Racquetball: July/August '02 Open Preview

July - August 2002
Vol. 13, No. 4 | Contents

U.S. OPEN Tipsheet
by Doug Ganim

It’s that time again! The 2002 Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships official Entry Form and Ticket Application is located in the center of this issue … be sure to pull it out and read about all the exciting things planned for this years’ event.

If you’ve never attended the U.S. OPEN, make plans now to treat yourself to the ultimate experience our sport has to offer. Can’t commit to competition? You can still make weekend plans (we recommend Thursday evening) and catch the majority of the marquee pro matches and the two largest parties. Whether you play or not, here are a few tips to you may want to keep in mind.

Tip #1: ENTER EARLY!	The event has completely sold out in each of the last three years. We cap the draw at 700 total entries and last year we had to turn away nearly 50 people. Don’t get shut out. Send in your entry as soon as it arrives in your mailbox!
Tip #2: ORDER TICKETS NOW!	You must have a ticket to view any of the pro matches, and although the Stadium Court seats over 1,000 the event is a sell-out from the quarters on. No-shows can free up some session tickets “at the door” but it’s risky to wait. By far, the best deal is to purchase the ticket package for unlimited viewing for all pro matches for the entire week — this guarantees you a seat – but ticket packages are sold only in advance! [When activated, you'll find online entry & sales information at www.usrastore.com, under "Event Entries"]
Tip #3: ENTER TWO EVENTS	Court time restrictions (and the large draw) do not allow us to offer consolation divisions, so we strongly recommend that you enter two divisions so that you are guaranteed at least two matches. Although players are limited to just two divisions, there are a couple of exceptions. First, if you would like to play “up” into the Men’s or Women’s Pro draw (perhaps just for the experience?) you can still play in two amateur divisions, for a total of three events. Second, if two of your divisions are doubles, you can play in any third event you choose. For these two exceptions only, a third event fee is the same as a second event fee.
Tip #4: STAY AT THE HOST HOTEL	The official host hotel is the Comfort Inn East located just two miles from The Racquet Club of Memphis. In addition to supporting our title sponsor, you’ll have the convenience of the complimentary shuttle, running every half hour from the hotel to The Racquet Club and back. We’ve also reserved every room in the hotel for this event, so everywhere you turn will be fellow players and fans from around the globe! This hotel will fill up very fast so call to book your room immediately. Contact information for the hotel is located in the Entry Form and be sure to mention Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN for the special rate. If the hotel becomes booked before you have a chance to get a room, call the U.S. OPEN headquarters at (800) 234-5396 ext. 0 for list of overflow hotels available in the area.
Tip #5: BRING NICE CLOTHES AND YOUR DANCING SHOES!	One of the really fun parts of attending the U.S. OPEN is experiencing the many evening social activities offered, especially the Grand Gala – The Party with the Pro’s. Racquetball or casual attire is not allowed at this bash so “dress to impress” will be the rule!
Tip #6: LAST FLIGHT OUT ON SUNDAY	Make sure you book the very latest flight you can get home on Sunday. The Men’s Pro final is the last match of the tournament and you won’t want to miss it. A packed house, booming music, laser light show introductions and the ESPN camera’s make this an experience like no other in the sport. The match usually ends around 3:30 pm so any evening flight will do. Can’t get a late flight out? Consider going home Monday morning. It will be worth it!

Keep these tips in mind when making plans to attend the 2002 Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN and you’ll have the inside track. Lastly, if you really want to experience everything the event has to offer and you have a few bucks laying around earmarked for “presents for myself” here are a couple of ideas to treat yourself to the ultimate VIP weekend.

PRO-AM DOUBLES FOR ST. JUDE: On the Tuesday night before the U.S. OPEN begins, a special fundraiser is held for the event’s designated charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Have you ever dreamed of playing doubles with one of the best pro players in the world as your partner? Well, here’s your chance. For a $250 donation to St. Jude you’ll be one of 32 lucky amateurs to be paired up with top ranked men and women pros. The evening will be fully catered and each amateur player will receive an autographed racquet from their pro partner. This popular event has sold out each of the last six years, so call (800) 234-5396 ext. 0 to request a Pro-Am Doubles Entry. The first 32 paid entrants will get the spots.

VIP LUXURY BOX SEATING. If you really want to go first class, consider purchasing a four-person, courtside VIP Luxury Box. Most are already reserved for event sponsors, but a very limited number are available for individual purchase. The cost is $2,200 for the week and includes four “gold” All-Access credentials, a four-person stadium courtside Luxury Box with your name on it (table service included), and unlimited access throughout the week to the fully catered PRO/VIP Hospitality Room (only top 16 ranked pro’s, event sponsors, and VIP’s allowed). If you are interested, please call (614) 890-6073 to check Luxury Box availability for the 2002 U.S. OPEN.

Don’t delay! Send in you Entry Form and Ticket Application for the 2002 Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN TODAY!