S.C. Combo Doubles State Championship at Family Circle Tennis Center Brings $941,970 Economic Impact to Charleston Area
October 21, 2011
USTA Event to Bring Competitors, Friends, and Families to Lowcountry
CHARLESTON, SC – October 21, 2011 – The Family Circle Tennis Center is hosting the USTA SC Combo State Championships for the 9th consecutive year from October 20 – 24, 2011, bringing an economic impact of $941,970 to the greater Charleston area. This event is the largest tennis tournament in South Carolina, hosting 2,221 competitors who comprise 206 teams from throughout the state. Approximately 1,847 of these players have traveled greater than 50 miles to the Championships, will stay for at least three days, booked over 5,500 room nights, and are enjoying many of the restaurants and attractions of the Charleston area.
“We’re very proud to host the largest tournament in the state for the ninth year in a row,” commented Rob Eppelsheimer, Family Circle Tennis Center Director, Facilities and Tennis Development. “Charleston was named the best tennis town in America last year for many reasons, and this tournament is a great example of both the tennis community and the Charleston area coming together to host an event of this magnitude.”
Winning teams from 13 leagues throughout the state advanced to Charleston at many levels of play. The Family Circle Tennis Center is the main tournament site, as well as host site for all off-court activities, including two captains meetings and a special player dinner/social on Friday, October 21st. Five additional Lowcountry tennis facilities are being utilized for match play, including the Daniel Island Club, Wild Dunes, Snee Farm, Whipple Road, and Live to Play (LTP).
“The Family Circle Tennis Center is the perfect venue for this event. It’s a real treat for league players to be able to compete on the same courts the pros use each year during the Family Circle Cup,” said Mary Goins, USTA State League Director. “Players always look forward to an exciting getaway weekend in the Lowcountry, and our players usually allocate a good amount of spending money for this annual trip to Charleston.”
Southern Combo Doubles presented by MINI is the fastest-growing USTA adult league program in the Southern Section. Local men’s and women’s team play is available in Adult combined levels 5.0, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5, (maximum level of play allowed at the combined 5.0 level is 2.5), Senior combined levels 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5, and Super Senior combined levels 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5. In 2011, each State will host a State Championship with winning teams advancing to the Section Championships in Mobile, Alabama, from March 2-5, 2012.
The Family Circle Tennis Center
The Family Circle Tennis Center, home of the Family Circle Cup, is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, tennis events and other special activities throughout the year. Charleston, South Carolina bested 81 U.S. cities in being voted the Best Tennis Town in America in the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) 2010 contest. With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation. The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, a Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, and a racquet club featuring a full service Pro Shop and locker room facilities. The Family Circle Tennis Center has a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, advertising, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage. For more information or a schedule of events, call (843) 849-5300 or visit familycirclecup.com.
