VIP Experiences at all Four Grand Slams

Written by: Staff on 1st September 2011

VIP Experiences at all Four Grand Slams

Julia Goerges of Germany prepares to serve to Laura Pous-Tio of Spain during their second round match on the third day of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA 31 August 2011. The US Open runs through 11 September 2011. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT |

NEWPORT, R.I., August 31, 2011- On the eve of the US Open women’s final, tennis legends, industry leaders, and dedicated fans of the sport will gather at Cipriani Wall Street for an exciting celebration of tennis to honor the greatest champions of the sport, particularly the newest inductees to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Andre Agassi and Peachy Kellmeyer. A highlight of the event will be a live and silent auction featuring incredible packages ranging from Centre Court tickets for the 2012 Wimbledon finals and autographed racquets from Hall of Famers Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl to an exciting Canadian Heli-Skiing Adventure and exclusive tennis training vacations. All proceeds of the event will benefit the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring junior tennis development, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

In addition to honoring the Hall of Fame Class of 2011, a number of tennis legends are scheduled to attend, including Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver, Bud Collins, Tony Trabert and many more. The event will also salute two great contributors and long time supporters of tennis, Dick Enberg and the Campbell Soup Company. Former WTA star Mary Carillo will serve as emcee.

More than 60 unique items will be offered in the live and silent auctions at The Legends Ball. Auction items may be previewed online, and advance bids may be submitted at: http://www.biddingforgood.com/tennisfameauction

Absentee bids are now being accepted and may be submitted via the website, or by contacting Gibby Harnett at gharnett@tennisfame.com or 401-324-3061.

Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Client Relations for Sotheby’s, will serve as auctioneer during the Live Auction. The following packages will be up for bid in this “Tribute to the Slams.”

Two coveted Centre Court tickets to the 2012 Wimbledon Ladies Final and Gentlemen’s Final plus a three-night stay in a posh apartment in the Mayfair section of London.

An extraordinary Australian Open package including two seats in the President’s Suite for the 2012 Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Finals and four nights accommodations at the Hilton on the Park in Melbourne.

Two great seats in Philippe Chatrier Stadium for both the Men’s and Women’s finals at the 2012 French Open.

Two tickets, with hospitality, to view the Men’s and Women’s Finals of the 2012 US Open from the President’s Box.

Topping of the Live Auction of Grand Slam tickets, an incredible five-day heli-skiing adventure in British Columbia will be up for bid. The package includes accommodations and skiing at the winning bidder’s choice of three spectacular destinations and is valued at more than $11,000.

A diverse selection of event tickets, luxury vacations, exclusive experiences, and unique collectible memorabilia will be offered in the silent auction. Highlights include a week-long stay in a six-bedroom villa in Jamaica, an exotic cruise on the luxe Azamara Cruise Line with ports ranging from Mumbai to Singapore to Buenos Aires; tickets to tennis events around the world including the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Series in Monaco and the 2012 WTA Championships in Istanbul; autographed memorabilia from Hall of Fame tennis stars and other athletes including NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire and NHL star Brandon Dubinsky; golf at exclusive courses; tennis industry internships and much more.

A highlight of the silent auction will be a one-of-a-kind piece showcasing Andre Agassi’s career and Hall of Fame induction created by renowned sports and entertainment painter Malcolm Farley.

Additional highlights of the silent auction will include:

Exclusive Experiences: Tennis hit session and a round of golf with tennis great Todd Martin in Florida; a round of golf with Hall of Famer Stan Smith at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey; internships with Tennis.com and the WTA; and the opportunity to be a racquet tester for Tennis.com.

Luxury Vacation Packages: Several dream vacations for tennis fans including an escape to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club; a five-night stay with tennis and spa services at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, West Indies; and a four-day getaway to Longboat Key Club & Resort; a one-week stay in a downtown Paris apartment; a one-week stay at a luxe resort in Tortola or Antigua; family ski trips to Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado; and multiple getaways packed with amenities in Vermont, Delaware, and Memphis.

Unforgettable Events: Access to September and February Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York; VIP experiences at the Rolex 24 at Daytona; 2012 Taste of Tennis tickets; concert tickets for an upcoming Dave Matthews Band concert, with an autographed poster from the band; New York Yankees tickets; 2012 US Open golf week-long grounds pass; and a Boston sports fan super package including tickets to home games for the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots.

Autographed Memorabilia: Tennis racquets signed by Hall of Famers Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl; an autographed photo collection highlighting the great rivals of tennis, Agassi and Sampras, McEnroe and Borg, and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal; and jerseys singed by New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire and New York Ranger Brandon Dubinsky.

Tennis Tournament Ticket Packages: 2012 ATP World Tour Finals in London; 2012 WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey; Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters; 2011 Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic; WTT Smash Hits Celebrity Event in Ohio; Opening Day at the 2011 French Open; 2012 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells; 2012 Sony Ericsson Championship in Miami; and Opening Day at the 2012 US Open.

Tennis Camps & Academies: One week session for a junior player at the Chris Evert Academy; one week session for a junior player at the Mark Weil Tennis Academy; plus a weekend for adults at the nearby Ojai Valley Inn & Spa; one week for a junior at the IMG Academy of choice, including tennis, golf, football, baseball and more; and a one week at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, along with an autographed racquet bag from doubles superstars Mike and Bob Bryan and a Prince EXO3 racquet.

Much More! Including apparel packages from Fila, Reebok, and Loriet Sports Apparel and membership at CityView Racquet Club.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about The Legends Ball, contact Meredith Forts at 401-849-3990 or mforts@tennisfame.com.