Brisbane’s new $82 million dollar tennis centre has been named after two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter.
The 5,500-seat Rafter Arena, officially named on Thursday, will open in January, hosting the Brisbane International men’s and women’s hardcourt championships on January 4 in the lead up to the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic, Marcos Baghdatis and Ana Ivanovic have been confirmed for the event, which will be the first international tennis tournament to be played in Brisbane since 1994.
Queensland-born Rafter won the US Open in 1997 and 1998.
The new Brisbane International tennis tournament which starts on the 4th January, has announced their ground passes will only be AUD $9.90.
Tournament Director Steve Ayles said today, “We are very excited to be bringing international tennis back to the people of Queensland, and giving them the opportunity to see some of the best tennis players in the world for just $9.90.
“The ground pass, which is available for each day of the event, gives access to two undercover show courts and all the outdoor courts, as well as a carnival atmosphere and fun, family entertainment.
“We have already announced three of the biggest stars of the game, all 2008 Australian Open finalists – champion Novak Djokovic and runners up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Ana Ivanovic – will headline the event, and we are looking forward to more top player announcements over the next few weeks.
Tickets go on sale through Ticketek on Thursday October 9, with single session tickets for centre-court starting at just $24.90.
“The Brisbane International, the first event at the amazing new State Tennis Centre, will put Brisbane on the map of the world’s sporting calendar in January,” Ayles said. “And the $9.90 ground pass gives everyone the chance to be part of the action.”
The Brisbane International will take place at the State Tennis Centre in Tennyson from Sunday 4 January to Sunday 11 January.
Tickets will be on sale through Ticketek from Thursday October 9 and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. Ticket prices and corporate package information is available on: www.brisbaneinternational.com.au
It has been announced this morning that Brisbane International organisers have signed Novak Djokovic and Jo Wilfried Tsonga, to play at the inaugural event.
The pair join former world No.1 and reigning French Open women’s champion Ana Ivanovic at what is shaping up as a star-studded event.
“It is the perfect way to begin my Australian campaign. I have heard great things about Brisbane but never had the opportunity to visit,” Djokovic said.
The Queensland event will be held at the State tennis centre from the 4th-11th January 2009.
