The City of Long Beach renewed the lease for the Long Beach Tennis Center, now to be called the Long Beach Sports Center, extending its operation through July 2036. This agreement allows the facility to expand its services, offering more sports-related amenities to residents over the next decade.
The facility will be renamed the Long Beach Sports Center. Owner Naeem "Sid" Siddiqui, as detailed by city officials, will make capital improvements. These include converting one of the tennis center’s bubbles into a multi-sports complex, resurfacing the tennis court, installing new solar energy and HVAC systems, and renovating the existing clubhouse. Siddiqui has described these changes as essential to modernizing the facility and better serving the community.
During a July 21 City Council meeting, City Manager Dan Creighton said the original lease made it hard for Siddiqui to secure financing for improvements. Lenders were hesitant due to the short lease period. The new agreement, according to Creighton, gives Siddiqui a more secure timeframe to execute projects.
Creighton noted Siddiqui’s consistent payment history, as the facility has never missed a rent payment. This reliability was key in the city’s decision to extend the lease. "The operator has provided a good service to the community and has agreed to an increase in nearly 22 percent in year one, with a 3 percent annual increases thereafter," Creighton said. The tax department confirmed the new rates were in line with fair and reasonable market value.
During the meeting, some residents raised concerns about whether the expanded sports complex would benefit the community. Kathleen O’Leary supported the facility, noting that neighbors used it to train for college tennis scholarships, but questioned if the city’s interests would be protected. She asked if there were penalties if Siddiqui fails to complete the upgrades. Creighton confirmed there are no such requirements, but noted the city’s main interest is rent collection, which Siddiqui consistently fulfills.
City Councilman George Ennis praised the new lease, saying it aligns with Long Beach’s sports interests. He said the facility will offer a range of activities, including baseball, lacrosse, cricket, and pickleball, making it a hub for the whole community. He emphasized the center will cater to a wide range of sports interests. As of press time, the Herald reached out to Siddiqui for comment, but he did not respond.
The city and the Long Beach Sports Center are optimistic about the partnership. The agreement ensures the facility remains a local resource, offering expanded amenities and a broader range of activities for residents.