Held at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in D.C.’s Rock Creek Park, the Legg Mason Tennis Classic—managed by BEST Blue Entertainment Sports Television and benefiting the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation—kicked off on Saturday and expects some 76,000 fans (and 500 volunteers) over its week-long run through August 17. Around the stadium, more than 40 sponsors, such as Olympus and Evian, set up promotional booths along the tennis center’s “Sponsor Row" to attract the crowd.
Although many top-ranked players chose to play at the Olympics this week, the tournament’s draw includes fan favorites Andy Roddick and Marat Safin, as well as American up-and-comers Donald Young and John Isner. And in between matches, sponsors kept things interesting with interactive games and free giveaways at their booths. Here's a look at some of the stand-out displays.
The food court at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic
Photo: BizBash
As title sponsor, Legg Mason set up a 20- by 20-foot wood-and-canvas tent, which was prominently located near the parking lot reserved for premium ticket holders. ESPN broadcast from the tent throughout the tournament.
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The tournament's official beer sponsor, Singha, emblazoned umbrellas in the food court with its logo.
Photo: BizBash
Companies with displays in "Sponsor Row," located near the entrance and main box office, included Naked Juice, which passed out free samples.
Photo: BizBash
South African Airways, the official airline of the Association of Tennis Professionals, used safari-inspired fabric in its display and offered a drawing for two round-trip tickets to Cape Town.
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Fans could test their groundstrokes at the Valspar Paint tent, which drew crowds with a Wii-inspired tennis video game.
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Evian's tent embraced all things pink, with preppy models on hand to spritz fans with Evian Mineral Water Spray.
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Olympus featured a display of its cameras and offered a hands-on demo of the Olympus Stylus's ability to withstand inclement weather.
Photo: BizBash
