16th June 2007
Eastbourne will welcome top tennis stars, family fun and live music when the International Women’s Open kicks off this weekend.
Recent French Open champion Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo are among the players who will compete at the highest level at DevonshirePark from June 16 to June 23.
Centre court tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday – June 21, 22 and 23 - are nearly sold out and overall ticket sales in general are 20 per cent up on last year.
This year there is more reason than ever to join in the fun with an array of complimentary events being run alongside the tournament.
Starting on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17, is Tennis by the Sea – an extravaganza of tennis based family entertainment.
On both days a full sized tennis court, eight mini courts and tennis factory stations are being created on the Western Lawns. Professional coaches will be on hand to offer free tips and have a tennis knock around with visitors.
Experts from the PerformanceAcademy (based at South Downs Lawn Tennis Club) will give a tennis demonstration each day.
As part of Tennis by the Sea Sovereign Radio are going to broadcast live from the Lawns on the Saturday and stage their road show with lots of fun and games on the Sunday. A variety of prizes and giveaways will be up for grabs over the weekend including tickets to the tournament, tennis equipment, £500 for under 14-year-olds and family membership for the David Lloyd Sports Centre in Eastbourne in a speed of serve competition or a day trip for under 14-year-olds to the National Tennis Centre in the main draw.
Ladies Day, on Tuesday 19 June, will provide the perfect opportunity to pull on some designer outfits and enjoy the glamour of the atmosphere. Female visitors on this day will receive a gift bag and can make use of the complimentary nail treatments.
Throughout the whole tournament visitors will be able to enjoy Strawberry Cream Teas, with proceeds being donated to Britain’s biggest female charity – Breast Cancer Care.
For the first time ever sounds of live music will fill the evening skies during the tournament. Tennis Rocks is a series of open air performances taking place at the close of tennis play from June 19 to June 22. Spectators will be able to buy tickets for £8 to watch tennis on the outside courts from 4pm followed by performances by different Sussex bands from 7pm. Alternatively guests already planning to catch the top tennis during the day can buy an extra ticket for £4 for the music in the evening.
LTA Tournament Director, Gavin Fletcher, said: “On top of the thrill of watching some of the world’s best female tennis players, this year the International Women’s Open is staging a series of fantastic events set to create the right atmosphere for a great day out.”
To secure your tennis experience, call the box office now on 01323 412000 or visit the LTA International Womens Open website for more information. Prices for adult tickets for the tennis range from £16 to £29.
