3/20/2008 12:04:00 AM
Column: Visiting the big show at Indian Wells
| |
|
By Chris Howard
Courier Columnist
Prescott tennis fans and players seem to enjoy making the four-and-a-half-hour road trip over to Indian Wells, California to attend the Pacific Life Open. And once again, based on the numbers that have purchased tickets, this first-class Masters Series tournament for both the ATP and WTA tour is rocking with most of the top professionals competing in singles and doubles for prize money of over $5 million.
It is estimated that more than 50 local tennis enthusiasts ventured to the 2008 event to be courtside to cheer the likes of Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and other celebrity racquet swinging favorites.
What's there not to like? This tournament, which began 33 years ago, has grown in prize money from $250,000 to more than $5 million, seating capacity from 7,500 to 16,100, attendance from 30,000 to 300,000...and is now being touted as the 5th grand slam.
The new site and stadium, built at Indian Wells in 2000 by partners Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore, has the largest economic impact in the Coachella Valley to the tune of almost $220 million based on a study done by George Washington University's School of Business.
Two years ago additional investors were added to the partnership. This has truly stabilized the future of this great event. Names you might recognize...Evert, Sampras, King, Tennis magazine, the USTA, PM Sports and 16 other sizeable shareholders.
Some feedback was received by a few of our very own Prescott patrons as to what they like about making their debut in braving the outside elements, watching the best tennis players in the world, spending their hard earned cash and staying in an area the rich and famous call home.
Lisa Cook: "I enjoy the intimacy of the tournament, especially when the players are on the practice courts getting warmed up...it's just great fun... And it's much easier to hop in the car and come over here than to make the trip to the U.S. Open in New York...not to mention the difference in expense as well."
Katie Dowdy spent three days watching lots of tennis and commented, "It's much more crowded this year, yet you can still walk around at your own leisure without feeling like you're crammed in shoulder to shoulder, occasionally talking with players, getting autographs and really enjoying the ambiance of the best men and women players in the world together."
My 6 year-old Lleyton and I ate in the media/players cafeteria and had the help of three-time French Open champion Gustoavo Kuerten to carry his tray to our table, U.S. Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova to open his milk and Wimbledon finalist Marion (Bouncing) Bartoli to squeeze in at our table with her father to dine. Rather surreal.
With more than 50 acres, 22 courts to visit, better than 250 top players to watch, meet, get autographs from and pictures with, it's the right price and a haven from non- to avid-tennis buffs to head to for at least a couple days.
So, if you haven't been to the Pacific Life Open before, put it on your bucket list for next
year.
(Chris Howard is a local USPTA Tennis Professional with over 30 years in the racquet and fitness industry. He can be reached at 928-445-1331 or choward4541@q.com)
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
