First Ever 3D Broadcasts of US Open Spearheaded by Panasonic and CBS Sports

/PRNewswire/ -- The USTA today announced that consumer electronics giant Panasonic has become an official sponsor of the US Open in a new three-year agreement.

Working with CBS Sports, the USTA and Panasonic will spearhead the first-ever 3D broadcasts of the tournament. CBS Sports will produce 3D versions of all the Arthur Ashe Stadium matches that it broadcasts in High Definition on Labor Day Weekend and on Finals Weekend, September 10-12. These matches will be made available nationwide via DirecTV's exclusive dedicated 3D entertainment channel, "n|3D Powered by Panasonic" (DirecTV channel 103).

On-site at the 2010 US Open, Panasonic will have three 3D viewing galleries--a 3D Panasonic Showcase located in the former International Tennis Hall of Fame Gallery on the floor level of Louis Armstrong Stadium, and another in SmashZone, the US Open's interactive tennis experience for fans and families located in the state-of-the-art indoor facility and one more in the South Plaza area. Panasonic and DirecTV also will provide the US Open semifinal and final matches live in 3D to hundreds of TV retail outlets nationwide, including scores of Best Buy stores, as part of the September 10-12 "National 3D Demo Days" organized by the Consumer Electronics Association.

"We are very pleased to enter a new era of sports production with a new partner, Panasonic, and our long-time partner, CBS," said Lucy S. Garvin, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. "We continually explore new innovations for the US Open, and new ways to present our tournament to tennis fans. 3D technology is the wave of the future, and once again the US Open will be on the cutting edge."

"Panasonic is proud to support the US Open, on site and in homes throughout the country, by bringing live match action to tennis fans in immersive 3D," said Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Panasonic consumer and professional 3D displays will show the Arthur Ashe Stadium matches to spectators on site in Flushing Meadows, viewers nationwide can see them via DirecTV's exclusive 3D channel, 'n|3D powered by Panasonic,' and our professional 3D camcorder will be used to shoot interviews and other footage in 3D for CBS's production."

"CBS Sports is looking forward to using this groundbreaking technology during our coverage of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships," said Harold Bryant, Vice President, Production, CBS Sports. "With the court-level camera positions that will make viewers feel like they are right on the court, and the resonant sounds of the game and the spectators, tennis will be a spectacular sport to see in 3D."

The 3D broadcasts will use a separate production team and equipment from the traditional HD broadcasts of the tournament. Plans call for six camera rigs (each holding two high definition cameras), two special 3D production trucks, and a unique 3D-dedicated CBS Sports broadcast team. CBS has designed the 3D camera placements lower to the court than traditional TV locations, in order to capture the close-up and personal, athletic dimension of tennis that make 3D such a powerful experience.

Panasonic also will reach out to viewers with advertising geared to the new 3D technology during the CBS Sports broadcasts of the US Open. In order to view the US Open in 3D, fans must have 3D televisions and 3D eyewear and be subscribers to DirecTV.

The Panasonic sponsorship also include sponsorship of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the US Open's tennis and entertainment spectacular that serves as the unofficial opening to the tournament. In addition, Panasonic will have new, digital signage in the three stadiums and at most of the outer courts at the US Open.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.

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Emory Tennis Players Win NCAA Championships

Emory University senior Michael Goodwin and sophomore Lorne McManigle captured the men's and women's singles crowns at their respective NCAA Division III Championships over the weekend.

Goodwin defeated Ben Stein of Bates College, 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to win the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Singles Championship on Sunday in Claremont, Calif. Goodwin, who was seeded fifth in the 32-player field bracket, became the first player in the history of the Emory men’s tennis program to win an individual national championship. Goodwin rattled off five victories en route to the crown including three three-set matches in his final three outings. His efforts closed out an outstanding four-year with Eagles that saw him earn All-America honors on nine occasions while ranking among the school's all-time top 10 performers with 75 singles victories.

McManigle became the second individual champion in the history of the Emory University women’s tennis program, as she defeated Ploy Suthijindawong of Saint Scholastica, 6-2, 6-1 at the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championships.

McManigle, who entered the tournament as the fifth seed, was pitted against the unseeded Suthhijindawong of the College of St. Scholastica.

McManigle becomes the second individual in Emory history to win the NCAA Division III Women’s Championship, joining former Eagle Mary Ellen Gordon, who won the singles championship in both 2003 and 2004. McManigle had the opportunity to earn the championship in front of a large number of Emory supporters, who made the trip up I-85 to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to see the title match.

Goodwin's and McManigle's championships mark the third time in NCAA Division III history that the men’s and women’s individual champion has come from the same school. Principia’s Toby Clark and Courtney Allen accomplished the feat in both 1985 and 1987.

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ProLink Announces Promotional and Event Partnerships with River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship; and Elton John & Billie Jean King Charity Event

October 12, 2008
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

See Andy Roddick, M. Navratilova, and Anna Kournikova

Charity: Elton John AIDS Foundation, www.etix.com

BUSINESS WIRE --ProLink Sports + Entertainment + Media (ProLink) announced today that it will serve as an event partner for two of tennis' premier events: the 2008 World Team Tennis' All-Star Smash Hits event benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia and the 2009 River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

ProLink will assist with promotions, media and sponsorship development for both events and will assist WTT with event operations. Tim Stallard, president of ProLink, says, “It is an honor to be part of two of tennis' premier event. We look forward to being a part of the great history of the River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship and we are inspired by the charitable efforts of Sir Elton John and Bille Jean King who have raised nearly $8.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.” WTT All-Star Smash Hits Event will take place October 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. The River Oaks US Men's Clay Court Championship will be held April 6-12, 2009.

"We are excited to work with ProLink as we continue to brand and grow the River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship," said Van Barry, Tournament Director. He adds, “Tim Stallard and his team at ProLink have an outstanding reputation with sponsors, media and players throughout our sport. They have a passion for excellence and sincerely want to help grow the sport of tennis."

ProLink will launch its "Grow the Game" nationwide series of events on September 11, 2008, in Austin, Texas with the world’s #1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan.

The nationwide series will feature several of the game's greatest players including Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, Andy Roddick and Anna Kournikova. ProLink is proud to partner with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to promote several key USTA programs including Quickstart and the Arthur Ashe Legacy program-National Junior Tennis League (NJTL). Each event will benefit local charities to help make a positive impact in the local community.

For more information on WTT All-Star Smash Hits please visit www.wtt.com.

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2008 US Open Tennis Tickets Now on Sale at TICKETFINDER.com

24-7 - Immediate sale of 2008 US Open Tennis tickets has been announced by the leading online tickets broker TICKETFINDER.com (http://www.ticketfinder.com). The tickets, which can be ordered both online and via telephone, are being offered with various customer friendly and cost cutting options. To purchase US Open tickets online, please visit http://www.ticketfinder.com/us_open_tennis_tickets.html#tickets or call 1800-523-1515. TICKETFINDER.com has been one of Internet's premium sources for sports, theater and concert tickets since its inception in 1990.

"Every year, the sale of US Open Tennis tickets keeps increasing and we have to keep a huge inventory in anticipation. This year is no different. The tickets are literally flying out the windows and doors!", shares TICKETFINDER.com CEO, David A Boitano. "For another year, TICKETFINDER.com aims at providing customers with unparalleled service and living up-to its 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Simply order and sit back, we will deliver tickets right at your doorstep!", he is quick to add.

2008 US Open Tennis tickets are backed by the portal's 100% customer satisfaction, genuine ticket and money back guarantees and start at $25.

The US Open of Tennis is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world and is considered one of the most prestigious contemporary events. The fourth and final event of the Grand Slam, it is held annually in August and September over a two-week period. "I have been attending the US Open religiously for over a decade, and every year, I trust TICKETFINDER.com for tickets. With its easy policies and low rates, this is the best tickets shopping source. I recommend it to everyone!", shares John, a regular customer who has been shopping at TICKETFINDER.com since 1994.

The 2008 US Open Tennis tournament is scheduled to be played from August 25 to September 7, 2008 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, alternating between the Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Louis Armstrong Stadium. Roger Federer and Justine Henin are the actual defending champions, but because of her retirement on May 14, Henin will not be defending her title.

"Like all our other tickets, the US Open Tennis tickets are packed with numerous options which will make tickets shopping easy and cost effective", says David who is confident of his portal being the best ever for tickets shopping. "We put customer above everything else. Profits come later, friends come first!", he believes.

The tickets broker is also offering tickets to all events of the 2008 Tennis season.

2008 Wimbledon Tickets Now on Sale at TICKETFINDER.com

24-7 - Sale of 2008 Wimbledon Championships tickets has recently been announced by online ticketing portal TICKETFINDER.com (http://www.ticketfinder.com). Accompanied by free shipping and lowest price guarantee options and backed by the broker's 100% customer satisfaction, genuine ticket and money back guarantees, Wimbledon tickets are available for all the scheduled matches. Tickets can be ordered by visiting http://www.ticketfinder.com/wimbledon_tickets.html#tickets. Offering premium tickets to sports events, theater shows and concerts worldwide, TICKETFINDER.com is a recognized leader in the online ticketing business.

In addition to online, the 2008 Wimbledon Championships tickets can be ordered via telephone by calling the portal's call center at 1800-523-1515. Fans who decide to order tickets via telephone will be charged an additional 10% fees. "Our 2008 Wimbledon tickets are reasonably priced so that they fit the budget of all fans", says Mr. David A. Boitano, CEO of TICKETFINDER.com . "The best way to order tickets would be online as they are the most economical then. But we are open to telephone orders as well. Just order your tickets and sit back, we will deliver them right at your doorstep. Making things convenient for fans is our primary aim!", he adds.

The Wimbledon is the oldest major championship in tennis and is regarded by many to be the most prestigious tennis championship in the world. Held annually between late June and the beginning of July for two weeks, the tournament is the third Grand Slam event played each year, preceded by the Australian Open and the French Open and followed by the US Open.

The 2008 Wimbledon Championships will be played from June 23 to July 6. As always, the venue will be the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Roger Federer and Venus Williams will be the defending champions for the men's and women's championships respectively.

"Our Wimbledon tickets are, as always, individually priced and fans can order as many as they want", says Mr. Boitano, who takes pride in the fact that in 18 years of service, TICKETFINDER.com has never failed its customers. "We have always delivered what has been ordered in a timely and professional manner even when the event is sold out", he proudly proclaims.

Seating chart of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club can be viewed on the ticketing website and fans can pick their seats and order accordingly. Tickets to other tennis tournaments are also available at TICKETFINDER.com and can be viewed at http://www.ticketfinder.com/sports/tennis/#tickets.

Amanda McDowell Wins NCAA Singles Championship

Georgia Tech All-American Amanda McDowell completed her run through the NCAA Singles Championships by capturing a straight-set win over Baylor’s Zuzana Zemenova in the finals to become the first Yellow Jacket tennis player to earn an individual national championship.

McDowell dropped her first game of the championship match but won the next five to take the first set 6-2. She then finished off the Baylor All-American by dropping just three games in the second set to win, 6-2, 6-3.

The Yellow Jacket finished her remarkable sophomore campaign with a 45-8 singles record and has notched 84 singles wins through her first two years on the Flats.

McDowell became the first Yellow Jacket to ever advance to the semifinals when she did so this season and won her last four matches of the tournament in straight sets. Zemenova won the NCAA Singles title as a freshman in 2005.