Charleston’s 2008 schedule of Professional Sports Events is superior to all years prior. With a growing interest from professional golf associations, the area now has two to call its own and one Major on the horizon to set the course for more. Local sports developers recognize the huge economic value, media exposure and local entertainment enjoyment in which these events provide for the region. Golf and tennis are at the forefront, but professional competitions such as sailing, fishing, competitive road races, and soccer continue to make a substantial impact in the Charleston region.
31ST ANNUAL COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN 10K ROAD RACE
Date: April 5, 2008
www.bridgerun.com
Venue: Mt. Pleasant, Arthur Ravenel Bridge and Historic Charleston, S.C. The viewing area encompasses a 6.2 mile course, with a start line in Mt. Pleasant and finish line at Marion Square, historic Charleston.
Although this event includes close to 40,000 amateur runners and walkers from all 50 states, it is truly a professional sports event where world class competitive runners take home the prize money. First place winner receives $5,000 and some 20 other checks are awarded for other accomplishments. Course record to-date is 27:40 (M) and 31:19 (F). The event is one of the world’s largest 10,000 meter runs, sanctioned by USA Track and Field, and has had many notable runners in the past.*
ALL ACCESS Insider’s View:
This event continues to grow in the Southeast as one of the most popular road races and more sports enthusiasts make the competition their annual “jump-start” event for the season. Therefore, book your travel arrangements early and utilize the organizers newest booking agents for all your travel needs. Go to www.bridgerun.com to secure all your travel plans.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
*Cooper River Bridge Run Notable Runners:
- Elite United States national runner Benji Durden, whose opportunity to make the Olympic team was denied by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, won the first run.
- 1972 Olympic Marathon champion Frank Shorter competed in the 1983 Bridge Run.
- In 1989, world-renowned Norwegian marathoner Grete Waitz, 2nd in the inaugural Olympic marathon and former NYC winner, won the women’s division.
- The 1994 Bridge Run gained fame for a runner who ran under a pseudonym. TV personality Oprah Winfrey finished 3,839th with a time of 55:48.
- Actor Bill Murray fired the cannon for the 1997 Bridge Run and then ran the event.
- Kenyan Olympic runner Catherine Ndereba, second in the 2004 Marathon in Athens, won 3 consecutive years, 2000-2002.
- South African Olympic runner Elana Meyer, who finished 2nd in women’s 10,000 meters in Barcelona in 1992, won the 1997 and 1998 event.
2008 FAMILY CIRCLE CUP WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL TIER I TENNIS TOURNAMENT
35th Anniversary
Dates: April 12-20, 2008
www.familycirclecup.com
Phone: 843-856-7900
Venue: Family Circle Tennis Center (10,200 capacity) on Daniel Island, Charleston S.C.
2008 Prize Money: $1,340,000, Total prize money distributed through 2007: $20,647,000
Draw Size: 56 Singles/32 Qualifying/28 Doubles Includes some of the top 20 players on the circuit.
2007 Attendance: 91,899
A Tournament Where Stars are Born – Oldest All Women’s Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Tier I event in the U.S. Since 1973, the Cup has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports creating milestones that continue to influence the popularity of this sport. With a 35-year history, this tournament is rich in tradition and one with a number of outstanding accomplishments.
ALL ACCESS Insider’s View:
As one of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the FCC is more than just a tennis tournament – it’s a festival with some world-class tennis thrown in! Fans are entertained with a variety of activities provided on Sponsor Row, special group nights, autograph sessions, and much, much more. It’s no secret that local companies take advantage of this event’s hospitality when it comes to entertaining clients and customers. With a wide selection of hospitality ticket packages to choose from, you don’t want to be caught off guard when the tourney springs up in April – plan your corporate involvement now.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
Since the FCC moved to Charleston in 2001, the group has surpassed all other events, when it comes to athletes and sports celebrities visiting Charleston. With the addition of hosting the Davis Cup in September 2004, organizers have proudly showcased a number of women and men tennis pros at the state-of-the-art sports facility. Sponsor partnerships are what they know best, and is evident by 3rd year sponsor, LACOSTE. A recognized tennis brand like this would only warrant a fashion show, and so it happens. Taking center stage on “fashion lane,” aka King Street, downtown Charleston is the chosen venue. Models, along with a street wide tennis court entertained thousands of fans for the festivities.
Media Exposure and Economic Impact:
The tournament receives four days of coverage on ESPN2 and is broadcast on Eurosport to more than 95 million homes in Europe. Economic impact is $25 million annually. (2003 FCC study)
ALL ACCESS Flash Back:
2007 Singles Champion: Jelena Jankovic def. Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-2
With the Tier I Family Circle Cup trophy in hand, Jankovic notched the third and most impressive Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title of her career. She improved to a 3-5 lifetime record in singles finals, and rose from No. 9 to a new career-high of World No. 7 with this victory, and also became the first female from Serbia to surpass $2 million in career prize money earnings. Jankovic collected her first Tier I event along with a check for $196,900.
Yan, Zheng Wrap up Doubles Title.
In an all-China final, Zi Yan and Jie Zheng defeated Shuai Peng and Tiantian Sun 7-5, 6-0 to win the Family Circle Cup doubles championship.
2008 AVP CROCS TOUR - CHARLESTON OPEN
Dates: May 8-10, 2008
www.avp.com/charleston
www.familycircletenniscenter.com
Phone: 843-856-7900
Venue: Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniels Island, S.C.
The AVP Crocs Tour will return to Charleston in 2008 on May 8-10, and again in 2009 under the current contract. Mr. Leonard Armato – Chairman, CEO and AVP Tour Commissioner is hopeful that it’s just the beginning of a long and successful relationship. “This year exceeded our expectations. We’re delighted with the results of the first year. We hope to build it bigger and better in the future. We hope it extends beyond the next two years.”
ALL ACCESS Flash Back:
The Family Circle Tennis Center was transformed into beach front property with more than 1,500 tons of sand and played host to 150 of the best beach volleyball players in the world during the 1st annual AVP Charleston Open (June 14-17, 2007). Over 12,000 fans witnessed breathtaking action and enjoyed the festive “beach party” atmosphere offered by all AVP events. Gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were crowned women’s champions while Mike Lambert and Stein Metzger conquered the men’s field of talented athletes. The event was broadcast nationally on Fox Sports and helped set the stage for what promises to become one of Charleston’s signature sporting events.
LPGA GINN TRIBUTE, HOSTED BY ANNIKA
Dates: May 26-June 1, 2008
www.ginntribute.com
Phone: 843-849-2380
Venue: RiverTowne Country Club, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam will host the $2.6 million Ginn Tribute, Hosted by ANNIKA for the second consecutive year.
“I look forward to working with Ginn Resorts once again as we will host another first class LPGA tournament in a wonderful community. Our first year, in 2007, was a tremendous success and I know our event in 2008 will be even bigger and better.” – Annika Sorenstam, Tournament host and LPGA player.
ALL ACCESS Flash Back:
The 2007 Ginn Tribute Hosted by ANNIKA saw Nicole Castrale earn her first LPGA title. Castrale defeated Lorena Ochoa in a sudden-death one-hole playoff to win the $390,000 paycheck. There were more than 34,200 spectators throughout the week attending the Ginn Tribute Hosted by ANNIKA.
Media Exposure and Economic Impact:
Some 8 1/2 hours of TV coverage on The Golf Channel and NBC Sports in addition to international broadcast that reached more than 30 countries in the world.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
In 2006, Annika Sorenstam was hired to redesign the Patriots Point Links Golf Course, another local Ginn Resorts property. This will mark her first course design in the US. The 6,925-yard par-72 course is located along the banks of the historic Charleston Harbor.
2008 MELGES 24 NATIONALS
Dates: September 18-21, 2008
www.USmelges24.com
Venue: Charleston Harbor
Some of the finest sailors in the world are expected to take part in the 2008 Melges 24 for the Nationals. The Melges 24 is the ultimate sportboat, offering fast, tight racing among a great group of fun loving sailors. The boat plains – that is it surfs – quickly and can reach speeds over 18 or 20 knots. The regatta will be held in Charleston Harbor from Sept. 18-21.
WORLD CLASS PROFESSIONAL BOXING
www.theplexonline.com
Last Thursday – Every Month, 2008
Centre Stage at The Plex, North Charleston, S.C.
The Plex is conveniently located off of Highway I-26 and Jim Kelley Promotions, present 11 exciting evenings a year of live professional boxing. Thanks to the intimate setting, one can see the fights up close and feel the power of the punches. Currently the longest running club event in the country, The Plex offers the fight fan the opportunity to see some of the most noted fighters in the game, as well as the new kids on the block.
2008 CAROLINA CHALLENGE CUP
Dates: March 15, 19, 22, 2008
www.charlestonbattery.com
Phone: 843-971-GOAL
Venue: Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island, Charleston S.C.
The Charleston Battery will host their 5th annual Carolina Challenge Cup in March; a pre-season tournament featuring three Major League Soccer teams plus the Battery. Past entrants include MLS’s Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, DC United, Torinto FC, Columbus Crew & San Jose Earthquakes. This showcase event features the very best soccer players in the United States.
A LOOK AHEAD!
94TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP – AUGUST 2012
www.pga.com
Venue: The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort will test the strongest field in golf when it hosts the 94th PGA Championship in August 2012. The Ocean Course will become only the fourth course to host each of the PGA of America’s major championships – the Ryder Cup (1991), the Senior PGA Championship (2007), and the PGA Championship (2012). It also marks the first time one of golf’s majors is held in South Carolina.
Charleston’s 2007 schedule of Professional Sports Events is superior to all years prior. With a growing interest from professional golf associations, the area now has two to call it’s own and one Major to set the course for more. Local sports developers recognize the huge economic value, media exposure and local entertainment in which these events provide for the region. Golf and tennis are at the forefront, but professional competitions such as sailing, fishing, competitive road races, boxing and soccer continue to make a substantial impact in the Charleston region.
