News

NEWPORT, R.I.— There will be more to do and see than ever before at this year’s Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, an ATP World Tour event to be held on July 5 – 11, 2010 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships will draw 32 ATP World Tour pros straight from Wimbledon to the legendary grass courts of the Hall of Fame to compete for the Van Alen Cup and $442,500 in prize money. In addition to action on the courts, the week will feature several special events and programs and a lively atmosphere, offering great summer entertainment and fun activities for all ages.

“We appreciate the enthusiasm that fans always show for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, and this year, we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests, by offering more to see and do than ever before, including a new Pro-Am, enhanced services in our box seats and more,” said Mark Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “We are particularly excited to offer a totally new event this year, when we top off the week with a special benefit concert performed by the legendary B.B. King on July 11, the final night of the tournament and Hall of Fame Weekend.”

The festivities begin on Saturday, July 3 & Sunday, July 4 with Family Weekend, a kick-off event for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships that features activities for all ages in the Museum and on the tennis courts from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 and 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. In the Museum, activities will include Museum tours, scavenger hunts, face-painting, Wii tennis, tennis-themed crafts, and dress up with photos in old-fashion tennis costumes. On the grass courts, guests are invited to try a hand at Quick Start Tennis, a USTA developed program that uses special equipment to introduce the game to kids ages 4 – 10, and Junior Tennis Clinics with International Tennis Hall of Fame professionals, designed for ages 8 – 16. Reservations are requested for tennis clinics and may be made by calling 866-914-FAME (3263). Juniors participating in tennis clinics should wear regular sneakers, shorts, and a comfortable shirt.

A highlight of the weekend will be special presentations by The Rossetti Brothers. Angelo and Ettore Rossetti hold the Guinness World Record for the Longest Tennis Rally totaling 25,944 strokes in 14 hours and 31 minutes! Each day at 11:15 a.m., the Rossetti brothers will host a presentation and video in the Museum then take to the courts from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for a special demonstration and clinic.

Simultaneously to the Family Weekend activities, pro tennis players from around the world will take to the legendary grass courts for the Qualifying Tournament, when they vie for a playing spot in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The two-day tournament offers a great chance to see world-class pro tennis action up close! Play begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 4.

Admission to Family Weekend and the Qualifying Tournament is $5 for children and $11 for adults.

Also on July 4, tennis enthusiasts will have an exclusive opportunity to play alongside the pros on the legendary grass courts during the ATP World Tour Pro-Am at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. New this year, this event will feature 16 professionals and 16 amateurs, ensuring one-on-one access to the professionals and an unforgettable experience. The event includes a 90-minute Pro-Am, Gift Bag, and Luncheon. Playing spots are $500 and may be reserved by calling 866-914-FAME (3263).

On Monday, July 5 & Tuesday, July 6, teaching professionals from the United States Professional Tennis Association will offer free tennis lessons for ticketed tournament guests on the Hall of Fame grass courts. Lessons will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A new lesson will begin every 30 minutes and groups will be coordinated by age. Tennis shoes are required. Also on Tuesday, July 6, Kia Motors will host KIA Day at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, featuring center court promotions and prizes.

The popular Angela Moore Fashion Show & Champagne Breakfast returns on Thursday, July 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Hosted on the historic Horseshoe Piazza at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, this annually anticipated event will showcase the designer fashions of Angela Moore, Lilly Puilitzer, Manual Canovas, Jack Rogers and other popular summer collections. Now in its 12th year, the event will feature commentary by designer Angela Moore and Hall of Famer Bud Collins, paired by modeling done by ATP World Tour players and well-known Newporters and local celebrities. Tickets for the event are $80, which includes the seated Champagne Breakfast and Fashion Show, a full day of courtside viewing for the tennis tournament and a $25 Angela Moore gift certificate. This event will sell out, and tickets are available now by calling 866-914-FAME (3263).

When the weekend approaches, tennis legends will gather in Newport to celebrate the induction of the Class of 2010, which honors doubles stars and innovators of the game. The Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m., prior to the tournament’s semifinal matches. Receiving the highest honor available in the sport this year will be the 14-time Grand Slam doubles tandem of Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva; legendary Australian doubles partners Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, winners of 11 Grand Slam championships; fellow Aussie men’s and mixed doubles champion Owen Davidson, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles; wheelchair tennis pioneer Brad Parks; and Derek Hardwick, who was instrumental in the transition to the Open Era. Tickets for the Class of 2010 Induction, which also include access to the semi-final matches of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships are $60 for South Stand seating and $75 for Courtside Chairs.

Capping off the week-long event will be an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment and fundraising for a great cause, when the legendary B.B. King takes to the stage in a very special concert for the benefit of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum on Sunday, July 11 at 8 p.m. at the Newport Yachting Center. Topping off the show, one of B.B. King’s legendary “Lucille” guitars will be auctioned during the concert. All proceeds of the concert and the guitar auction will benefit of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum to support the mission of preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Tickets are priced at $50, $65 and $100 and are available on www.newportwaterfrontevents.com or by calling 401-846-1600.

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships will be held July 5 – 11, 2010. The tournament player field indicates an exciting week of tennis action, with early commitments from top Americans Sam Querrey, Taylor Dent, Mardy Fish and defending champion Rajeev Ram. Tickets for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and all of the events detailed above are available now on www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME (3263).

About the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, an ATP World Tour event, will be held July 5 – 11, 2010 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. The tournament draws 32 top male players to Newport direct from Wimbledon to compete for the Van Alen Cup and $442,500 in prize money. Hosted on the legendary grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is the only ATP World Tour event played on grass in North America. In conjunction with the tournament, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum will host the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 10. For additional information, visit tennisfame.com.