CT Open Unveils New Highlights for 2017

Governor Dannel Malloy (second from left) and tournament Anne Worcester
(center) pose with representatives from Porsche Cars North America.

NEW HAVEN – State, local and tournament officials were greeted by a lineup of Porsche sports cars. Attendees also tasted a sample of the new food that will be available at this year’s Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies. Tournament director Anne Worcester announced new sponsors, the weeklong events schedule for ticketholders, a new caterer, player field updates and stadium investment news during the tournament’s annual media day. Porsche Cars North America was announced as the official automotive sponsor.

“We are thrilled that Porsche has committed to a Platinum sponsorship for 2017 that includes prominent back wall signage during prime global television coverage,” said Worcester. “For our fans, there will be Porsche car displays on-site during the tournament and all players will be transported in the newest Porsche models, which include a mix of Cayenne, Macan and Panamera variants.”

“Porsche has a long and proud history of supporting women’s tennis,” said Andre Oosthuizen, vice president, marketing at Porsche Cars North America. “The Connecticut Open marks the first sponsorship of a WTA tournament by Porsche in North America and we are excited to show fans, players and car aficionados our latest Porsche models, including the new Porsche Panamera.”

The Connecticut Convention Center becomes the official catering provider for 2017. The culinary team will capitalize on more than a decade of award-winning experience to refresh the food and beverage offerings and provide innovative opportunities for guests.

“I am also very excited to announce that an off-court foodie celebration will kick off the 2017 tournament the evening of Sunday, August 20,” continued Worcester. “Porsche presents Game. Set. Munch is a new event hosted by the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale will take place in the newly renovated John Davenport’s Restaurant, offering spectacular views of New Haven. This VIP experience marries tennis, food, spirits and music plus player appearances throughout the night.”

Tickets to “Porsche presents Game. Set. Munch” are $125 and includes an opportunity to purchase a session ticket to the Connecticut Open for $50. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ctopen.org.

Worcester also added that fans can expect to experience off-court entertainment and activities throughout tournament week. The week-long events for 2017 include:

• ShopRite Kids Day – Sunday, August 20
• Porsche presents Game. Set. Munch – Sunday, August 20
• Opening Night Ceremony presented by Yale University featuring a mixed doubles exhibition match with Martina Navratilova and Mats Wilander – Monday, August 21
• Courtgirls & Cocktails – Tuesday, August 22
• Autism Awareness Day and Super Heroes & Princess Day – Wednesday, August 23
• PowerShares Legends Event with John McEnroe, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis and Michael Chang – Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25
• United Technologies Military Appreciation Day – Saturday, August 26

“The Connecticut Open continues to serve as a major attraction for the state of Connecticut,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “We are proud of the tournament’s contribution to the state as an economic driver, but it also represents an event that makes our state and cities better places to live, work and visit.”

Malloy also provided an update on the State’s continued investment in stadium infrastructure with the completion of a new media center. “In addition to a new media center, we have also invested in newly renovated administrative offices that will be the permanent year-round tournament office, which is a cost savings measure. We’ve committed to the building of permanent platforms and flooring on the concourse for hospitality suites to further reduce expenses.”

The Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies will take place August 18-26 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale in New Haven. For tickets and additional details, please visit ctopen.org or call 855-464-8366.

                                                                                                                                                                               —Staff Reports