USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Serves Up Safety with GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation Ahead of US Open
ROSEMONT, Ill.—Aug. 25, 2021—Just in time for the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, achieved GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. Taking place August 30 to September 12, the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament will welcome back fans.
“Under the guidance of GBAC, we have implemented the most stringent protocols to welcome back athletes, coaches, employees, and our incredible fans back to our stadiums with peace of mind,” said USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Chief Operating Officer Daniel Zausner. “After hosting the 2020 tournament without fans on site, this year’s U.S. Open will be an unforgettable celebration and we look forward to opening our doors.”
As a GBAC STAR accredited facility, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center follows the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices to combat biohazards and infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The performance-based program was established by biorisk management experts to raise the standard for cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention in facilities of all types and sizes.
As one of the world’s largest public tennis facilities, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has 34 courts within its 46.5 acres and 12 additional courts in a nearby adjoining park. Within the complex are three stadiums, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has capacity for 23,771 attendees. In 2019, the tournament was attended by over 730,000 people.
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with many sports and entertainment facilities to help them navigate cleaning for today’s and tomorrow’s biorisks,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is committed to upholding our 20-step program, ensuring cleanliness will remain at the forefront during this year’s U.S. Open tournament and beyond.”
Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star.
Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.
About GBAC, a Division of ISSA
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility and service accreditation programs, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.
About ISSA
With more than 10,500 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
For more information, contact ISSA Director of Communications Jill Nuppenau at [email protected]; phone, 847-982-0800 Ext. 1367.
