US Open Finds Creative Way To Earn More Money

Written by: Staff on 6th September 2012

US Open Finds Creative Way To Earn More Money |

US Open officials might not be able to work out how to get a roof over a showcourt, but the administrators have found a creative way to generate money on the tournament grounds, even if it is the smallest element of their event.

The latest money-spinning lark: selling balls used in specific matches to tennis-mad fans – with balls used on match points going for a premium.

The concept, of course, is a first and the Open is charging an eye-watering first-mover price of $60 for a “regular” match ball hit by a name player. Precious match-point balls go into an online auction with prices reaching much higher, and anyone, anyplace can bid for the balls.

Officials have partnered with a sports memorabilia company to insure that the balls they are selling are “certified.”

That consists of having authorized runners scoop up the balls after the handshake at the net, taking care to try and separate out the match point one – if the winner has not joyfully blasted it up into the stands and therefore depriving the federation of its cut of the new income stream.

Ball collection officials told local media that to insure authenticity, the balls are taken to a nearby office to be dotted with a laser image which can be used to trace back its provenance (authenticity), something collectors now demand.

Fans then have the chance to pay good money for the used materials at a kiosk conveniently located on the grounds. Used ball prices are variable, with one person paying $79 for an Andy Roddick ball. Custom wooden cases for the precious collectables cost extra – plus tax.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Sports, Tennis Activities, tennis collectables, Tennis Memorabilia, Tennis News, US Open 2012