Tennis Canada is pleased to announce they have reached agreement on a new 10-year naming rights partnership with Uniprix. Jarry Park’s National Tennis Centre has officially been named the Uniprix Stadium.
“The Uniprix sponsorship of our stadium is big news for the development of our sport,” said Lapierre. “It’s a partnership that brings great stability to our operations for the years to come, which will allow us to continue to offer so many services to the public – tennis courts accessible all year long, low fees and optimal conditions for youth tennis development.”
The agreement between Uniprix, Tennis Canada and its Jarry Park facility will continue to fortify and showcase the two world-class tennis tournaments staged in Montreal – the Rogers Cup and Tennis Masters Canada. A federal anti-tobacco law banning the naming of buildings after tobacco companies came into effect last fall, ending the 20-year association with du Maurier prematurely. The agreement with another founding partner of the centre, Laurentienne Bank, ends in 2005.
In addition to welcoming the world’s best professional athletes, the courts of the Uniprix Stadium will be open year-round. They are shared equally between the developmental activities organized by Tennis Montreal, Tennis Quebec and Tennis Canada, along with recreational tennis time for Montreal-area residents. The indoor and outdoor courts are for use by the entire community. No membership is required and the public can make court reservations by telephone. In addition to tennis, the stadium also lends itself to community and cultural use.
With the latest renovations already underway, the Uniprix Stadium will also have a 4,250-seat Court 1, which will be ready in time for the 2004 Rogers Cup from July 31-August 8. The new amphitheatre will provide patrons with premium seats to witness all of the action, with prices starting at only $150 for seven days of competition.
Final phase of renovations will be completed this fall and will feature an additional four indoor courts, bringing the total to 12; the reconstruction of the existing outdoor courts, the planting of one hundred new trees; the burying of the central electricity system; and the creation of a promenade allowing easy accessibility to all users of the park.
Justine Hénin-Hardenne at the Rogers Cup
World No.1 to defend her title in Montreal.
World No.1 and 2003 champion Justine Hénin-Hardenne of Belgium will be in Montreal this summer to defend her title, Tennis Canada announced today. The prestigious $1.3 million tournament runs from July 31-August 8 at the Jarry Park Tennis Centre.
The 21-year-old tennis star officially announced her participation in Montreal via teleconference.
“I am very happy to tell you that I will be in Montreal for the Rogers Cup “, said Hénin-Hardenne. “That’s a tournament I like so much and I look forward to being there.”
Holder of 18 WTA Tour singles titles, Hénin-Hardenne is enjoying the best start to a season of her career. After winning in Sydney at the beginning of January, she brought home the title from the Australian Open, defeating compatriot Kim Clijsters in the final. The following month, she added a third straight title to her collection when she took home the trophy from Dubai. Most recently, she took top honours in Indian Wells to capture her fourth title of the year.
“We’re really happy to have Justine join us this summer,” said Rogers Cup Tournament Director Eugène Lapierre. “Despite her small stature, she has proven that she can play with the most powerful players on the circuit. You only have to watch her extraordinary performances at Roland-Garros and at the US Open to understand what an amazing competitor she is.”
Hénin-Hardenne becomes the first player to confirm participation in the prestigious Tier I WTA event. Organizers are confident that the famed tournament will attract many other top players. What better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Montreal tournament.
“Wherever we go, the players tell us how much they love Montreal,” said Lapierre. “The warm reception they get from fans, along with the unique charm of the city, makes our event one of the most loved on the circuit.”
Don’t miss your chance to see the best players in the world take part in the 2004 Rogers Cup. Book your tickets now! Just call (514) 790-1245 or visit the official tournament website at www.rogerscup.com.