The Southern California franchise in the World TeamTennis Pro League presented by GEICO will have a new name and home court in 2012.
The Orange County Breakers will play their seven home WTT matches this July on a specially-constructed court at the Bren Events Center on the University of California, Irvine campus. WTT previously hosted Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King’s annual WTT Smash Hits charity event at the Bren in 2004 and 2006. The Breakers’ coach Trevor Kronemann is also head coach of the nationally-ranked men’s tennis team at UC Irvine, where he was a four-year All-American from 1987-90.
The Breakers, who have played in nearby Newport Beach since 2003, start their 10th year in the League when the 2012 regular season kicks off July 9 and runs through July 29. The Breakers compete in the Western Conference along with the Springfield Lasers, Kansas City Explorers and their in-state rival Sacramento Capitals. The top two teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences advance to the WTT Finals Weekend, Sept. 14-16, at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.
“Our rebranding as the Orange County Breakers and the move to the Bren Center in centrally located Irvine better aligns the team with the entire Orange County community,” said Breakers General Manager Kerry Schneider. “The Bren Center has hosted a number of high profile events, including several World TeamTennis matches, so we know they will be a great home for the Breakers and our fans.”
“We are pleased to have the Orange County Breakers playing their home matches at the Bren Events Center this summer,” UCI Athletic Director Michael Izzi said. “Trevor Kronemann does an outstanding job coaching our men’s tennis program and we look forward to having the Breakers’ team competing on our campus. We welcome their fans to UCI and a great venue.”
Tickets for the Breakers 10th season go on sale following the WTT Roster Player Draft on March 13. The Breakers start building their 2012 lineup with the WTT Marquee Draft on February 14. For more information on the Orange County Breakers, visit www.breakerstennis.com