Atlanta, GA – Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 – USTA Southern announced today that the 2011 and 2012 USTA League Southern Section Championships have been awarded to Mobile, Ala. The city’s Copeland-Cox Tennis Center, also known as the Mobile Tennis Center, will serve as the host site and primary location for many matches. It is the world’s largest public tennis facility.
With over 200 teams and 2,000 players competing annually, the USTA League Tennis Southern Section Championships is considered to be the “world’s largest tennis tournament.” Southern tennis teams compete for an opportunity to play for a USTA national championship.
The Mobile County Commission today voted unanimously to support the tournament with $75,000 in funding per year. “We are ecstatic that we were able to bring the world’s biggest tennis tournament to Mobile, Ala.,” said Mike Dean, President of the Mobile County Commission. “We look forward to making this the biggest and best event ever and forming a long lasting relationship with USTA Southern.”
The event features state champion teams from each of the nine Southern states plus one wildcard team per level, totaling over 200 teams. Players range in skill level (2.5-5.5) and ages from 19-80+ in adult and senior divisions with both men’s and women’s teams participating.
Prior to moving to Mobile in 2007 the tournament had been held in Birmingham, Ala.; Charleston, S.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Louisville, Ky.; Mobile; Chattanooga, Tenn.; New Orleans, La.; Little Rock, Ark. and Atlanta, Ga.
Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory of District 7 said, “I’m excited about winning the Super Bowl of Tennis bid for our city, but I’m not surprised. We have a very dedicated community of tennis players and experienced volunteers who love nothing more than spending a few days or weeks helping to make our tournaments a success. Our city staff, along with tournament hosts Scott and Lorraine Novak, are second to none when it comes to producing a well planned, enjoyable and successful tournament. And, then there are the courts - recently renovated in a lovely section of the city, surrounded by historic Live Oaks and Azaleas. Mobile is proud to be the home of the world’s largest public tennis facility and we welcome everyone with the World’s Largest Tennis Tournament to Mobile.”
Bud Ratliff, executive director of the Mobile Bay Sports Authority, said, “The Mobile Bay Sports Authority is elated that the 2011/2012 USTA League Southern Section Championships have selected the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. as their championship site Mobile has a long history of hosting prestigious tournaments and none are greater USTA League Southern Section Championships. The entire community is in support of the event and will do everything possible to make it a memorable event for the Association, the players and the fans. We at the Mobile Sports Authority will work hand in hand with Director Scott Novak and his staff to insure the most successful Championship possible.”
“USTA Southern is thrilled to have the world's largest public facility host the world's largest tennis tournament,” said USTA Southern Director of Adult Tennis Holly Goddard. “The city of Mobile and local chairmen, Scott and Lorraine Novak, do an outstanding job of creating an incredible experience for our players.” |
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