Rice Tennis Clubhouse Project (PDF) 
One of the finest facilities in the southwest, the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium gives the Owls a definite home-court advantage. Located adjacent to Autry Court, the stadium was constructed in 1970.
The stadium is named after Jake Hess, the major donor of the facility. Mr. Hess, along with his younger brother Wilbur Hess, were two of Rice's greatest tennis players. Jake was the Owls' first all-America player (1932), while Wilbur was Rice's first NCAA champion in tennis, winning the singles crown in 1935.
In addition to serving as home court for all Rice dual matches and tournaments, the stadium also was the site of the tennis competition at the 1986 U.S. Olympic Festival, the 1990 and 1994 SWC Men's and Women's Tennis Championships and the 1994 NCAA Men's and 1997 NCAA Women's regional championships. Rice also hosted the 2004 Western Athletic Conference Championships and 2006 Conference USA Championships at the stadium. The Owls are slated to host to the 2009 C-USA Women's Championships in April.
In 2002, Jake Hess Tennis Stadium experienced a face-lift as the original six courts were completely redone, additional covered bleachers and benches were added, and all new windscreens and nets were installed. Two additional courts were built during 2003, expanding Rice's abilities to host events.
The athletics department named center court of the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium for former letterman and 1950 All-America Jack A. Turpin in 2004. At Rice, Turpin teamed with Chick Harris to win the 1950 Southwest Conference doubles championships before the pair went on to earn All-America distinction. Turpin continues to be a force in the sport of tennis at Rice and throughout the state of Texas. His dedication to the sport has led to the United States Tennis Association - Texas Section honoring him with the W.T. Caswell Service Award in 1964. In 1989, Turpin also was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame.
In the first event on the newly named Jack Turpin Stadium Court, the Owls hosted the 2004 Western Athletic Conference men's and women's championships. The Rice men were triumphant, winning their first conference title since 1972. Since then, Rice has named three more courts for former Owls: Ron Fisher (Court 1), Fredrik G. Gradin (Court 2) and Alberto Carrero (Court 4).
The 1,400-seat stadium features lighted courts, covered seating for spectators and a large scoreboard behind the center court. Under the direction of Rice coaches and Rice Tennis Club director Roger White, the stadium has seen a number of renovations in recent years, including the addition of lights to allow for night play as well as a locker rooms for both the men's and women's teams in 2005. During the 2006 season, the courts were resurfaced in blue, creating a new look for the home team.
