Published: July 25, 2006 11:37 pm      

WWE executive funding $2.3M tennis facility

EBENSBURG — It’s Christmas in July, as the saying goes, and the gift is a brand new $2.3 million indoor-outdoor tennis center.

Santa, so to speak, is wrestling executive Vince McMahon, founder of World Wrestling Entertainment. He is paying for the facility in honor of his mother, tennis buff Vicky Askew, who lives in Ebensburg.

“Vince wanted to do this for me, and also to give something to Ebensburg,” she said Monday.

As for council members, they’re like kids opening Santa’s stocking.

No public funds will be used for construction of the center, but the borough will take it over once it’s built.

Borough Manager Dan Penatzer said he researched the market and is satisfied it will turn a profit.

“I know more about golf than tennis, but I quickly became an expert,” he said.

“From discussions and from looking into a number of similar operations in the region, I’m satisfied that the proposed fees and numbers projected are in the right range,” he said.

The ongoing operational costs are expected to include annual revenue of $343,000, and expenses of $190,000, he said.

Penatzer told council to expect about 160 members, at $150 each, and a $20.50 fee for court use.

Three outdoor courts, plus three indoor courts, a lobby, office and pro shop are planned.

It will be under roof before winter and open within seven months.

Askew, an avid tennis fan, will run the center with the help of borough recreation Director Matt Pfeil.