NEW OFFERINGS HIGHLIGHT FUN, FESTIVE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPECIAL EVENTS AT 2013 NEW HAVEN OPEN

Written by: Staff on 31st July 2013

NEW OFFERINGS HIGHLIGHT FUN, FESTIVE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPECIAL EVENTS AT 2013 NEW HAVEN OPEN |

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 31, 2013 – The New Haven Open at Yale presented by First Niagara, a WTA event that is part of the Emirates Airline US Open Series to be held August 16-24, 2013 at the Connecticut Tennis Center, will once again host a variety of off-court events designed to elevate the fan experience at the 2013 tournament.

Fans can get involved with these off-court opportunities starting today with a chance to win a trip to Curtain Bluff resort in Antigua. Simply visit the Lux Bond & Green or vineyard vines stores in Westport, Connecticut before August 8 at 5:00 p.m. and enter to win the “Grand Prize”, an all-inclusive trip to Curtain Bluff resort, and one of 16 “First Prizes,” a pair of box seat tickets to the 2013 New Haven Open, all courtesy of the Antigua-Barbuda Office of Tourism and the New Haven Open.

A few of the brand new offerings on-site at this year’s New Haven Open are designed to satiate the thirst of guests 21 and over. The SVEDKA Vodka Lounge will offer the “SVEDKA Smash,” the official drink of the New Haven Open, among many other signature concoctions. Visitors will even have the opportunity to vote on their favorite SVEDKA vodkas – bringing an interactive element to the imbibing experience. Additionally, the Ooh La La Wine Bar will provide a great escape for fans looking to wind down between matches with a glass of California’s most stylish wine. Goose Island is the official beer of the tournament, for those fans partial to brew.

For younger guests, the annual Aetna Kids Day is the perfect way to kick off a week of great tennis. During the first session of the New Haven Open on Sunday, August 18, kids can join WTA professionals for a fun-filled day of tennis clinics, autographs and prizes. Tickets start at just $12 and include admission to all New Haven Open matches on that day as well.

On Monday night, the tournament will honor America’s Heroes by inviting active duty military personnel, veterans and their families to a tennis clinic at the Aetna FitZone at 5:30 p.m. and a ceremony honoring these heroes after the first match of the night session. All active duty military personnel and veterans will receive one free ticket with the purchase of another full-price ticket for this Military & Hero Appreciation Night presented by Budweiser.

A Wednesday night feast will give fans the opportunity to refuel for the evening session with Comfort Food and Cocktails presented by SVEDKA Vodka and hosted by celebrity chef and cookbook author Jacques Pepin. The event will take place in the Courtside Club overlooking Stadium Court and will sample the expert skills of New Haven’s most exciting chefs and mixologists as they put their own spin on comfort food & cocktails. A popular debut event at this year’s New Haven Open, tickets are already sold out.

Beginning on Thursday, August 22, fans will have the opportunity to take photos where the coverage of the New Haven Open is hosted – the ESPN Desk. Guests can sit where tennis pros and TV personalities break down the on-court action and host the national broadcast.

In order to look great for the cameras, guests can stop by the Pro Shop and pick up threads from Solfire, the new apparel sponsor of the New Haven Open. Volunteers, ballkids, tournament staff and officials will be wearing Solfire outfits, as well, in order to perform at the highest level and look their best during the tournament.

A complete schedule of events is listed below. For more information on the 2013 tournament, volunteer opportunities and to secure tickets, log on to www.newhavenopen.com or call the New Haven Open Box Office at 855-464-8366. Also, make sure to join the New Haven Open on Facebook & Twitter for tournament updates, contests and more.

This year, fans will be closer to the action than ever before, as the New Haven Open consolidates all seating into the Box Ring of the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. This enhanced proximity to the players and on-court action as well as increased in-stadium entertainment is available starting at just $24.

Sunday, August 18

- Aetna Kids Day – (Session 1) 10:00 a.m. – Join WTA pros for a fun-filled day of tennis clinics, giveaways and autograph sessions. Tickets start at just $12 (all day activities/matches included). First 1,000 kids receive an Aetna goody bag!

Monday, August 19

- USPTA Free Lesson – (Session 2) 1:00 p.m. – USPTA New England pros will conduct a three-hour on-going “Free” group lesson for the New Haven Open public. Pros to instruct, guide, and encourage participants during the lesson

– Budweiser presents Military & Hero Appreciation Night – (Session 3) – Active duty military and veterans receive one free ticket with every full price ticket purchased and can participate in a tennis clinic in the Aetna FitZone. A special on-court ceremony will recognize these heroes prior to the first night match on Stadium Court.

– USTA Member Appreciation Day/Night – (Sessions 4 & 5) – USTA Members receive special ticket savings and VIP Hospitality in the Courtside Club overlooking Stadium Court with appearances by WTA pros and a complimentary gift from 11:00am-3:00pm. Special ticket savings also applies for the evening session.

Tuesday, August 20

– New Haven Register Night – (Session 5) – First 1,000 fans receive a special giveaway

– First Niagara Girl Scout Night – (Session 5) 5:30 p.m. – All Girl Scouts are invited to enjoy a private Q&A session with a WTA pro! Contact your troop leader for more information. Advance ticket purchase only.

Wednesday, August 21

– Comfort Food and Cocktails presented by SVEDKA Vodka – (Session 7) 5:00-7:30 p.m. – Satisfy your culinary and libation cravings in the Courtside Club, overlooking Stadium Court and sample the expert skills of New Haven’s most exciting chefs as they put their own spin on comfort food. From sweet to savory, foodies will enjoy favorites reimagined by: Zinc, Ibiza, Heirloom, Union League Cafe, Caseus, Claire’s Corner Copia, Basta Trattoria, John Davenport’s and L’Orcio. Cocktails by 116 Crown and Ordinary. Tickets are $125 and include a Courtside Box Seat tickets. SOLD OUT!

Thursday, August 22

– Solfire Day – (Session 8) – Solfire, official apparel sponsor of the 2013 New Haven Open, will cool you off as quarterfinal action heats up by offering the first 1,000 fans a free paddle fan!

– Aetna Night – (Session 9) – First 1,000 fans receive an Aetna cinch sack.

Friday, August 23

– Yale-New Haven Hospital Night – (Session 11) – First 1,000 fans receive a special gift.

Saturday, August 24

– First Niagara Day – (Session 12) – Fans for fans! Cheer on a new champion with a free hand fan at the gate, courtesy of First Niagara!

Weeklong Activities:

– Aetna FitZone – What’s your healthy? Get active, stay fit and win prizes at interactive fitness stations for fans of all ages.

– SVEDKA Vodka Lounge – Fans can relax between matches and choose from a tremendous selection of specialty drinks mixed with SVEDKA vodka. Enjoy the hit concoction, the “SVEDKA Smash” or try the two newest flavors, Orange Cream Pop and Strawberry Colada. Which one will be your favorite?

– Ooh La La Wine Bar – The Ooh La La Wine Bar will provide a great escape for fans looking to wind down between matches with a glass of California’s most stylish wine. High-quality, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Rosé are enhanced with the perfect touch of carbonation to add a mouthwatering zing. Sophisticated & refreshing, it’s wine’s new style!

– US Open National Playoff Championships – The US Open National Playoff Championships is the culmination of 13 men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles sectional events across the United States. Singles winners earn a spot in the US Open qualifying while mixed doubles winners earn a spot in the US Open main draw.

– Sponsor Booth Giveaways – Stop by for a chance to win prizes, including trips and tickets.

– Food Court – Enjoy a wide variety of options, featuring the Caseus Grilled Cheese Truck La Petite France Crepe Truck, burgers, hot dogs, salads, seafood, salads and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

– Player Autograph Sessions – Get up close and personal with your favorite WTA stars! Check for daily updates in the drawsheet or at Guest Services for the schedule of upcoming player autograph sessions.

– Afternoon Chats and Nightly Music – Talks and tunes! Check out the entertainment stage for interviews with WTA players and special guests, followed by nightly live music.

– Shuttle to and from Downtown New Haven – Leave the car behind and shop, dine, and explore New Haven by riding the FREE shuttle, courtesy of the City of New Haven. The Shuttle also serves the Tennis Center every hour! Visit the on-site INFO New Haven Booth for more information.

– Mayor’s Passport to Downtown Dining – Join the pros and continue the party in downtown New Haven. Dine at one of more than twenty participating restaurants in the Mayor’s Passport to Downtown Dining.