Sporting coup: Invercargill to host international tennis matchup
“It’s been a long time since we last hosted it and we know the fans will come along in big numbers.
International tennis is coming to Invercargill.
Tennis New Zealand has announced ILT Stadium Southland will host a Davis Cup tire between New Zealand and Thailand on September 15 and 16.
The Davis Cup, known as the World Cup of Tennis, is the premier men’s international teams tennis competition and 2004 was the last time it was held in Southland.
Tennis NZ Chief Executive Julie Paterson - who was the former Southern Steel CEO - was excited to bring the Davis Cup back to Invercargill for the first time in nearly 20 years.
“ILT Stadium Southland is a first-class facility and combined with the surrounding amenities in Invercargill, it will offer a great base for our team.
“I know how passionate Southland fans are about their sport and we’re expecting a great crowd to cheer us on against Thailand.”
The event will be contested on the main stadium court, with a temporary tennis court surface laid over the existing wooden floor. With seating for more than 3000 fans, it is hoped the event will see one of the largest NZ tennis crowds in many years flock to the stadium.
ILT Stadium Southland Acting General Manager Ryan Sycamore said the cannot wait for the Davis Cup to hit Invercargill.
“It’s been a long time since we last hosted it and we know the fans will come along in big numbers. Our venue is incredibly versatile and attracting international sporting events like this is massive for our city.”
The competition will take place over two days, with two singles matches to be played on Friday evening, followed by doubles and one or two singles matches on Saturday.
The winner of the overall tie will progress to World Group 1 playoffs to be held in February. New Zealand lost its most recent tie against Bulgaria and will be motivated to return to the winner’s circle in Invercargill. The New Zealand players selected to contest the tie will be announced in August.
New Zealand team Captain Kelly Evernden said: “Coming from a smaller place like Gisborne myself, I really believe Invercargill will support us with gusto. What an opportunity to take the best we have to an international event in an amazing all-New Zealand town. I am incredibly excited to meet the people and experience the passion they will show us in September.”
The New Zealand and Thailand sides will be in Invercargill for most of the week leading up to the event.
Tennis New Zealand and Tennis Southland are planning a range of opportunities for local children and fans to interact with the teams. A tennis event for local schools is planned to be held at ILT Stadium Southland in the lead-up week.
Tennis Southland Operations Manager Scott Patterson said having top international tennis in Invercargill was a great opportunity to showcase the sport in the community.
“We’re looking forward to showing the best in southern hospitality to the players and giving local school children and fans the chance to mix with the teams.”
Details regarding ticket sales and courtside hospitality packages will be available next week.