FAQs / Resources

HARLINGEN,TX

What are your operating hours? Pro shop hours? Restroom availability?

Our H-E-B Tennis Center is open Monday to Sunday from 8 AM to 10 PM. However, the pro shop's hours differ. From Monday through Friday, the pro shop is open from 9 AM to 12 PM and then reopens from 4PM to 9PM. The restrooms are available at all times whether the pro shop is open or not. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s a time for you to play tennis in Harlingen!

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How can I book a court? What's your cancellation policy?

Booking a court at the H-E-B Tennis Center is easy! Simply visit our website, call us at (956) 216- 5958 or stop by the front desk. Reserve your spot today and enjoy yourself on one of the best-maintained tennis courts in Harlingen.

If you are unable to make it on time, please cancel at least an hour in advance so that we can make the courts available for other patrons. We do give a 20 minute grace period for those that may be running late but it's best to call ahead to avoid losing your court.

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How much does it cost to book a court?

At the H-E-B Tennis Center, our court fees are designed to be affordable for all tennis enthusiasts. For adults, the fee is $3 per person for up to 2 hours of play. Our younger tennis players pay only $2 for up to 2 hours of play.

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What kind of memberships do you offer?

At the H-E-B Tennis Center in Harlingen, we offer flexible membership options to suit your needs. Our membership fees vary depending on the duration and type of membership you choose. Prices range from $200 per year for an adult annual membership, $125 every 6 months for a semi-annual adult membership, $100 per year for a youth annual membership, $60 per 6 months for a youth semi-annual membership, $300 per year for a family annual membership, to $160 every 6 months for a family semi-annual membership. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, we have a plan for you. Contact us today to learn more about our membership rates and benefits!”

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What facilities are available at the HEB Tennis Center?

At Heb Tennis Courts, we provide top-notch facilities including well-maintained hard tennis courts, a pro shop, and a comfortable lounge area for relaxation and socializing. Our facility is equipped with night lighting, allowing for extended play times in the evenings, and ample parking for easy access.

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Can I rent the H-E-B Tennis Center for events? If so, how much does that cost?

At the H-E-B Tennis Center in Harlingen, you can rent the facility for your tournament or event. Our full-day rental fee is $200, which includes access to up to 12 courts. If you need the facility for only half a day, the fee is $100. Additionally, if you want to conduct your own private groups or group lessons, the cost is $12 per court per day. Contact us for more details and to book your rental.

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Do you rent equipment? What's your pricing?

Yes, the H-E-B Tennis Center offers equipment rentals to enhance your playing experience. We provide rackets and baskets of balls free of charge. For those looking to practice with a ball machine, we have machines available for $20 for a two-hour session. Enjoy top-notch facilities and equipment to improve your game at the H-E-B Tennis Center.

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About Harlingen, TX

Harlingen is located in the southern part of Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, approximately 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its rich history, birdwatching opportunities, and as a central hub in the Rio Grande Valley. Harlingen boasts a friendly community and warm climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers, with occasional rainfall mostly in the summer months.Popular attractions in Harlingen include the Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, and Hugh Ramsey Nature Park.

The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. The H-E-B Tennis Center, located at Pendleton Park on Morgan Blvd, offers multiple tennis courts for both recreational and competitive play, along with lessons, clinics, and tournaments for players of all skill levels.

Harlingen offers a variety of dining options, from local Tex-Mex cuisine to international dishes, with popular spots like La Playa Mexican Cafe, Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, and The Pizzeria.

Outdoor activities in Harlingen include birdwatching, hiking, biking, and fishing, with parks like Hugh Ramsey Nature Park and Arroyo Colorado providing beautiful natural settings.

Harlingen is accessible by car via U.S. Highway 77 and U.S. Highway 83, and the city is also served by Valley International Airport, offering flights to various destinations. The city is family-friendly, with parks, museums, and recreational facilities suitable for all ages, making it a welcoming community with plenty of activities to keep families entertained.

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What can you expect when visiting Harlingen, Texas?

Welcome to Harlingen, Texas! Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is a vibrant city known for its warm climate, friendly community, and rich cultural heritage. Our city offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it a wonderful place to visit and live.Harlingen is home to beautiful parks, historic sites, and a thriving arts scene.

Visitors can explore the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, enjoy outdoor activities at the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, or take a stroll through the picturesque downtown area. The city also boasts a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options, ensuring there's always something to do.

For tennis enthusiasts, the H-E-B Tennis Center is the perfect place to play and improve your game while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of Harlingen. Whether you're here for a tournament or just to enjoy the local sights, we hope you experience the hospitality and charm that make Harlingen a special destination.

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What's there to do in Harlingen, Texas?

Harlingen, Texas, offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Experience the best of South Texas cuisine with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene that features diverse restaurants and lively entertainment options. Harlingen is also a perfect place for retail therapy, with a variety of shopping centers and unique local shops.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Harlingen is a paradise. The city is recognized as an international birding destination, thanks to its critical location for migrating birds in North America. Golfers will enjoy more playable days of golf per year than almost anywhere else in the United States.

Additionally, Harlingen offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities, making it a haven for outdoor sports year-round.Harlingen boasts over 1,200 acres of public parks and trails, perfect for walking, jogging, and family outings. South Padre Island, a renowned beach destination, is just a short drive away, offering beautiful beaches and numerous water activities.

For tennis enthusiasts, the H-E-B Tennis Center in Harlingen is a premier destination. Offering top-quality tennis lessons from experienced coaches, the center welcomes players of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to improve your game or enjoy a friendly match, the H-E-B Tennis Center provides excellent facilities in a supportive community environment.

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News/Events

HEB-Tennis-Center-Harlingen

How to Use Smiling and Positivity to Boost Your Game

January 21, 20255 min read

When the Australian Open rolls around each year, tennis fans are treated to more than just thrilling matches—it’s the Happy Slam. This Grand Slam is all about good vibes, laid-back energy, and a relaxed attitude that makes it unique. Known for its sunny days, friendly crowds, and chill atmosphere, the Australian Open teaches us that tennis is about more than just results. It’s about enjoying the moment, playing for fun, and connecting with others.

At H-E-B Tennis Center Harlingen, we believe tennis is at its best when it’s fun, and it’s not just about the score. So, let’s take a page out of the Aussie playbook and bring the spirit of the Happy Slam to our own games. We can start by focusing less on the results and more on enjoying the game—smiling, relaxing, and having fun. It turns out, this approach isn’t just feel-good; it’s backed by science, too!

The Power of Smiling: Relax Your Mind, Play Your Best 😄🧠

We’ve all heard the saying “smile and the world smiles with you,” but did you know that smiling actually does more than just brighten your mood? Smiling, even when you’re not feeling it at first, can have a powerful effect on your body and mind—especially when you’re on the tennis court.

When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress and anxiety. This is important because tennis, like any sport, can be mentally taxing. But when you smile, your body relaxes, and your mind becomes clearer. This can help you focus better, make quicker decisions, and ultimately perform better. It’s a simple shift, but the benefits are real.

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The Science Behind Smiling: How It Helps You Play Better 🎾😊

In sports psychology, there’s something called “the mind-body connection,” and it’s powerful. Your body language—especially your facial expressions—can send signals to your brain that either help you feel relaxed and confident or tense and anxious. So, when you smile, even if you’re not in the mood, your brain starts to believe you’re happy and relaxed. This can trigger a cascade of positive effects, from reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) to increasing dopamine (the feel-good hormone). In short, smiling helps you play better by relaxing your mind and body.

This is why it’s so important to integrate a positive mindset into your game. When you’re having fun, laughing, and smiling, you’re telling your brain that everything is okay. You’re not focused on the score, and you’re not putting pressure on yourself. Instead, you’re simply enjoying the game—and that mindset is what will help you play your best.

Relaxation and the Australian Mindset: Embrace the Happy Slam 🌴🍉

Australia is known for its relaxed, beachside vibe, and the Happy Slam embodies this spirit. From the sun-kissed beaches of Bondi to the casual barbecue gatherings, the Australian way of life encourages relaxation, fun, and taking things as they come. This laid-back attitude can be just as important for your tennis game as any strategy or drill.

In fact, studies in sports psychology have shown that athletes who embrace a relaxed mindset tend to perform better than those who are overly focused on outcomes. The key is to enjoy the process, not just the result. The more relaxed you are, the more fluid your movements will be, and the easier it will be to make quick, instinctive decisions on the court. It’s about having fun, connecting with your opponent, and focusing on the enjoyment of the game.

How to Integrate Happiness into Your Tennis Routine 🌞🎾

So, how do we bring this positive, relaxed energy into our own tennis games? It’s easier than you might think! Here are a few simple tips to get started:

  1. Smile More! 😁 It sounds simple, but it works. Make it a point to smile on the court—even if you don’t feel like it at first. Smiling will help relax your muscles, lower your stress levels, and put you in a better mindset to enjoy the game.

  2. Change Your Mentality: Focus on Fun, Not Results 🏖️ Tennis can get competitive, but remember, it’s also about enjoyment. Shift your mindset to focus on the joy of playing, not just the final score. When you play to have fun, you’re more likely to stay calm, which will improve your performance.

  3. Use Positive Body Language 💪 In addition to smiling, positive body language can have a huge impact on your mental state. Stand tall, walk confidently, and use open gestures. This will help you feel more positive and in control.

  4. Laugh It Off 😂 Mistakes happen in tennis—just like in life! Instead of getting frustrated over a missed shot, laugh it off. This will keep your energy light, boost your mood, and help you stay focused on the game.

  5. Embrace the Relaxed Aussie Spirit 🌊🍹 In Australia, people know how to balance work and play. After a tough match, take a moment to relax, whether it’s enjoying the sunshine, chatting with friends, or even firing up a barbecue. The key is to keep that relaxed attitude, so you can bring your best self to every game.

Sports Psychology: How Shifting Your Mindset Improves Performance 🧠🏆

There’s a wealth of research in sports psychology that shows the power of mindset in performance. Renowned sports psychologists like Dr. Carol Dweck, who popularized the concept of a “growth mindset,” have shown that athletes who embrace challenges and focus on learning from mistakes tend to perform better than those who are overly focused on success.

By shifting your focus from winning to enjoying the game, you create a mindset that allows you to play freely, without the pressure of needing to be perfect. This helps reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and ultimately leads to better performance on the court.

As the Australian Open kicks off, remember that the key to success on and off the court is to embrace the Happy Slam mentality. Smile, laugh, relax, and focus on having fun. When you do this, you’ll not only improve your game, but you’ll also enjoy the process. Just like the Aussie spirit—laid-back, positive, and always in the moment—your tennis game will thrive when you bring the happy energy into every match.

So, the next time you step onto the court at H-E-B Tennis Center Harlingen, take a deep breath, flash a smile, and remember: tennis is about having fun, connecting with others, and enjoying the ride.

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Ramiro Cuevas

Ramiro Cuevas's tennis journey epitomizes dedication and resilience. Starting on public courts, he rose through the ranks, transitioning from a desk clerk to an assistant coach, and then to a high school and private coach before spending over a decade coaching on the public courts at Victor Park. Now, he is the Head Pro at the HEB Tennis Center. With 34 years of playing experience and 23 years of coaching under his belt, Ramiro has honed his skills to guide local juniors to successful collegiate tennis careers, leaving an indelible mark on the tennis community as a true leader in the field. From humble beginnings on public courts to his current role as Head Pro, Ramiro's journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and passion.

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