News

CHARLESTON, SC — The Family Circle Cup is proud to continue its multi-year relationship with the globally renowned racquet sports manufacturer Dunlop Sports Group, the designated provider of the official ball and racquet of this Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Premier Event. The specially made tournament balls will be produced in the same production run as the Dunlop balls to be used at Roland Garros, and will be uniquely adorned with the Family Circle Cup logo. A major element of this partnership involves giving fans an opportunity to win a trip for two to the 2010 French Open in Paris, France. The prize package includes roundtrip airfare on Continental Airlines and a three night stay in a central Paris hotel. Fans can enter to win the trip by clicking on the Dunlop ad on familycirclecup.com. Through a partnership with Dell, computer kiosks will be onsite during Family Circle Cup, allowing fans to access the entry page from the Dunlop and Dell sponsor booths.

“Throughout the world, Dunlop tennis balls are the ball of choice in clay court competition, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with this great company,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “Using the same production run as Roland Garros is an added benefit for the players here in Charleston as they start their preparation for Paris. It’s exciting that two lucky Family Circle Cup fans will be able to watch these players compete on clay again in Paris.”

As the official ball and racquet of the Family Circle Tennis Center, amateur tennis players will benefit throughout the year from the superior quality of the Dunlop ball and their entire line of racquets and equipment,” commented Rob Eppelsheimer, Family Circle Tennis Center Director. “Dunlop’s exciting products are making a big splash at all levels of tennis, and our facility is glad to be a part of this revolution in tennis equipment.”

“Partnerships with a high profile event like the Family Circle Cup and its Tennis Center enable us to support the game and promote our brand,” said Kai Nitsche, General Manager for Dunlop Racquet Sports. “Dunlop has a very proud history in tennis and is equally proud to have its North American business headquartered in the State of South Carolina. It only makes sense for us to be in partnership with the premier professional event and tennis center in the state.”

Dunlop Sports Group Americas, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dunlop Slazenger International, Ltd., is known worldwide by sports enthusiasts who value quality and performance in their sporting goods equipment. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, the company’s product line spans tennis racquets and tennis balls; squash racquets and balls; Dunlop badminton and shuttles; Carlton badminton racquets and shuttles; golf balls, golf accessories and golf clubs. International endorsers include tennis legend John McEnroe and Dominika Cibulkova, star player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. For further information, call 800-768-4727.

The Family Circle Cup is scheduled April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC. The Family Circle Tennis Center is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that also hosts a variety of additional events including concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other activities throughout the year. With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation. The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, racquet club, Pro Shop, and a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage. For tickets or more information on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center, call (843) 856-7900 or visit familycirclecup.com.