INDIANAPOLIS -- A sports facility that once hosted such tennis greats as Arthur Ashe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and many more is about to close down for good and be demolished.

Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis announced in April that the Indianapolis Tennis Center will be shut down, months after the Indianapolis Tennis Championships moved to another city.

The tennis center hosted the Pearson Ford Open this weekend, with just a few people in attendance.

The facility is going out with a whimper, a shadow of its former glory, 6News' Myrt Price reported.

"It was an era that was great, and we enjoyed seeing some really fine competitors for many, many years," said Kathy Risacher, of the tennis center.

IUPUI plans to construct a new academic building, expand parking and add some green space once the tennis center is gone.

The stands were almost empty Sunday, but tennis fans expressed sadness about the facility's demise.

"It seems like it would be a loss for Indianapolis," said one spectator, whose brother-in-law competed in the tournament. "I thought it (attendance) was going to be a lot bigger than this."

Organizers insist there is still a lot of interest in tennis and that it is the fastest-growing recreational sport in the U.S.

Fans aren't sure why the tennis center is being torn down, citing events and camps hosted there that cover costs.

"Whether it's the university, the NCAA or the city of Indianapolis, somebody needs to step up and explain in specific terms what thoughts went into this decision," said Scott Cooper, of Indianapolis Tennis Magazine.

Fans said they will have good memories of the tennis center and the large crowds it brought to the city long after it's gone.

"It's been really a great ride, and it's going to be missed," Risacher said.

The closure is set to happen in August.