BB&T to Extend Sports Sponsorships With Atlanta Tennis Championships

It looks like the three-year wait for a title sponsor at the Atlanta Tennis Championships is just about over.

Banking giant, BB&T will be the title sponsor this year for the ATP 250 event that begins July 14 in Atlanta.  A formal announcement is expected this week, and this is nothing but good news for tennis fans in the South.

After two years in the North Metro suburbs, the event this year has found a home at Atlantic Station, where skyline views and ample shopping and restaurant options will potentially attract even more fans to the event that has featured some of the best tennis players in the world as they prepare for the U.S. Open.

BB&T is no stranger to sports sponsorships as they are the official bank of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and are the primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing's No. 31 car driven by Jeff Burton.

They also have a 10-year deal with Wake Forest University for the naming rights at their football stadium, now called BB&T Field.

It's a natural fit, BB&T has a large presence in Metro Atlanta and banks and financial institutions can reach customers and potential customers by partnering with professional tennis tournaments.

Top-10 player Mardy Fish is the two-time defending champ of the Atlanta Tennis Championships.  Americans Andy Roddick, John Isner and Jack Sock have already committed to the 2012 event.

More details to come...

Update on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:15AM by Rick C.Limpert

I guess we can now call it the BB&T Atanta Open.

The Twitter account has changed names and you can follow the tournament at @BBTatlantopen

Atlanta Tennis Championships to Offer Weeklong Ticket Packages

Weeklong ticket packages are now on sale for the 2012 edition of the Atlanta Tennis Championships.  The tournament, which will be the first men’s event in the Emirates Airline US Open Series, is set for Atlantic Station July 14-22.

Tournament organizers are telling fans to get their tickets early.

Premium seats are available in five categories, all of which offer the best viewing of the best players in the world competing on the ATP World Tour. Former No. 1 Andy Roddick, Top 10 player John Isner and US Open Mixed Doubles champion Jack Sock will lead a star-studded field at this year’s tournament.

The tournament will offer Champagne Suites, Courtside Seats, Platinum Seats, Gold Reserved Seats and Silver Reserved Seats. The suites and Courtside Seat packages provide access to the Courtside Club and VIP Lounge. All packages include tickets to the tournament’s 11 sessions.

Weeklong tickets are available by going to www.atlantatennischampionships.com and through the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ATChampionships. Individual session tickets will be available beginning in May.

Additionally, the ATC announced a new site plan with a 3,612-seat Stadium Court with seating on all four sides and improved viewing angles. Stadium Court and the Grandstand Court, which will seat an additional 784 spectators, will be located in the complex’s northeast corner, in full view of the magnificent Atlanta skyline and with an unrivaled exposure to more than 500,000 vehicles a day passing on the I-75/85 corridor.

“We want the entire metro Atlanta community to see our facility and feel the heartbeat of tennis in the city this July,” said Tournament Director Bob Bryant. “By moving our Stadium Court to the edge of Atlantic Station we have a dedicated tournament grounds, added natural shade elements and unrivaled visibility and accessibility. Additionally, we are expanding our plan for seating and providing fantastic viewing of Stadium Court from the north and south ends as well as increasing VIP seating options including Champagne Suites and covered seats.”

“The Atlanta Tennis Championships site configuration and court locations within Atlantic Station give our guests, residents and office workers direct and easy access to the main events” said North American Properties Managing Partner Mark Toro. “Placing the two main courts with the Midtown skyline backdrop right in the heart of our city will provide a tennis-going experience like no other.”

At least four courts will be built south of 17th Street. One court will used as a third competition court, and the other three for practice.

For special events, tennis demonstrations and other engaging activities, a Family Zone will be built in Atlantic Station’s Central Park. Shoppers, restaurant goers, residents, office workers and others enjoying the complex’s unique atmosphere will be able to participate in tennis and watch events there. Events will focus on kids’ activities, especially the hugely successful USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis initiative.

The Atlanta Tennis Championships in 3-D

Trying something new here.  How about getting those old red and blue 3-D glasses out and take a look at some shots from the Atlanta Tennis Championships.  Converted with an iPhone app.  Let me know what you think.

Lleyton HewittMardy FishJohn Isner in 3-D

Photos from Atlanta Tennis Championships Day 7

Mardy Fish defended his title by beating John Isner again in 3 sets.

Great, exciting tennis all week and of course, hot weather.

Mardy FishMardy FishJohn Isner feels the heatAlex Bogomolov Jr. win the doubles with Matthew EbdenDoubles actionBogomolov Jr. and Ebden show good teamwork

Photos from Atlanta Tennis Championships Day 6

Our finals are set for Sunday in both singles and doubles.  Mardy Fish and John Isner renew their rivalry in Atlanta.  In doubles, the German team of Bachinger and Moser take on Bogomolov Jr. and Matthew Ebden.  Ebden is on quite a roll as he won in Newport as well.

The doubles team of Berankis and MalisseBerankis jumps into a forehandAlex Bogomolov Jr. set to serveMardy Fish back in the finalsRyan Harrison was looking for answers against Mardy FishMardy Fish lines up a forehad