CONNECTICUT OPEN – NEW FOOD OPTIONS, BEER GARDEN, GIVEAWAYS & MORE HEADLINE SPECIAL EVENTS

Written by: Staff on 9th August 2014

CONNECTICUT OPEN - NEW FOOD OPTIONS, BEER GARDEN, GIVEAWAYS & MORE HEADLINE SPECIAL EVENTS

epa04023641 The shadow of Donald Young of US is casted on the ground as he returns the ball to Andreas Seppi of Ialy during the second round match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2014. EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA |

New Haven Connecticut open is going to be for tennis and foodies. Check out all the info they sent us about their food court. It’s a super event. A great warm up for the US Open and a major factor in the outcome of the US Open Series winner.

The top players are all coming back to the campus of Yale university.

Check out the food trucks. Check out the kids clinics. Check out MILITARY NIGHT !

The revamped Food Court will feature local restaurants and food trucks including Caseus (grilled cheese/food truck), La Petite France (Crepes/food cart), Tony’s Orangeside Donuts (food truck), Valencia Luncheria (Venezuelan/food truck), and Spuds Your Way (baked potato/food truck). In addition, the tournament will also bring fans The Lobster Shack (seafood/R Entertainment food stand), Ben & Jerry’s (ice cream/food stand) and burgers, hot dogs, pizza, salads and more.

The tournament has also installed the brand new Baseline Tap House, a beer garden presented by Goose Island Beer Company, which will feature a selection of craft beers from Connecticut and beyond including Stoney Creek IPA & Amber Ale, Thomas Hooker Blonde, Spiked Seltzer, Bluepoint Bluberry, and Grey Sail Flagship Ale.

AWARD-WINNING FOOD COMPANY R ENTERTAINMENT TO DELIVER DELICIOUS FOOD

AT CONNECTICUT OPEN; LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND FOOD TRUCKS TO BE FEATURED

AS WELL AS A NEW BEER GARDEN

Off-Court Fun Coming In Trip Giveaways, Military Appreciation Night,

Spin Bikes, Kids Day & Much More

NEW HAVEN, Conn., August 7, 2014 – The Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies, to be held August 15-23 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, has contracted R Entertainment, an award-winning company that delivers culinary programs for more than 200 events nationwide per year, to produce all of the food at the event, it was announced today by Tournament Director Anne Worcester. The R Entertainment team is led by Chef Aaron May, whose restaurants have appeared on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and The Learning Channel’s “Best Food Ever.”

Also new this year, fans will be able to use GoPago (http://www.gopago.com/), a service that will allow them to use their smartphones anywhere on site to order and pick up food from a special express line at the concession stand in the Stadium. This technology will reduce wait times and allow fans to catch as much action as possible while at the tournament.

While the tournament is sure to be a destination for tennis fans from around New England, the event will be giving away a “Destination a Day,” evening sessions from Tuesday, August 19-Friday, August 22 and during the finals on Saturday August 23. Fans who register at Guest Services, or mail in their entry (45 Yale Ave, New Haven, CT 06515), will be entered to win packages to Wimbledon, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua, Sea Island Resort in Georgia, and the Mayflower Grace in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut.

Via tournament social media channels, American Express will deliver “All Access” to the top players with entertaining and engaging videos that showcase a lighter side of the players’ personalities. Fans should visit the tournament social channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) to check out the content that will be presented throughout the event.

Monday night, August 18, will be Military Appreciation Night presented by United Technologies. Active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military members receive one free ticket with every full price ticket purchased and receive complimentary hospitality in the United Technologies Military Outpost. Our nation’s service members will be honored on Stadium Court with a special ceremony featuring the USO Show Troupe performing the National Anthem and a Color Guard presentation prior to the start of the first evening match. Also, the Knights of Columbus will provide the first 2,000 fans through the gates with an American Flag. The USO Show Troupe will perform on the Connecticut Stage in the picnic area from 5-6:30 p.m. A free tennis clinic will also be offered in the Aetna FitZone exclusively for active duty military, veterans and their families.

In support of Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Closer to Free Ride on September 6, two spin bikes will be on-site in Yale New Haven Health System’s booth at the tournament. All WTA players, as well as Legends James Blake, Andy Roddick, and Jim Courier, will be “challenged” to ride the spin bike for at least one mile, and tournament sponsors United Technologies, Aetna and First Niagara have pledged a donation per mile ridden by the players. After riding the bike, players will sign the spin bike, and at the conclusion of the tournament the signed bike will be showcased in the lobby of Smilow Cancer Hospital until the Closer to Free Ride on September 6th, when it will be auctioned off to raise additional funds for Smilow.

One of the most popular days at the tournament each year is Aetna Kids Day. Tickets start at just $13 (all day activities/matches included), and WTA pros will deliver a fun-filled day of tennis clinics, giveaways and autograph sessions. In addition, the first 1,000 kids will receive an Aetna goody bag. Aetna will also be conducting a symposium at the Connecticut Open (invite only) that will engage female high school student athletes in a panel discussion about how a healthy active lifestyle makes for success in all aspects of life, especially in the workplace. Expert panelists, including former WNBA player, ESPN analyst and author Rebecca Lobo, will share their knowledge and personal experiences on important topics that are significant in overall success and personal wellness.

A complete schedule of events is listed below. For more information on the 2014 tournament special events log on to www.ctopen.org or call the Box Office at 855-464-8366. Also, make sure to join the New Haven Open on Facebook & Twitter for tournament updates, contests and more.

Sunday, August 17

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 $13 (all day activities/matches included). First 1,000 kids receive an Aetna goody bag!

Monday, August 18

USPTA Free Lesson – (Session 2) 1:00 p.m. – Get in on the tennis action yourself! Join the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) pros at they offer FREE tennis lessons and fun for the entire family in the Aetna FitZone. Play games, win prizes, and get some exercise between matches!

Military Appreciation Night presented by United Technologies – (Session 3) – Active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military members receive one free ticket with every full price ticket purchased and receive complimentary hospitality in the United Technologies Military Outpost. Our nation’s service members will be honored on Stadium Court with a special ceremony featuring the USO Show Troupe performing the National Anthem and a Color Guard presentation prior to the start of the first evening match. Also, the Knights of Columbus will provide the first 2,000 fans through the gates with an American Flag. The USO Show Troupe will perform on the Connecticut Stage in the picnic area from 5-6:30 p.m. A free tennis clinic will also be offered in the Aetna FitZone exclusively for active duty military, veterans and their families.

Tuesday, August 19

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-2:00pm. Special ticket savings also applies for the evening session.

Girl Scout Night – (Session 5) 5:30 p.m. – All Girl Scouts are invited to enjoy a private Q&A sessions with a WTA pro! Advance ticket purchase only.

Wednesday, August 20

Adaptive Clinic – (Session 6) – See the Connecticut Hornets Wheelchair Tennis Team and other local athletes showcase their skills as they demonstrate their skills in the Aetna FitZone.

First Niagara Night – (Session 7) – Join First Niagara for an exciting night of tennis and fun! First 1,000 fans will receive a gift at the gate, compliments of First Niagara.

Men’s Legends Event – (Session 7) – Connecticut’s own tennis legend James Blake returns to the Connecticut Open to take on legend Jim Courier on stadium court following the women’s action.

Thursday, August 21

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

Family Classic Finals – (Session 8 & 9) – Come watch and cheer for the finalists of the 2014 Family Classic as they compete in true championship style to determine the winners of all nine divisions!

Men’s Legends Event – (Session 9) – Connecticut’s own tennis legend James Blake returns for a second night to set up match against legend Andy Roddick on stadium court following the women’s action.

Friday, August 23

Yale-New Haven Health System Night – (Session 11) – Spectacular semifinal action. First 1,000 fans receive a special gift.

Saturday, August 24

United Technologies Day – (Session 12) – United Technologies is proud to present the finals of the 2014 Connecticut Open, promising an afternoon of hard-hitting action on Stadium Court as we crown new Singles and Doubles Champions! First 1,000 fans receive a United Technologies cinch sack.

Weeklong Activities:

Aetna FitZone – Get active, stay fit and win prizes at interactive stations for fans of all ages.

Weeklong Giveaways – While the tournament is sure to be a destination for tennis fans from around New England, the event will be giving away a “Destination a Day,” evening sessions from Tuesday, August 19-Friday, August 22 and during the finals on Saturday August 23. Fans who register at Guest Services, or mail in their entry (45 Yale Ave, New Haven, CT 06515), will be entered to win packages to Wimbledon, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua, Sea Island Resort in Georgia, and the Mayflower Grace in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut.

Closer to Free Ride Player Challenge – In support of Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Closer to Free Ride on September 6, two spin bikes will be on-site in Yale New Haven Health System’s booth at the tournament. All WTA players, as well as Legends James Blake, Andy Roddick, and Jim Courier, will be “challenged” to ride the spin bike for at least one mile, and tournament sponsors United Technologies, Aetna and First Niagara have pledged a donation per mile ridden by the players. After riding the bike, players will sign the spin bike, and at the conclusion of the tournament the signed bike will be showcased in the lobby of Smilow Cancer Hospital until the Closer to Free Ride on September 6th, when it will be used auctioned off to raise additional funds for Smilow.

US Open National Playoff Championships – The US Open National Playoffs 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.

Food Court & Food Trucks – Enjoy a wide variety of options, featuring Caseus (grilled cheese/food truck), La Petite France (Crepes/food cart), Tony’s Orangeside Donuts (food truck), Valencia Luncheria (Venezuelan/food truck), Spuds Your Way (baked potato/food truck), The Lobster Shack (seafood/R Entertainment food stand), Ben & Jerry’s (ice cream/food stand), burgers, hot dogs, pizza, salads, and more. Also, fans will be able to use GoPago (http://www.gopago.com/), a service that will allow them to use their smartphones anywhere on site to order and pick up food from a special express line at the concession stand in the Stadium. The tournament has also installed the brand new Baseline Tap House, a beer garden presented by Goose Island Beer Company, which will feature a selection of craft beers from Connecticut and beyond including Stoney Creek IPA & Amber Ale, Thomas Hooker Blonde, Spiked Seltzer, Bluepoint Bluberry, and Grey Sail Flagship Ale.

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.

About Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies

Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies is now owned by the State of Connecticut and is newly minted as a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization. However, the event has always existed to give back to the community, and has always been much more than just a tennis tournament; it is a leading example of leveraging a large-scale international sporting event to generate $26 million in regional economic impact and to build community pride, spirit and engagement, especially among youth. The women’s-only WTA event will be held August 15-23, 2014 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, and feature six different competitions including WTA qualifying, WTA singles, WTA doubles, Men’s Legends, US Open National Playoffs Championship, and the Maureen Connelly Cup. The Connecticut Open is prominently featured domestically on ESPN2 and also broadcast around the world. For more information about the tournament and tickets, visit www.ctopen.org or call 1-855-464-8366.

About United Technologies

United Technologies, based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. For more information, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.

US Open Series

Now in its 11th season, the Emirates Airline US Open Series continues to serve as a true regular season of hard court tennis, linking eight summer tournaments to the US Open. Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams won the 2013 US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series men’s and women’s titles, each earning a record tennis paycheck of $3.6 million. In 2007, Roger Federer collected $2.4 million for winning the US Open and the Emirates Airline US Open Series. In 2005, Kim Clijsters also captured both the US Open and the Series, winning $2.2 million and equaled that amount in 2010, winning the US Open and finishing the Emirates Airline US Open Series in second place.

Topics: Connecticut Open, food court, New Haven, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open

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10sBalls_com says:

August 9, 2014 at 10:57 am

@connecticutopen – NEW #FOOD OPTIONS, #BEER GARDEN, #GIVEAWAYS & MORE HEADLINE SPECIAL EVENTS- http://t.co/lwcdnLalKQ #tennis