Here’s an opportunity for those who want to attract a top-tier tennis event. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is seeking a host for a possible Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying tie event in early 2023. The Billie Jean King Cup is an annual women’s team tennis competition featuring over 100 nations and should this event become necessary, the right host will benefit.
According to USTA, which provided the RFP, available at this link, the event is one of the most prestigious in the world. The USA leads all nations with 18 titles. This event was previously known as the Fed Cup.
The Davis Cup held in Asheville in 2019 had excellent returns for the host community; the following statistics were provided by the Explore Asheville CVB and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission :
- Direct spending: $3,002,920
- Total attendees: 10,400
- Total state and local taxes: $363,453
- Total room nights: 5,697
- Total jobs supported: 2,185
- Total business spending generated: $4,937,392
Principle components of hosting:
VENUE AND STAFFING: Provide the USTA with an acceptable venue for exclusive use during the period of Saturday, April 8 -Monday, April 17, 2023. (Matches will be played Friday 14th & Saturday 15th or Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th)
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS: Opportunity to receive commission on sponsorship leads. USTA to provide sponsorship benefits.
HOTEL: Provide local hotel options for the USTA with their preference being IHG properties, from which the USTA will make final selection. The hotels will provide at least 150 complimentary room nights and a reasonable rate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Venue requirements, hospitality, permits, parking
VENUE SPECIFICATIONS: Venue should be available for a period of eight (8) or nine (9) days from the beginning of load-in to the end of load-out. Rent, if any, is intended but not limited to encompass exclusive use of facilities over the entire period defined in final agreement and for purposes of set up, operation and final tear down.
Staffing is defined as and typically includes but is not limited to: ushers, ticket takers, ticket sellers, box office personnel, conversion crew labor, maintenance staff, event coordinator(s), janitorial, housekeeping, house light and sound technicians, house electricians, IT personnel, security staff, in house staff and requisite on-site medical, fire and police coverage as required by law.
Concession and parking staff shall remain under control of venue or third party operators, however for these purposes shall be considered as covered within the staffing.
Venue Availability: The venue must be available for an eight- or nine-day period starting April 8 through April 17, 2023.
Stadium Court: Space for one (1) stadium court measuring no less than 71’ x 140’ with a minimum of 3,000 seats (facilities with less seats or more may be considered).
Locker & Facilities: Venue must have two (2) fully equipped locker rooms (one for each team) with an additional two (2) rooms in close proximity to the locker rooms for team lounges.
Office Space: Eight (8) office spaces are needed for the USTA, ITF, Production, Officials, Ball persons, Entertainment and Volunteers. Each office should have access to electrical and high speed Internet.
Ceiling Height: Ceiling height of an indoor venue must have a minimum 40-foot clearance.
Power & Lighting: Venue must have adequate power to all relevant areas, either permanent or temporary, including sufficient power for the television compound. Lighting of court must be a minimum reading of 150 foot candles evenly distributed across the entire court surface.
Note: USTA has noted that the considerations listed above are aspirational in nature and that destinations should feel free to submit a proposal even if some elements are missing or not present as listed.
Additional information, including media requirements, parking needs, permitting and personnel, as well as other aspects of the event, can be found in the RFP. The contact for additional information at USTA is Kevin Paczesny, kevin.paczesny@usta.com, 407-619-4974.
This tie will only take place if the United States draws a home tie when the draw takes place in November; however, in case you’re wondering about the likelihood of hosting, USTA says USA last hosted ties in Asheville, NC (2022) and Everett, WA (2020).
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