Trailing just behind Nascar as the sport with the highest sponsorship loyalty-the sport whose fans are committed to exclusively endorsing the sponsors of that particular game-tennis is a favorite in South Florida. Attracting nearly 300,000 guests, this year's Sony Ericsson Open unfolded a portfolio of events ranging from the first-ever match played on water to concerts and fashion shows, proving that its not just a game anymore, but a noteworthy annual event.
The nearly two-week event had a host of big-name sponsors, each with their own branded tents and booths within the tournament's makeshift village at Crandon Park. Some of the top sponsors were Mercedes-Benz, Fila, Heineken, Miami-Dade County, and Bank of America.Produced by IMG, the 12-day tourney began on March 26 and wrapped up on Sunday, with a win from Serena Williams for the ladies and Nikolay Davydenko for the men.
The nearly two-week event had a host of big-name sponsors, each with their own branded tents and booths within the tournament's makeshift village at Crandon Park. Some of the top sponsors were Mercedes-Benz, Fila, Heineken, Miami-Dade County, and Bank of America.Produced by IMG, the 12-day tourney began on March 26 and wrapped up on Sunday, with a win from Serena Williams for the ladies and Nikolay Davydenko for the men.
The tournament village, at Key Biscayne's Tennis Center at Crandon Park, spanned 100,000 square feet and included food, retail outlets, a makeshift Starbucks, a Ben and Jerry's, an upscale members-only restaurant, and more.
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The tournament village, at Key Biscayne's Tennis Center at Crandon Park, spanned 100,000 square feet and included food, retail outlets, a makeshift Starbucks, a Ben and Jerry's, an upscale members-only restaurant, and more.
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Housing 12 competition courts and six practice courts, the 13,300-seat stadium court-the centerpiece of the tennis center-hosted the tournament's headlining matches.
Sony Ericsson Open
Players Cara Black, Liezel Huber, Nikolay Davydenko, and John Isner put down their racquets and helped greet passengers at the Key Biscayne tollbooths on opening day.
Sony Ericsson Open
ATP Tour player David Nalbandian and Indy driver Helio Castroneves shared each other's passions at Homestead Miami Speedway, as the two played a competitive set across the track's finish line and Nalbandian got behind the wheel to cruise around the track.
Sony Ericsson Open
Tournament sponsors such as Bombay Sapphire created custom cocktail lounges where guests could escape the heat.
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In addition to matches, the purple courts also hosted various entertainers, such as fire dancers, throughout the 12-day event.
Sony Ericsson Open
Players Juan Ignacio Chela and Jill Craybas joined tournament staff and volunteers, along with Feed the Children, to distribute nearly 400,000 pounds of food, beverages, personal care products, and paper goods-retailing for more than $1,349,000-to South Florida families in need.
Sony Ericsson Open
Blumarine, Fila, Village of Merrick Park, and Venus Williams' EleVen clothing lines were among the shows at Fashion Park in the tournament village.
Sony Ericsson Open
Big-screen TVs were set up in grassy areas throughout the village so that those without tickets into the stadium could enjoy the live matches.
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