Right in your backyard.
Our unique model.
The Buffalo Racquet Club was founded in 1954 in the heart of a residential neighborhood in Kenmore, NY. Since then, we have been open each summer to our members, some of whom have belonged for over 30 years, and many whom are new each year. The club has a unique organization model- we are member-owned and operated. This means all of our members have their own key to the club and can use it at their discretion. This also means we rely heavily on volunteers and our committed board members to make the club run each year- so when you join the BRC you are joining not just a space to play tennis, but a community.
The club is a shared labor of love to be enjoyed by players of all levels, ages, and backgrounds. Whether you are looking to join a community or just play tennis on beautiful red clay, we welcome you.
Q: Where is the club?
A: The Buffalo Racquet club is located in Kenmore, NY within a residential neighborhood. The address is in Buffalo at 111 Twyla Pl., Buffalo, NY 14223.
Q: At what times can I play?
A: Courts are available for play every day from 8:30 AM - 11 PM, weather permitting; court conditions are always updated on a banner on the top of our website and by calling 716-551-0396. Watering occurs daily from 1:00pm-2:30pm during which time no playing is available.
Q: How do I book courts/sign up to play?
A: At the BRC, we have an old-school playing culture, which means there is no online booking or court registration in advance. You simply show up and play if/when there are courts available. There are 6 courts at the club, and rarely a wait time for a court. Players are required to write their names and start time down on the chalkboard when they start, which reserves their court and playing time for 1.5 hours for doubles play, and 1 hour for singles play. At the end of this time, players can keep playing if there is no one waiting to get on; otherwise, they must yield their court to waiting parties.
Q: How many people can I bring with me to play? (include pricing)
A: Members are allowed to bring guests to play with them, and the guest fee is $10 per player and can be paid in cash in an envelope in the clubhouse. Guests may play up to 3 times in a season before requiring membership to play.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Dogs are not prohibited from the club, but are never allowed on the tennis courts or in the clubhouse. If members choose to bring their dog(s) to the club, they are responsible for their leashing, clean up of waste, and behavior management.
Q: Can I play music?
A: Music can be played at the club and on the courts, but the volume and selection should be kept at a reasonable volume and free of graphic content that provides respectful courtesy to other members present and our neighbors.
Q: What amenities are available?
A: The BRC grounds include a free parking lot, six European red clay tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Within their clubhouse there is a small kitchen with a stove top, sink, refrigerator, ice machine, and filtered water. There are male and female lockers rooms with changing areas and a shower, bathroom, as well as lockers (members can use their own locks but they must be removed daily after play). There is no food or beverage for purchase on site. There is also a grill onsite that members are welcome to use. Whether it be cleaning the grill, kitchen, or other areas of use, members are required to clean up after themselves after all club use.
Q: Is there a ball machine available to rent?
A: At this time there is not a ball machine available for use at the club.
Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: Members of drinking age (21+) are allowed to bring alcohol onsite and consume responsibly. Because there are members below drinking age at the club, alcohol cannot be stored onsite within the club refrigerator when the member leaves. Alcohol is not allowed to be consumed on the playing surfaces.
Q: How long can I play each time?
A: Players are required to write their name(s) and start time down on the chalkboard when they start, which reserves their court and playing time for 1.5 hours for doubles play and 1 hour for singles play. At the end of this time, players can keep playing if there is no one waiting to get on; otherwise they must yield their court to waiting parties. There is rarely a wait time for a court.
Q: How can I get to know other people to play with at the club?
A: By showing up to play! Each year there is always a healthy mix of old and new members, and all members are always looking for new people to play with. At the beginning of the season there is always a member meeting which all members can attend to meet others and get information on the season’s activities ahead. Participating in the club’s social events, member leagues, and club tennis pro lessons/drills/clinics also provides excellent opportunities to engage directly with other members and begin to establish your own set of personal contacts to arrange tennis dates with and become your new member friends.
Q: Do I have to volunteer to help at the club if I join?
A: Volunteering is not required as a member, but we’d love the help if you’re willing, and it’s highly encouraged! There are many opportunities for you to assist between events, court maintenance, and grounds (in season and off season). To find out more about volunteer options, check out our volunteer page or email info@buffaloracquetclub.com.
Q: What is parking like at the club?
A: The BRC has its own parking lot that members are free to park in. There is also street parking available on Twyla Place and surrounding the club.
Q: How much does it cost to play at the club?
A: Membership fees vary based on your membership type. Check out all options on our membership page. We do not charge any court fees to play on our beautiful red clay courts, so play as much as you want!
Q: Can people come to the club who aren’t going to play tennis?
A: Yes, if friends or family want to come watch you play and enjoy our porch, they are welcome to do so as long as they obey the conduct rules of the club; the club member is responsible for their conduct.
Q: Are there family packages or discounts available for couples, etc?
A: There are no family or multi-person discounts available for purchase at the BRC.
Q: What kind of special events and tournaments take place at the club?
A: Several events occur throughout the summer, including tournaments, social events, leagues and more. For more information, including an event schedule, check out our events page.
Q: Can I buy a membership for part of the season?
A: If members have specific circumstances preventing them from being able to take advantage of a full season membership, but still wish to play at the club, they are encouraged to reach out to club leadership directly at info@buffaloracquetclub.com to explore options.
Q: Can I book the club for an event or tournament?
A: Members may book the club for private events for a $50 fee. To inquire about availability and pricing, please contact info@buffaloracquetclub.com. Members must be present at the time of the event.
Q: Are there gift certificates available for the club?
A: Yes, gift certificates are available for purchase in various denominations in our online store. Simply visit the “membership” section of our website to purchase one for someone you care about!
Q: What are my responsibilities when I play at the club?
A: Because there is no club staff, members are expected to contribute to the general daily management of the club when they play day-to-day. This most basically includes brushing and lining the courts after playing, ensuring that all clubhouse and court gate doors are successfully locked upon leaving the if you are the last member there at any time, and cleaning up after yourself when you use any other BRC facilities (cooking, eating, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
🎾 Red Clay Court Etiquette 101
Our number one priority is for all members to have fun playing on the clay. To make sure this is possible, all players should keep in mind some basic court rules and decorum while they enjoy their time at the club.
⛳️ 1. Respect the Surface
Brush and line the court after every match or practice (or as instructed). Don’t know how? We will show you at orientation!
Use appropriate clay court shoes to protect the surface and maintain footing.
🕊️ 2. Be Mindful of Others
Keep voices low—on and off court.
Don’t walk behind or between courts while a point is in play.
Wait until a changeover or pause to retrieve stray balls from another court- you should not run into other courts to chase your ball while others are in play.
🕰️ 3. Honor Time and Space
Start and finish on time—be prompt and courteous with your court time.
Wrap up your match a few minutes early to leave time to groom the court.
⚖️ 4. Call Fair and Clean
On clay, ball marks matter—check them if there's a dispute.
Allow your opponent to check a mark if they ask politely.
Be generous on close calls—respect beats a point.
🎾 5. Ball Management
Keep 2–3 balls in hand—don’t make your opponent chase them constantly. Also, no more than 2-3 balls should be used at a time to avoid their dispersion throughout the courts.
Roll balls gently across the back of the court, not through someone's court.
🤝 6. Sportsmanship Always
Keep emotions in check regardless of your game’s outcome.
Say “good match” at the end—win or lose.
Help new players learn the ropes of clay and club culture.
🗣️ 7. Keep It Classy—Watch Your Language
Maintain a respectful tone on court—no yelling, swearing, or negative self-talk.
Frustration happens, but grace under pressure is part of the game.
Make the court a place where all ages and levels feel welcome.