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

How to Find Fair Matchplay and Level Up

March 28, 20255 min read

💡 Quick Takeaways:
✅ UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) & WTN (World Tennis Number) make finding fair matchups easier.
✅ No more lopsided matches—play against players at your skill level.
✅ Track your progress and see real improvement over time.
✅ Our Spring UTR Tournament at H-E-B Tennis Center Harlingen is coming up! 🎉

Tennis is more fun when matches are competitive, right? But let’s be honest—before systems like UTR and WTN, it was hard to find the right opponents. Either you faced someone way out of your league or had an easy win that didn’t challenge you. 😩

That’s where these modern rating systems step in, making tennis more fair, competitive, and enjoyable for everyone. Let’s break down why they matter, how they work, and how YOU can use them to level up your game! 🚀

The Problem with Traditional Tennis Tournaments ⚖️

In traditional tennis tournaments, players are often grouped by age or gender, rather than skill level. This can result in uneven matchups—either facing someone far above your level (leading to a quick loss) or playing against an opponent with much less experience (which doesn’t challenge you).

This system can frustrate players of all backgrounds. Junior players may struggle against older, more experienced opponents, while adults returning to the sport might find themselves in a bracket that doesn’t reflect their actual ability. Ultimately, this format limits growth and enjoyment.


HEB-Tennis-Center-Harlingen

What Are UTR and WTN? 🎾

UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) and WTN (World Tennis Number) are two of the most widely used global tennis rating systems. While they share a common goal—providing a skill-based measurement to ensure fair play—there are some key differences in how they operate.

  • UTR (Universal Tennis Rating): A 16-point scale that measures a player's skill based on match results, factoring in opponent strength, match competitiveness, and recency of play. UTR is widely used in college recruiting, competitive tournaments, and club play worldwide.

  • WTN (World Tennis Number): A 40-point scale developed by the ITF (International Tennis Federation). It updates more frequently than UTR and provides separate ratings for singles and doubles play, offering a more granular view of a player’s ability.

How They Compare & Why They Matter ⚖️

Both systems use advanced algorithms to analyze match data and ensure players compete at their appropriate level. However, UTR is more established in North America and is heavily used for tournament play, whereas WTN is gaining traction globally through ITF events.

Regardless of which system a player follows, both UTR and WTN aim to create fairer, more competitive matches, making tennis a more enjoyable and rewarding sport for everyone.

💡 Why UTR & WTN Are Essential for Tennis Growth

🎾 Fair Competition

One of the biggest frustrations in tennis is playing against opponents who are either too weak or too strong. UTR & WTN eliminate this issue by ensuring every match is as evenly matched as possible.

Consider this scenario: A 14-year-old player may have the same skill level as a 35-year-old competitor. In a traditional tournament, they would never face each other. But with UTR & WTN, skill is the only factor that matters, meaning they could compete in a balanced, exciting match where both players grow from the experience.

📈 Tracking Progress

Both UTR & WTN offer a transparent way for players to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. Instead of relying solely on wins and losses, these systems analyze performance trends, rewarding consistency and competitive play.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your rating after each match. If you struggle against a particular playing style, adjust your training to improve that aspect of your game.

🌎 A More Inclusive Tennis World

One of the most exciting aspects of these systems is the removal of outdated barriers. Players are no longer limited by age or gender categories—instead, they are ranked purely by their ability.

This inclusivity creates a diverse pool of competitors, exposing players to new styles and strategies they wouldn’t encounter in traditional settings. It also allows returning adults and junior players to find appropriate competition without facing mismatches.

🏆 Access to More Competitive Opportunities

With a globally recognized ranking system, players can easily find tournaments that match their skill level, both locally and internationally.

By improving your UTR or WTN, you open doors to higher-level tournaments, better training opportunities, and even college recruitment prospects. The better your rating, the more doors open for you in the world of competitive tennis!

🎉 Join Us for the H-E-B Spring Open!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to test your skills in a fair, competitive tournament, the H-E-B Spring Open is the perfect event for you!

📅 Date: April 12-13

📍 Location: H-E-B Tennis Center, Harlingen

🎾 Format: UTR-sanctioned tournament for players of all skill levels

🏆 Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and rankings points!

🎟 Extras: Raffles, food, and a fun atmosphere for players and spectators alike!

📊 Improve Your Ranking: Compete in an officially ranked event and move up the tennis ladder!

💡 Network with Players & Coaches: Meet others who share your passion for tennis!

📌 Register now: [Click here to sign up](https://app.utrsports.net/events/286323)

📧 Questions? Call Devin Kyral at (956) 490-9020

The Future of Tennis is Here

Tennis is a sport that constantly evolves, and ranking systems like UTR & WTN are leading the way to a more competitive, inclusive, and rewarding playing experience. These systems ensure that every player, regardless of age or background, can find fair competition, track their progress, and unlock better opportunities.

🔥 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this movement! Join us at the H-E-B Spring Open and experience the future of fair play in tennis! 🔥

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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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