Wednesday 12 December 2007

Tennis Legends Wowed by Dubai Sports City

“City Dedicated to Sport Offers Huge Opportunities,” say Former World Champions

A group of international tennis stars in town to take part in “The Legends ‘Rock’ Dubai” tournament were today provided with an exclusive overview of Dubai Sports City, the world’s first integrated sports city.

Tennis legends Jim Courier, Michael Stich, Thomas Muster, Cedric Pioline were introduced to Dubai Sports City and took the opportunity to learn more about the project’s ambitious plans.

Tennis is one of the core sports supported by Dubai Sports City, which will be home to the David Lloyd Tennis Academy as well as providing the future venue for the “Legends” event once Dubai Sports City’s indoor arena is completed in 2009.

“We’re honoured by the presence of these tennis champions, who have done so much to shape the modern game,” said Malcolm Thorpe, Marketing Director, Sports Business, Dubai Sports City.

“We’re positioning Dubai Sports City to be one of the most advanced destinations for tennis enthusiasts, so The Legends’ enthusiasm for the project is extremely significant,” he added.

During their visit to Dubai Sports City’s offices, the stars reviewed the Masterplan for the development, and were provided with a full overview of the major sports venues, including the 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor stadium and the facilities at the David Lloyd Tennis Academy, which will include nine outdoor courts and six indoor courts.

“We’re all really excited and impressed by the support for tennis in Dubai, and by the big plans for the future. Building a city dedicated to sport is a huge step that will create important new opportunities for the game,” said Jim Courier, former world number one tennis player and two-time French and Australian Open champion.

Dubai Sports City is one of the co-sponsors for The Legends “Rock” Dubai, organised by Delwood, which takes place at Dubai Tennis Stadium from 22-24 November 2007.

Tickets are available from regular ticket outlets such as Box Office Middle East, Virgin Mega Store, ITP Ticketsonline.com, Lacoste Boutiques (Mall of the Emirates and BurJuman), The Aviation Club reception and Dubai Tennis Stadium Box Office.

Dubai Sports City is a firm supporter of a number of the region’s leading sporting events, including the upcoming Mohammed Bin Rashid International Football Championship and the Masters Football Dubai Cup, as well as the Dubai Desert Classic.