by Staff
Bausch & Lomb has renewed its title sponsorship of the Amelia Island professional women’s tennis event through 2005, and a number of local companies are on court, too.
This year’s tournament on April 8-14 will mark the giant vision-products company’s 16th year as the title sponsor.
“Considering the ever-changing sports marketing world, we are very pleased to have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Bausch & Lomb,” said John Arrix, the tournament director. “This event is about traditions — 23 years at Amelia Island Plantation, a 16-year relationship with our title sponsor, a continuously strong player field and a very loyal fan base. Bausch & Lomb is a true believer in women’s sports and the game of tennis.”
The tournament also has a long list of local sponsors including SunTrust bank, The Florida Times-Union and its Water’s Edge magazine, Champion Brands, Publix and Verizon.
The Bausch & Lomb Championships is a Sanex WTA Tour event, part of the worldwide tour consisting of 67 events, including the four Grand Slams, in 33 countries over an 11-month schedule. It’s the second oldest U.S. event on the Tour.
The field again is expected to be strong as it falls two weeks behind one of the nation’s biggest, at Miami, and a week before the tour is in Charleston, S.C.
“We’ve always been able to get six or seven of the top 10 players,” said Arrix, “and I don’t think that will change this year.
“The players like to come here. It’s a good atmosphere. It’s a relaxing week.”
The first commitment came from Venus Williams, the world’s No. 3 player. Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo is expected to enter soon.
Arrix said fans also will find what he terms a “unique” event.
“You won’t find this anywhere else,” he said. “It’s almost relaxing. It’s a very intimate atmosphere. You aren’t being pushed around by 50,000 spectators like at a football game.”
Box seats are still available for the 11-session tournament and Arrix said sales are running about 10 percent ahead of last year. A four-seat box costs about $1,200 and information is available by calling 800-486-8366. The tournament website is www.blchamps.com.