20 January 2011 It has been confirmed today that DevonshirePark in Eastbourne will continue as the venue for the AEGON International for the next three years, through 2013.
The Eastbourne site has hosted the prestigious tournament for 37 years, since it began in 1974.
Roger Draper, Chief Executive for the LTA said: “We are thrilled to be able to continue with DevonshirePark as the venue to host the AEGON International until 2013. Eastbourne is a fantastic host town for the tournament, with such support for the event from local people since it began. We are delighted to be able to secure its future and to be able to deliver world class tennis to Eastbourne’s residents for the next three years. We look forward to working with the Council and local community to continue to grow the event.”
The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt, added:“Tourism is the commercial bedrock of our wonderful town and maintaining international tennis at DevonshirePark has always been a key priority for the council. Working in partnership with the LTA we have now secured top flight tennis in Eastbourne until 2013.
“I know that this news will be universally well received by the many people who love visiting the AEGON International and sharing in the unique experience that the event offers. From the days of Navratilova, Sabatini and Shriver, to modern players such as Clijsters, Henin and Wozniacki, the tournament at DevonshirePark is synonymous with the pre-Wimbledon build up and is becoming an increasingly popular competition for the professionals on the men’s tour too.
“I would like to thank the LTA and my council colleagues for working so hard to make the announcement today a possibility. We will work hard to ensure that the next three years are the best yet for world class tennis in Eastbourne.”
The prestigious tournament, a combined ATP and WTA event, draws in a world class field each year as highly ranked players take to the grass courts ahead of The Championships, Wimbledon in London.
Christina Ewbank, President of the Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce commented: “This fantastic news will resonate throughout the tourism sector in Eastbourne. Countless businesses rely on the millions of visitors that are drawn to the special environment, superb events and warm hospitality Eastbourne offers and I have no doubt that tennis fans from all over the world will now be making plans to visit the AEGON International, located in the number one resort on the south coast.”
Tickets for the AEGON International at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne on 11th – 18th June 2011 are on sale now and are available online from the AEGON International website r by phone 0844 209 7350.
To find your nearest Place to Place visit the LTA website.
