Opening Night | 
From the mesmerizing and unprecedented video and light show to Jordin Sparks’ Whitney Houston-like National Anthem rendition, it was truly an amazing and unforgettable night Monday during the 12th annual Opening Ceremony Gala at the US Open.
Arthur Ashe Stadium sparkled and shined on this night as more than 20,000 fans and an ESPN national-televised audience viewed the kickoff to the season’s final Grand Slam on a gorgeous New York City night.
“Our goal is to raise the bar and exceed expectations each year on Opening Night,” said Gordon Smith, USTA executive director. “We want to surprise the fans and leave them in awe and tonight we were able to do that. What an amazing night.”
Sparks sang her hit song “Celebrate” from the movie “Sparkle” she starred in with Houston , before her stunning singing of the National Anthem, which evoked memories of Houston ’s powerful rendition of the song she performed before the Super Bowl in 1991. Houston opened Arthur Ashe Stadium 15 years ago with a performance of “One Moment in Time” in front of a sold-out crowd and some of the biggest names in tennis history.
USTA President Jon Vegosen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a host of other dignitaries and celebrities were on hand to enjoy the evening, as were Alec Baldwin, “Hunger Games” star Stanley Tucci, NBA star Carmelo Anthony and seven-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Gladys Knight, just to name a few.
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