First ever $100,000 prize on USTA women's circuit
MIDLAND -- The 2010 Dow Corning Tennis Classic has been named the first ever $100,000 tournament on the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Women’s Pro Circuit Tour, making it the top stop on the 103 tournament tour for premier prize money.
Mike Woody, executive director of the Midland Community Tennis Center, made the announcement in conjunction with Daniel Futter, Dow Corning Vice President and executive sponsor of the Dow Corning Tennis Classic. 2010 marks the 22nd year of the tournament.
“This announcement is an indication by the USTA that this event has been the crown jewel of the tour for some time,” said Woody. “It is great news for the thousands of tennis fans in our region, as the larger purse should attract even more top talent come February. What better place to have the first ever $100,000 Pro Circuit event than Midland, Michigan, which was just named the Best Tennis Town in the country?”
In addition to the increase in prize money, an improved fan experience was also discussed. An expanded hospitality area featuring more space and additional dining experiences, plus added parking, will be part of the 2010 tournament, which runs from February 7th through the 14th at the Midland Community Tennis Center.
While the added prize money will no doubt attract higher ranked players and more media coverage, other aspects of the tournament will benefit as well.
“This is an exciting demonstration of the confidence the USTA has in the Dow Corning Tennis Classic, and not only in terms of the competition piece of the tournament,” said Futter. “The tournament has always been about local outreach and the thousands of young people these players impact each year and we hope to build that further.”
Early Bird box seat sales for previous holders are September 28th through October 23rd, with general box seat and ticket sales slated to begin October 24th. For information on tickets and, contact Pesi Kennett, director of business services, or Ryan Boyer, assistant tournament director at 989-631-6151. You may also visit www.dowcorningtennisclassic.com.
