11th - 17th June 2012
Images courtesy of Getty Images
The 2011 AEGON Classic, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, was launched today in Birmingham City Centre.
LTA Chief Executive Roger Draper officially launched the tournament which starts at the Edgbaston Priory Club on June 6 2011 and runs until June 12.
The launch coincided with the delivery of an industrial-sized container in the city centre to promote the tournament. The container will provide passers-by with the opportunity to try their hand at tennis activities in the lead-up to the event.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Draper said: “The AEGON Classic delivers world class tennis to Birmingham city and with Maria Sharapova already signed up to perform it looks set to be another top quality tournament featuring our very own Heather Watson.
“Now in its thirtieth year the tournament has really established itself on the Birmingham social calendar attracting more and more people each year. It brings more than £9 million to the city each year and long may that continue.”
Edgbaston Priory Club, which hosts the tournament, has recently been given the green light to embark upon a £12m investment programme to create new world class facilities and secure top class international grass court tennis in the region.
“The LTA is investing £5m into this redevelopment”, added Draper, “which as well as providing a first class venue for the AEGON Classic will also provide access to tennis to the local community for generations to come.
“I am really excited about this year’s tournament and today’s launch really whets the appetite for the forthcoming season.”
Emma Gray, Director of Marketing Services for Visit Birmingham, the city’s leisure tourism campaign, also welcomes the AEGON Classic to the city:
“Birmingham is the home of sport in this country, hosting more national, European and world sporting championships than any other UK city in some of its finest arenas. We are excited about the calibre of the sporting stars and events coming to Birmingham over the summer, kicked off by the AEGON Classic, a prestigious warm up event to Wimbledon,“ she commented.
“Dedicated Visitor Experience staff will be on hand to recommend the best of Birmingham’s shopping, cultural and restaurant offer to our sporting fans, as we make the most of the significant economic impact that this important event brings to the city.”
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.aegonclassic.co.uk or call 0844 209 7359.
Read more about Edgbaston's 30th Anniversary.
Two time Edgbaston winner Maria Sharapova talks about her enjoyment of competing at the AEGON Classic
13/06/2011
12/06/2011