Gains made outside NTC, too
By Liza Horan
New York—Matches at the U.S. Open were the centerpiece of the year's final Grand Slam, of course, but a variety of industry events were clustered around it. Together they yield positive indicators for the sport overall. Here's a round-up:
New York—Matches at the U.S. Open were the centerpiece of the year's final Grand Slam, of course, but a variety of industry events were clustered around it. Together they yield positive indicators for the sport overall. Here's a round-up:
- More participation: More people are playing more tennis, as evidenced by USTA/TIA research. Specifically, racquet sales jumped 21.6 percent from 2003 to 2006; ball sales grew 11.5 percent during that period; and the first half of this year saw racquet sales grow 9.4 percent over the same period of 2006. Details such as these were presented at the TIA Tennis Forum presented by TENNIS Magazine. The inaugural event was well-received.
- Tennis is inclusive: From the momentous celebration on opening night—marking Althea Gibson's 50th anniversary of her U.S. Open title and her induction to the U.S. Open "Court of Champions"—several serious efforts recognized that tennis is more than a stereotypical country club avocation. That event featured a long list of African Americans who, like Gibson, achieve 'firsts' in their respective areas. The International Tennis Hall of Fame 's exhibit, "Breaking the Barriers: The American Tennis Association and Black Tennis Pioneers," showcased Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Dr. Robert Walter Johnson and others through various media and player memorabilia [story]. Arthur Ashe Kids' Day showcased the game amid musical acts and entertainment on and off the courts, and local community groups enjoyed outings at the Open.
- Charity Donations: A variety of charities were connected with Open goings-on. During Kids' Day, $17,500 was raised for charity, and a portion of event proceeds benefit the USTA National Junior Tennis League. Another pre-Open event, the Dacor Taste of Tennis, raised money for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
The biggest payout each year happens at The International Tennis Hall of Fame gala, and a change of name (from the "Newport in New York Gala" to "The Legends Ball") and location (from the Waldorf=Astoria to Cipriani on 42nd St.) only enhanced matters. The party—which featured dinner (osso buco), awards (Andre Agassi won the Eugene L. Scott award, and Rolex won the Joseph F. Cullman award) brought in more than $140,000 during live and silent auctions. A Wimbledon package that included accommodations and tickets for the men's and women's final sold for $26,000.
More than $500,000 has been raised so far in 2006 and 2007, according to auction committee chair, Peter Hurley, who was just honored by the hall of fame with the Chairman's Award. [press release].
The point: Tennis is trending upward for exposure, market support and participation.
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