A Hidden Tennis Gem Inside Grand Central Terminal

Each day, Grand Central Terminal serves as a vital link for commuters and visitors in New York City. It’s not only a transit hub but also home to a unique tennis experience.

High above the bustling train tracks and tucked away behind one of the building’s iconic arched windows lies the Vanderbilt Tennis Club. This facility is open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., providing access to one full-sized court and two practice courts. Hourly rates for the main court range from $100 to over $400, influenced by the time of day.

In Manhattan, where indoor space is limited, the club stays booked through December, thanks to fall classes. It attracts a diverse mix of New Yorkers, from commuters to tourists, retirees, and children.

Last Friday, the court was lively, with players working on their serves. While tennis enthusiasts below traveled to Queens for the U.S. Open, others engaged in their own games atop Grand Central.

“I think it is one of the coolest New York things there is,” said Brian, a frequent player at the club who also had plans to attend the U.S. Open.

Brian joined colleague Charlotte earlier in the day, who prepared for upcoming quarterfinal matches. The historic Oyster Bar remained closed as early commuters began arriving. By mid-morning, retirees joined the action. Arthur Zabarkus has been a fixture on these courts for 30 years, choosing tennis over social gatherings with friends.

Vanderbilt Tennis Club’s rich history dates back to the 1960s. Initially part of an art gallery, the space transformed into broadcast studios for CBS from the 1930s until the 1960s before welcoming an athletic club. This included astroturf ski slopes and tennis courts. The courts underwent renovations, with the current club taking over in 2011.

Dadi Zvulun, the club’s manager since its inception, has his roots in Jerusalem. Arriving in the U.S. in 2001, he discovered the tennis community while browsing the Yellow Pages.

“I just stumbled upon the tennis page and all of a sudden it hit me that people play tennis on this concrete island,” Zvulun commented.

Zvulun’s talent earned him a position at one of the club’s sister courts, leading to his long-running role at Grand Central. The club welcomes professional players and occasional public events, building a strong community over the years.

By afternoon, tourists from across the U.S., part of Rose Gold Rally Trips, marveled at the hidden court while engaging in tennis sessions. They traveled extensively, attending Grand Slam events and playing across the city.

Among the tourists was Remy Fellman from Dallas, who expressed surprise at Grand Central’s tennis facilities.

As night fell, the terminal filled with commuters returning from work and tennis fans returning from Flushing Meadows. Leena Banchong, a former DII tennis player, coached after coming from the U.S. Open. The late-night crowd occupied courts for cost-effective sessions compared to daytime rates.

“It’s so vintage. You can see around the court, you even see the street,” said Penny, one of the players. “It’s really New York. I really love it.”

While Grand Central slowed as the early hours approached, anticipation for the next busy day was already building. The train station would soon awaken with the same vigor: trains rumbling, passengers chatting, and tennis balls echoing in the courts above.