Grand Central Terminal’s Secret Tennis Court

For hundreds of thousands of people each day, Grand Central Terminal serves as a key transit point. It’s a place where commuters, tourists, and local residents pass through on their way to work or begin their exploration of New York City. Beyond its function as a transit hub, Grand Central hides a unique feature known only to a select few: a tennis club.

Situated above the hustle and bustle of trains is the Vanderbilt Tennis Club, accessible through a bar and a set of elevators. Located four floors above the tracks, behind one of the terminal’s iconic arched windows, this club offers a rare indoor tennis experience in Manhattan. Operational hours span from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Rates for the full-sized court vary from $100 to over $400 per hour depending on the time. The club features one full-sized court alongside two practice courts.

As indoor space in Manhattan is a premium, the Vanderbilt Club remains in high demand, especially with fall classes commencing soon. Bookings extend straight through December, reflecting the popularity of this location among various groups. Last Friday, patrons from different walks of life including commuters, retirees, tourists, and children were witnessed at play.

Below on the tracks, tennis enthusiasts traveled to Queens to witness the U.S. Open, while others perfected their skills four stories above.

Grand Central was serene when the club opened at 7 a.m. The historic Oyster Bar wouldn’t serve its first guests for another four hours, and early commuters were incrementally entering. The starry ceiling of the terminal held a red heart-shaped balloon, isolated since February.

On the fourth floor, employees of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority commenced their workday. Two colleagues, Charlotte and Brian, opted for a morning tennis session, preferring not to disclose their last names for privacy reasons. “I think it is one of the coolest New York things there is,” commented Brian, who later attended the U.S. Open. Charlotte aimed to watch the quarterfinals.

By 10 a.m., the retired community arrived. Arthur Zabarkus, a long-time player since the days before renovations, explained his history with the club courts. He began playing to avoid social gatherings with an old friend who was a heavy drinker.

Notable appearances at the courts include professional players over the years; last week featured Austria’s Lilli Tagger while rain interrupted U.S. Open games at nearby Flushing Meadows. The club has hosted professionals and events since its inception. In 1967, the New York Times reported on a tournament co-chaired by Hank Greenberg.

Dadi Zvulun has managed the club since 2011 after his initial role at one of the club’s sister locations. A musician and tennis player from Jerusalem, Zvulun arrived in 2001 and ultimately stayed in the U.S. He continues to enjoy dinners with Zabarkus and his wife, maintaining ties built over the years.

Grand Central’s courts have a rich history, including periods as an art gallery and broadcast studios. Originally fitted with a ski slope and tennis courts, the current club setup emerged in 2011.

Zvulun sometimes joins professional athletes for games, creating memorable interactions. Occurrences like marriage proposals alongside regular tournaments reinforce the community atmosphere fostered at the club.

“It’s a community,” Zvulun reflected.

As afternoon turned to evening, tourists from Rose Gold Rally Trips arrived for lessons. Fresh in New York for Grand Slam tours, for many, Grand Central was the initial destination.

As evening commuting intensified, excitement surrounded Grand Central. Local fixtures like the Oyster Bar echoed the heightened pace during the U.S. Open, accommodating both regulars and visiting patrons.

The concourse returned to calm later at night as Leena Banchong, a local coach, taught lessons. A former DII player, Banchong leveraged her connections to continue playing in New York while coaching amid the terminal’s energetic surroundings.

As evening activities wound down, visitors concluded their sessions on the courts before departing. By midnight, Penny and her husband completed their late-night game, a cost-effective option compared to peak hours.

As Saturday dawned, Grand Central came to life once more, ready for the cycle of train operations, passenger exchanges, and the rhythmic bounce of tennis balls above.