Beating the Texas Heat: Indoor & Night Tennis in Fort Worth
Last updated: January 2026
From June to September, Fort Worth becomes a furnace. With temperatures routinely hitting 105°F, playing at noon is not just uncomfortable—it is dangerous. Unlike northern cities, public indoor courts are rare in Texas. However, Fort Worth has two distinct sanctuaries where you can escape the sun, plus a vibrant night tennis culture.
1. TCU Bayard H. Friedman (The Premium Option)
We mentioned the TCU courts in our Public Courts Guide, but their 5 Indoor Courts deserve their own spotlight. These are collegiate-level facilities.
- The Experience: Climate-controlled, perfect lighting, and zero wind. It is the best tennis experience in the city.
- The Cost: It is pricey. Indoor reservations for the public are roughly $40 per 1.5 hours. You are paying for the AC bill.
- Booking: You must call the pro shop to reserve. Priority is given to the varsity team and clinics, so availability is tightest during the school year afternoons.
2. McLeland Tennis Center (The Hidden Gem)
Here is the secret most casual players miss: McLeland Tennis Center has 2 Indoor Courts. They are less famous than TCU's purple courts, but they are significantly more accessible.
- Why It Wins: It is a public municipal facility. The vibe is less "country club" and more "community center," but the AC works just as well.
- Availability: With only two courts, these book up fast. If you want a Saturday morning indoor slot in July, you need to book it the moment reservations open.
3. The "Night Shift" Strategy
If you don't want to pay indoor premiums, do what the locals do: Play at 8:00 PM.
McLeland Tennis Center recently upgraded their LED lighting system. The courts are tournament-bright until 10:00 PM. The temperature drops from 100°F to a manageable 85°F, and the wind usually dies down. This is prime time for the "working professional" crowd.
The other alternative is the "Dawn Patrol." Courts at neighborhood parks like Monticello or Rockwood are playable at sunrise. By 9:30 AM, the heat is already setting in. If you aren't off the court by 10 AM, you're toast.
4. Comparison Table
| Facility | Type | Est. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCU Friedman | 5 Indoor Courts | $$$$ ($40+) | Luxury / Match Play |
| McLeland | 2 Indoor Courts | $$ (Moderate) | Value / Practice |
| McLeland (Outdoor) | Lighted Night Play | $ (Low) | Evening Leagues |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free indoor tennis courts in Fort Worth?
No. Due to the high cost of air conditioning large facilities in Texas, there are no free public indoor courts. Both TCU and McLeland charge reservation fees for indoor usage.
How late do the lights stay on at Fort Worth public courts?
At staffed facilities like McLeland, lights typically stay on until 10:00 PM during the week. At neighborhood parks like Rockwood, lights are often on timers that shut off automatically around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
Does Richland Tennis Center have indoor courts?
No. While Richland Tennis Center (in North Richland Hills) is a top-tier facility with a "sunken" championship court, all of its courts are outdoor. It does not have climate-controlled indoor courts.
Train in the Shade
Don't let the summer heat kill your momentum. Golden Racket Academy coaches have access to indoor facilities and know the best shaded spots for early morning lessons. We keep you training year-round.