FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2004
Contact: Jeff Harrison or Crystal Freeman, 302-774-4238
DELAWARE SMASH NAME NEW HOME FOR 2004 WORLD TEAMTENNIS SEASON
Wilmington, Del. (February 10, 2004) – Jeff Harrison, co-owner of the Delaware Smash, announced today that the Smash will play all home matches for the World TeamTennis (WTT) Pro League on the grounds of AstraZeneca’s North American headquarters in Wilmington, Del.
The Smash, who have played on clay courts at the DuPont Country Club for the past six years, will move to a hard court surface at AstraZeneca’s headquarters beginning in July. AstraZeneca has been a sponsor of the Delaware Smash since 1999, and 2004 marks the second year the company will be the presenting sponsor. The Smash, the only team in the League still playing on clay courts, had to switch to hard courts to conform to new League standards. DuPont and the DuPont Country Club have been tremendous supporters of the Delaware Smash and WTT over the years and will continue to be.
“AstraZeneca's commitment as the Delaware Smash's presenting sponsor and host site will help increase the visibility of the Smash in the community” said Harrison. “The fans will continue to view world-class tennis in an intimate, beautiful tree-lined setting.”
“AstraZeneca has shown its commitment to the local community by sponsoring family-oriented events and programs for their benefit and enjoyment,” said Luanne Byers, VP of Corporate & Community Affairs for AstraZeneca. “We are pleased to sponsor and host the World TeamTennis 2003 League Champions for their 2004 season. By teaming with the Smash, we will offer terrific family entertainment featuring top-tier tennis stars, and support local charities through event-based fundraisers. It's a winning partnership."
League Background Billie Jean King and Larry King originated World TeamTennis and its unique gender-equity team concept in the early 70’s. The format used for a WTT Pro League match features teams comprised of two men, two women and a coach. Each match consists of five sets, with one set each of men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles. The WTT Pro League is presented by ADT Security Services. Other official WTT Pro League sponsors include Advanta, AstraZeneca, Gatorade, Head/Penn Racquet Sports (official ball) and Wilson Racquet Sports (official racquet). For more information on the WTT Pro League, visit www.WTT.com.
About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca (AZN: NYSE) is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $17.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $9.3 billion healthcare business with more than 12,000 employees. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global and European) as well as the FTSE4Good Index. For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com.
The Delaware Smash season will take place from July 5-25. Season ticket packages are available now. Individual tickets go on sale May 3, 2004. For more information and how to buy tickets to the Smash call 1-866-WTT-TIXS or visit www.delawaresmash.com. The Heart Association of Delaware is the official charity of the 2004 Delaware Smash season presented by AstraZeneca.
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