Military Appreciation Day
June 7, 2012
NEWPORT, R.I. — Some of the world’s best tennis players are heading to Newport, R.I. in July to compete in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, and the tournament is pleased to extend a special invitation to service men and women to be part of the action on Military Appreciation Day on Friday, July 13. Tickets for Military Appreciation Day will be half-price for all active military, veterans, and their families, and the tournament will host a Center Court Salute to the Armed Forces between all matches.
“The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is truly a treat of the summer for Newport, and with a great player field, this year is shaping up to be one of our best tournaments ever. We are very pleased to welcome our neighbors from Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island National Guard, and the many other service men and women and veterans in the region to be part of the festivities,” said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. “We intend to make Military Appreciation Day an enjoyable experience for all the fans who come out. The celebration is just a small token of appreciation for all that these men and women do for us and our country every day.”
On Military Appreciation Day, the tournament will welcome representatives from all branches of military to take part in the Center Court Salute to the Armed Services. Local service men and women will be honored, a Navy vocalist will perform the Star-Spangled Banner, and a joint service Color Guard with representatives from all branches of the service will present the colors. Presentations in honor of the military will take place before all four Center Court matches to be played that day, which will be the quarterfinal round of the tournament. Additionally, South Stand tickets will be just $17.50, rather than the normal $35, for active military, veterans, and their families. Tickets are available now by calling the box office at 401-849-6053. Additional tournament information is available on tennisfame.com.
The tournament, which will be played July 9 -15, is the only men’s professional tennis tournament in New England, and the only tournament played on grass courts in North or South America. This year’s player field is comprised of some of the world’s best tennis players, many traveling to Newport directly from Wimbledon. Among those slated to compete are defending champion and current world. No. 11 John Isner, the record setting, 11-time Grand Slam champion doubles team, the Bryan Brothers; world No. 18 and Japan’s No. 1 player, Kei Nishikori; Canada’s No. 1 player Milos Raonic, currently ranked world No. 22, and former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt.
A fun-filled schedule of special events top off the action on court including free tennis clinics for all ages, tours through the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, and a fashion show and champagne breakfast. Of course a highlight of it all will be the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 14. At this grand celebration, the highest honor in tennis will be presented to former world No. 1’s Jennifer Capriati and Guga Kuerten, Spanish tennis star Manuel Orantes, tennis industry innovator Mike Davies, and wheelchair tennis great Randy Snow, who will be inducted posthumously.
The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is hosted on the beautiful grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which have hosted all the great legends of tennis dating back to 1881, when the facility hosted the first U.S. Nationals – the event that evolved to today’s US Open. Steeped in rich history, the fan friendly venue is often noted as one of the best places on the ATP World Tour to get close to the action. Every seat offers a great view, and it is not uncommon to see players stopping for autographs and chatting with fans. Off court, visitors enjoy touring the fascinating Museum on the property, which chronicles the history of tennis from its 12th century origins through present-day, and showcases the remarkable stories of the 220 individuals from 19 countries who have been honored with Hall of Fame induction.
Tickets for all sessions, including Military Appreciation Day, are now available. For additional information and to order tickets, please call the Tournament Office at 401-849-6053 or 866-914-FAME (3263) or visit tennisfame.com.