From 9 to 15 February 2015 the BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games will be held in the Sports Palace in Antwerp. These Diamond Games are a high level tennis tournament (Premier Event ? 710.000 $) that continue the rich tradition of tennis in Antwerp. But at the same time they are much more than just a tennis tournament.
Tournament Director Kim Clijsters herself proudly announced the relaunching of the Diamond Games at a press conference that was held in the ceremony room of the Antwerp City Hall. “After seven years world class tennis is coming back to Antwerp. The new BNP Paribas Fortis Games will not only become a high level tennis event, but much more than that”, said Clijsters at the start of the press conference.
Municipal Sports Counselor Ludo Van Campenhout was equally proud about the fact that the city is welcoming high performance tennis after a few years of absence : “Antwerp is one of the 21 Olympic Cities in history and having been the 2013 European Sports Capital we are extremely proud about the homecoming of tennis in “Sporting A”. High performance sports, sports for all and neighborhood sports are the pillars of our sports triangle. High performance athletes and players encourage people to pick up the sports. They constitute examples within Sporting A, they motivate others to perform, to persevere and to work hard.”
FIRST PREMIER EVENT IN EUROPE
The BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games is a Premier event with 710.000 $ prize money. The Premiers are the biggest and the most important tournaments ranked just behind the Grand Slams. There are 21 Premiers, of which a few carry a special status (like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing). Six Premiers are held in Europe and the Diamond Games are the first Premier of the season.
Alain De Greef, Head of Sponsoring & Events at BNP Paribas Fortis : “As the main sponsor of the Belgian tennis scenery the BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games present an exclusive occasion to further promote international tennis and to associate our bank with it. Until 2013 the WTA Brussels Open were part of that scenery but for organizational reasons the tournament couldn’t be continued. The renewal of the historic Diamond Games allows us to take up our role again and to make sure that our Belgian female tennis players can be watched again on home soil. This partnership offers the opportunity to reinforce our slogan “We Are Tennis” and to affirm the lasting presence of tennis in our country.”
GOLDEN RACKET WITH DIAMONDS
Tradition has its rights and the trophy of the tournament remains a golden racket, covered with diamonds : 4,5 kilogram of gold and 2008 diamonds, all in all worth 1,5 million dollar. The player who wins the tournament twice in three years time becomes the owner of the racket. “Believe me, that makes this tournament particularly attractive for the female tennis players”, observes Kim Clijsters. “Our first goal is to set up the strongest possible competition, including some of the biggest stars in tennis and several players from the WTA top 20. A trophy like this is a serious boost to achieve these ambitions.”
ELODIE OUEDRAOGO NAMED AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
This tournament wants to be trendsetting and innovative. These new BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games must become a tournament full of excitement. Not only the excitement of the sports but also a number of exciting experiences in and around the sports event. Visitors should expect a nice and varied day out filled with high level tennis, experiences, themes and surprises.
This total experience program will be directed by Elodie Ouedraogo. Kim Clijsters invited her to become the creative director of this tournament. The former Olympic medal winner in athletics has strong credentials in linking sports to lifestyle, fashion and entertainment. “I will try to build a bridge between high performance sports and the experience that goes with it. People now have a strong desire for total experiences, they want to be entertained from the moment they enter the Sports Palace until they leave the premises. At these Diamond Games we will not condemn people to just sit on a chair.”
“We will take care of the decoration of all the spaces, of sound and music and of things that people can participate in and experience. We want to surprise the spectators as much as we can. Every day will be a different day.”
PLAYERS PARTY FOR ALL
On Monday night ? the first evening of the main tournament ? a “Players Party for all” is on offer. In the lounge of the Sports Palace 2000 tennis fans can be part of great party in the company of the tennis players. Saturday we don’t forget that it is Valentine’s Day. Couples can buy a duo ticket and can be elected to join a VIP-reception in the players area. Dining for two on the first row alongside the playing ground followed by a night in the Hilton hotel where the players are staying. And don’t worry : all the tennis fans will enjoy the special atmosphere that will be created on Valentine’s Day.
On Sunday, just ahead of the final of the tournament, Kim Clijsters will be playing one more time in an exhibition game ! The name of her opponent will be announced in due time. We are are still working on the program of the other days and nights of the tournament.
DIAMOND PRESENT FOR EVERY HUNDREDTH TICKET BUYER
Tickets are on sale as from now. The qualifying rounds start on Saturday, Feb. 7., the main tournament starts on Monday, Feb. 9. From Monday till Wednesday tickets allows entrance to any match played on that day. From Thursday on tickets will be available for afternoon and for evening sessions. A nice surprise for all those who buy tickets : every hundredth buyer receives a 10 carat diamond.
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