the local community, demonstrating the university's motto of "fitness for all."

5. Hosting Elite Collegiate Competition

The center became the official home court for the Columbia Lions men's and women's varsity teams immediately upon opening. The first official matches were held in early 2023, with the Women's Tennis team hosting Hofstra on February 19, 2023, and the Men's Tennis team hosting Northwestern on March 3, 2023. The new facilities are instrumental in recruiting top-tier talent and hosting high-level Ivy League and NCAA tournaments.

6. Open for Public Play and Community Engagement

While serving as the home for Columbia Athletics, the center is also accessible to the public. This dual-purpose role ensures the facility benefits the wider community in New York City, offering a premier venue for local tennis enthusiasts. The center is managed in part by USTA Tennis Venue Services, highlighting its professional-grade standards.

7. A Model for Urban Athletic Development

The Milstein Family Tennis Center is frequently cited as one of the most innovative collegiate athletic facilities in the country. Its success in integrating a large-scale sports venue with site-sensitive design, environmental resilience, and high-performance building solutions in a dense urban setting provides a template for future university and municipal athletic projects globally. It stands as a powerful symbol of how modern architecture can meet the needs of elite sport while prioritizing sustainability and community access.

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