2018 CONNECTICUT OPEN ANNOUNCES SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
New Haven festival atmosphere to include exciting new sponsor
activations, delicious food offerings and fun for all the family
NEW HAVEN, Conn., August 14, 2018 – The 2018 Connecticut Open will feature an exciting festival of weeklong events and activities as it showcases the best food from the city of New Haven and around the State as well as providing fans with the opportunity to help give back to the local community, it was announced today by Tournament Director Anne Worcester.
The WTA Premier Tournament that takes place August 17-25 and is part of the US Open series prides itself on wrapping a week of the very best action in professional women’s tennis with off-court events that make the Connecticut Open experience one to remember.
“We are always looking at ways to make the Connecticut Open more than just tennis.” said Worcester. “With our strong player field this year, we know our fans will enjoy the world-class action on the court and we also encourage fans to experience the festival-like atmosphere off the court with all our special events and activities as well as food trucks and live music all week long. This year in particular we are excited to partner with our sponsors to offer the new Avangrid Power Zone, the expanded Aetna FitZone featuring Pickleball and a mini-car show with all the Porsche displays.”
The 2018 off-court schedule includes:
Sunday, August 19
10am: ShopRite Kids Day powered by Net Generation
Kids will enjoy the time of their lives as magicians, face painters and jugglers provide entertainment, while children of all ages and skill levels can take part in a tennis clinic from 10am until noon at the indoor courts. A High Performance clinic with Hall of Fame coach Nick Bollettieri will be held from 2-4pm at the IMG Academy Court. The first 1,000 kids through the gates will receive gift bags.
Monday, August 20
6:45pm: Third annual Opening Night presented by Yale, featuring Lindsay Davenport and James Blake in a mixed doubles exhibition
Yale University will convert the grounds of the Connecticut Open into a buzzing street fair when gates open at 5pm for the evening session. Follow the trail of bulldog paw prints to find interactive stations showcasing some of the university’s offerings in the arts, scientific research, athletics, and community engagement. Enjoy photo opportunities with Handsome Dan, listen to live music and enter to win raffle prizes. The cornerstone of opening night is a kick-off ceremony, featuring top WTA players in a flag procession alongside Yale international students and scholars from the competitors’ home countries. Tennis legends Lindsay Davenport and James Blake with participate in a mixed doubles exhibition following the singles night session. They will be joined by Yale Tennis players Caroline Dunleavy (sophomore, transfer from Notre Dame) and Michael Sun (freshman, from Livingston, New Jersey). Yale University will be providing the first 1,000 guests with a gift.
Tuesday, August 21
11:30am-3pm: Women’s Day featuring Courtgirls & Cocktails
Women’s Day will take place during the Day Session. All ticket holders can visit a fabulous Trunk Show in our Courtside Club featuring tennis and lifestyle brands including ELEVEN by Venus Williams, and photo ops with WTA players. The COURTGIRL LIFESTYLE VIP Ticket includes lunch, cocktails, VIP gift bag, platinum seating and gold parking
11:30am-1pm: 16th Annual Latino Day Clinic
Take part in a tennis clinic at the Aetna FitZone and enjoy a private meet-and-greet session with a WTA Player and Tennis Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Gigi Fernandez
Wednesday, August 22
Autism Awareness Day presented by ASD Fitness Center, Chapel Haven and Clifford Beers
Join us for a fun-filled day for a great cause offering special programs such as arts and crafts, adaptive tennis and interactive fitness activities for those individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Guests are invited to a sensory friendly, climate-controlled Sponsor Club in the stadium to watch Connecticut Open matches. Complimentary food and drinks will be available.
Porsche Night
First 1,000 guests for the Evening Session will receive a giveaway from our Official Automobile Sponsor.
Friday, August 24
Family Day
Family Day will take place during the Day Session, kids dressed as their favorite characters with a “Superhero and Princess” theme get free entrance with a paid adult. The KeyBank High School Clinic is a free tennis clinic and lunch for teenagers.
Yale New Haven Health Night
First 1,000 guests for the Evening Session will receive a giveaway.
Saturday, August 25
12noon-4pm: Beer Fest at the Connecticut Open
New for 2018, the Connecticut Open will host a craft beer festival featuring 30 local breweries on finals day. Tickets are $40, which includes general admission, middle tier seat for the singles and doubles finals.
12noon: Military Appreciation Day presented by WWE
Active military and vets receive a complimentary pair of tickets to the singles and doubles finals as well as access to the WWE Military Outpost offering complimentary food and beverage from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm. Official Beverage Sponsor PepsiCo will provide soft drinks and snacks. WWE will be giving flags to the first 1,000 guests.
Fans can also enjoy weeklong events and activities:
Aetna FitZone
Come and visit the newly renovated Aetna FitZone to burn off some steam between matches. Aetna hosts a variety of activities all week including inflatables (basketball, football, an obstacle course and bouncy house), giant Connect 4, giant Jenga and an arts & crafts station. Tournament partner SportMaster refreshed the area and built brand new Pickleball courts. Aetna FitZone will feature a show court for various clinics and Wilson Demo Days during the week and Tournament Partner PaddleTek will provide pros and Pickleball equipment to enjoy our new Pickleball courts.
AVANGRID Power Zone
AVANGRID Power Zone is a fun, comfortable and interactive space where guests at the Connecticut Open can come and recharge their devices and bodies. Fans can also take selfies with WTA players throughout the week. Early visitors to the Power Zone may even be in for a free surprise. AVANGRID is the parent company of Connecticut-based United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas Company.
CHAMPIONS GRILL presented by KeyBank
Champions Grill presented by KeyBank will feature Farm to Fork pop-up restaurant overlooking Stadium Court. Here you can enjoy delicious food offerings from the tournament’s official caterer, Forks & Fingers, and signature libations at The Singleton Bar while watching world-class women’s tennis.
PORSCHE CAR DISPLAYS (and free parking for Porsche Owners)
For Porsche fans and car aficionados, the Connecticut Open becomes a mini car show with the latest Porsche models on display throughout the tournament grounds. New models on site this year include:
- 911 Targa 4 GTS, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, 718 Boxster and Cayenne E3
Fans who arrive in a Porsche can drive right up to the GOLD lot and get free parking.
ShopRite Partners in Caring Food Drive
Help the Connecticut Open and tournament sponsor ShopRite fight hunger by donating non-perishable food items at the main entrance. All donations go to the Connecticut Food Bank.
