The Citi Open wrapped up Sunday following nine days of men’s and women’s matches at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. For the second year in a row the tournament grew with more than 69,000 people attending—up 9,000 from last year—and 20 sponsors, including eight new ones, showcasing their brands on site.
“It’s a unique demographic in the market, and we have a platform for sponsors to activate and drive business,” said tournament director Jeff Newman, who noted that the event has a wider reach since adding a women's draw last year. Among the first-year sponsors: McCormick Spices, Celebrity Cruises, and Under Armour.
Because it's a non-Olympic year, notable players in the tennis world like Under Armour spokesmodel Sloane Stephens and winners Juan Martin del Potro and Magdalena Rybarikova returned to Washington to participate, bringing fans and sponsors with them. A myriad of ancillary events took place throughout the city and tennis center grounds during the week, including a private V.I.P., players, and sponsors party hosted by Emirates Airlines at P.O.V. at the W Hotel; a Corona tailgate party in the hospitality tent; the McCormick Chef’s Challenge; and Celebrity Cruises’ Game, Set, Lunch Ladies Day. Here’s a look inside the action.
