Family Circle Cup Expands Qualifying Draw for 2012

Already a big event, America's largest clay court event for women just got bigger.

The Family Circle Cup will expand its singles qualifying tournament from its current 32-player draw to a 48-player draw during the 2012 tournament.  Qualifying matches will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, throughout the Family Circle Tennis Center.  Marking the tournament’s 40th year, the Family Circle Cup will be held March 31 – April 8, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, S.C.

“Our opening weekend will be an unbelievable value for spectators looking to enjoy world class talent.  Family Circle Cup fans are very knowledgeable and appreciate the high level of play on display during our opening weekend.” said Bob Moran, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director. 

The expanded qualifying draw will result in an increase of total qualifiers advancing to the main draw, from eight to twelve, as well as an increase in total tournament prize money, from $711,000 to $749,160.  Two additional qualifying wild cards will also be generated by this expansion, which have traditionally been granted to young Americans who greatly benefit from participation in this WTA Premier Event.

Individual Session Tickets, Travel Packages, Team Getaways, visit FamilyCircleCup.com/Tickets. 

Family Circle Cup Announces 2012 Tickets On Sale Nov. 15

If you are thinking about spring and what it might be like to watch tennis in the great city of Charleston, SC this coming April, here's a deal for you.

The Family Circle Cup will be held March 31 – April 8, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, S.C.  Marking the tournament’s 40th year, tickets for the 2012 Family Circle Cup will go on-sale at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 15th.  This year, there’s an extra incentive to buy your tickets early.

Would you like to have lunch with some of the world’s best female athletes or see how it feels to walk on to Stadium Court through the player tunnel?  Here’s your chance.  Any patron who purchases tickets before January 2, 2012 will be entered into the tournament’s “VIP for a Day” Sweepstakes, and eligible to win weekly prizes, culminating with a Grand Prize VIP Experience.

The Grand Prize VIP Experience will include a behind-the-scenes tour featuring the tournament’s Clubhouse, Media Center, Stadium, ESPN2 Production Trailers, as well as lunch in the player dining area, VIP gift bag including an autographed t-shirt, upgrade for two to Box Seats for a day, pre-match coin-toss, photo opportunity with players prior to a Family Circle Stadium match, valet parking and Terrace Club access.  The Grand Prize VIP Experience winner will be announced on Monday, January 2, 2012.

“Our VIP for a Day contest is the most exciting opportunity we’ve ever offered to our fans, providing unprecedented access to players and areas that are traditionally off-limits to spectators,” said Margaret Shaw, Ticket Coordinator.

The first weekly winner will be awarded on November 25 and every Friday through the end of December. Weekly prizes include a pre-match coin-toss on Stadium Court during the Family Circle Cup and a photo opportunity with the players.

Buy your tickets now, they are a great holiday gift and then just dream of warm ocean breezes, historial landmarks, Southern cooking and WTA tennis in Charleston.

For detailed information on ticket packages and individual session tickets, please visit:  www.FamilyCircleCup.com/Tickets