2014 General Partnership Opportunities ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
2014 Tournament Snapshot
DATES: August 15 – 23, 2014
LOCATION: Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale New Haven, Connecticut
PRIZE MONEY: $710,000
PLAYER FIELD: Depth of players always includes veterans and rising stars - - in 2013 35 countries were represented. The list of Connecticut Open past champions reads like a “Who’s Who” of women’s professional tennis: Steffi Graf, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin, Caroline Wozniacki, and Petra Kvitova.
DEFENDING SINGLES CHAMPION: Simona Halep (ROU), World #3
DEFENDING DOUBLES CHAMPIONS: Sania Mirza (IND) and Jie Zheng (CHN)
ATTENDANCE: 46,000 – of the 39 WTA women’s only tournaments in the world, New Haven Open at Yale is the fourth best attended.* Simona Halep 2013 Champion and TELEVISION Domestic TV – 16 hours combined ESPN2 (8), Tennis Channel (8) WTA’s 2013 Most Improved Player COVERAGE:** Global TV – 160 countries on six continents for 1000+ hours
*WTA attendance figure **Ongoing but negotiated through 2014 2 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Tournament At-a-Glance
• Formerly Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies is a women’s professional tennis event on the worldwide WTA tour and the culmination of Emirates Airline US Open Series leading into the US Open.
• Scheduled the week prior to the US Open and enjoys the halo effect of international news coverage.
• 2013 player field featured players from 35 different countries and more than half of the world’s top 50 players, including four of the top 10.
• Domestic and international TV telecasts on ESPN2, Tennis Channel, and networks in 160 countries.
• Tournament marketing and PR initiatives valued at over $1.5M.
• Major sponsors include leading corporations and institutions such as United Technologies, Aetna, American Express, Yale New Haven Health System, Yale University and regional bank First Niagara.
• Enthusiastically owned by the State of Connecticut and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the region since 1998, including significant job creation and tax revenues. 3 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Heart of the Tournament
Much more than a tennis tournament, the Connecticut Open is a leading example of leveraging a large scale international sporting event to impact the community in a healthy, active, and positive way, especially among youth. It is not just about creating tennis players…it’s about providing opportunities for youth that will improve their lives and give them a chance to become confident, successful adults.
Now owned by the State of Connecticut and newly minted as a not-for-profit 501c3, the tournament has always existed to give back to the community. Since 1998, outreach programs have fed thousands of inner city youth into affordable year-round Parks & Rec tennis programs as well as competitive programs such as Jr. Team Tennis (JTT). Tournament leadership efforts also led to the creation of a separate 501c3, New Haven Youth Tennis & Education, which is now called New HYTEs whose tagline is: "using tennis and education to help kids reach the top.”
The tournament has made a major impact on this region for many years and generates millions of dollars in regional economic impact alongside its efforts to enhance the community.
4 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Sponsors Making a Difference
• AMERICAN EXPRESS – In association with the USTA’s Fresh Courts initiative, American Express and the Connecticut Open transformed McClain Park, a downtrodden, abandoned New Haven park, into a safe and reliable place for neighborhood kids to play tennis, baseball and enjoy the playground. World number 28, Andrea Petkovic, led a free clinic for local Boys & Girls Club youth.
• EMIRATES AIRLINE – US Open Series Title sponsor Emirates Airline activated a racquet return program and an on-site tennis clinic for NewHYTEs (New Haven Youth Tennis & Education). Emirates has also made annual cash and equipment donations to New Haven inner city programs.
• FIRST NIAGARA – First Niagara donated new racquets and tennis equipment to 300+ elementary school children who participated in the tournament’s annual Free Lesson clinic. In 2013, together with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership on mentoring, the bank emphasized the importance of mentoring prior to a free tennis clinic. That same year, the bank and Connecticut Open presented a youth clinic In Newtown to advance healing and recovery for the children.
American Express Fresh Courts Emirates Airline racquet return. First Niagara Free Lesson. initiative in New Haven. 5 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Sponsors Making a Difference
YALE UNIVERSITY The Office of Investments presents an annual two-day fundraising event that includes a Round-Robin tennis event on tournament grounds followed by dinner overlooking Stadium Court. This event generates funding for Yale’s community based activities, such as: • The funding of five charter schools serving 1,400+ students • Training for 150 Teach for America CT public school teachers • “Science Pathways” engage students K-12 in math, science, and engineering
YALE-NEW HAVEN HEALTH SYSTEM Serve Love is an annual silent auction fundraiser held in a suite overlooking Stadium Court that raises money to benefit worthy causes such as: Yale University fundraiser. • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, • Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center
AETNA Aetna Symposium is an annual panel discussion for up to 100 high school female athletes and their coaches held in a suite overlooking Stadium Court. Themes focus on presenting girls with positive messaging around being young women in sports: • 40th Anniversary of Title IX and what it means to today’s young athletes; a • “what’s your healthy?”: finding my balance – focused on a balanced approach to sports and lifestyle – mental, physical and emotional well- being High school aged student athletes listen to a panel at the Aetna Symposium. 6 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Year-Round Community Outreach Programs
YEAR-ROUND CONNECTICUT OPEN PROGRAMS & EVENTS • Family Classic parent/child tournament (March-August) • Free Lesson/New Haven Public Schools Clinic (April/May) • Summer Youth Clinic (July) NewHYTEs • Aetna Kids Day (Tournament Week) • TEaM (Tennis Education and Mentoring) - • Girl Scout/Boy Scout Days (Tournament Week) After school tennis, education, and • Latino Day (Tournament Week) mentoring program (Year-round) • Perfect Match (Tournament Week) • Parks & Rec Affordable Lessons (Year- round) • USTA Junior Team Tennis (Year-round) • Tennis in the Neighborhood (July/August)
7 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Spectator Demographics CONNECTICUT OPEN FANS ARE MATURE, AFFLUENT, AND WELL EDUCATED
• Spectators are 60% female; 30-64 years old.
• Over 50% of spectators have an average household income (HHI) of $143,500; 12% have HHI of $250k+; 4% have HHI of $500k+.
• 90% of spectators have attended and/or graduated college – or higher.
• In 2013, fans traveled from 28 states and internationally, with the majority attending from affluent Connecticut suburbs and NYC commuter towns, especially New Haven and Fairfield Counties.
*Source: The George Washington University, Economic Impact Analysis, 2009 8 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Domestic and International Television Coverage
• ESPN2 holds the domestic television rights to the tournament with a live telecast from the quarterfinals through finals – providing eight (8) hours of audience exposure.
• Tennis Channel will telecast the 2013 tournament for eight (8) hours
• Internationally, the tournament’s global feed offers exposure in 160 countries on six continents.*
• A sampling of countries and regions includes China, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, and the Middle East and Africa.**
*Source: WTA TV, 2013 **Full list available upon request. 9 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Marketing
MARKETING INCLUSION – In 2013 the Connecticut Open limited all tickets sales to the lower box ring, thus bringing all fans closer to the action and centralizing buzz and electricity within the stadium. The tournament’s marketing strategy centered around a more energized stadium, enhanced advertising, and robust social media.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2013 CAMPAIGN Connecticut Open presented Approximate Estimated Media Markets by United Technologies Impressions Value
Advertising and Collateral Min 14MM* $1MM+* Statewide and regional markets including: New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, Bridgeport and NYC
Public Relations 500-750MM** - Regional, National, and International Media Outlets Emirates Airline 350MM $3.5MM* Atlanta, Cincinnati, LA, NY, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, US Open Series Philadelphia and Miami Marketing Campaign*
*2012 Media Plan/2013 numbers in process **Source: Google News, Compete.com, Meltwater 2012 10 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Marketing
A fully integrated marketing plan supports outreach to NYC commuters, Connecticut families, and hard core tennis fans via print, digital, social, out of home, direct mail and radio.
YouTube
Metro North The New York Times Platform Poster
Newsletter
Twitter Billboards 11 ABOUT CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES
Marketing – PR/Media Coverage
The tournament generates substantial media coverage annually throughout Connecticut, the region, the U.S. and the world. In 2013, global coverage included sports news coverage on China’s CCTV and feature stories in Nikkei.com, Japan’s Wall Street Journal (3M+ audience), and Dainik Jagran, India’s largest newspaper (16M+ audience).
12 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Align Your Brand with Industry Leaders
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Tournament Assets
Whether you're looking to promote your brand, engage consumers or entertain VIPs, the Connecticut Open provides service-oriented sponsorship activation to help support your company's objectives and position your brand ahead of the competition.
BRANDING: GAIN A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, IMPACT MARKET SHARE AND BRAND PERCEPTION • High-profile branding to regional, domestic and global audience • Association with women’s tennis, the pre-eminent sport for women in the world • Category exclusivity available at high level partnerships • Borrowed brand equity via alignment with Fortune 500 giants and leading institutions
CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: REINFORCE BRAND PREFERENCE, DRIVE A MEASURABLE RETURN • On-site consumer engagement with a highly attractive demographic
VIP HOSPITALITY: CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS • Entertain clients and key stakeholders • Recognize executives and employees
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: DEMONSTRATE CHARITABLE COMMITMENT • Exposure via year-round community outreach programs • Support philanthropic initiatives and employee volunteerism 14 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Branding
Propel your brand into a regional, national, and international spotlight with in-stadium branding opportunities, including signage in domestic and global television view.
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TV View Signage
Sidewall Signage
Backwall Signage
Umpire Chair Signage 16 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Stadium and Tournament Ground Exposure
Grandstand Scoreboard
Electronic Scoreboard in Tournament Plaza
Video Scoreboard in Stadium 17 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Consumer Engagement
Make it measurable, reach your target market and interact with tennis fans.
Sales Service Promotion
Data Capture Product Sampling and Sales 18 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Consumer Engagement Entitlement of fan-friendly amenities and special events.
SVEDKA Vodka Lounge Ooh La La Wine Bar
Comfort Food & Cocktails presented by Entrance to the Aetna FitZone SVEDKA Vodka 19 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
VIP Hospitality SPONSOR HOSPITALITY – Accessible to Sponsors at a Bronze level and above, guests will enjoy a complimentary buffet and beverages in air-conditioned comfort while never missing a beat of the action on the court. A limited number of passes are available for purchase by fans. STADIUM SUITES – Private stadium suites overlooking Stadium Court are available for groups of 20 and 30 guests. Suites may be reserved for multiple or individual sessions, as available.
WEEKLONG BOX SEATS – Entertain guests throughout the week from the best seats in the house: • Access to the exclusive Boxholder Restaurant overlooking Stadium Court • Invitation to the exciting Meet the Player Party • Personalized plaque identifying your seats
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Employee Engagement Employees of Connecticut Open sponsors will be offered the opportunity to purchase tickets at a discounted price not offered to the general public. To help promote, the tournament will provide creative for a custom email blast that sponsors may distribute to employees. Other employee engagement ideas might include volunteerism or information session at your office.
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Year-Round Marketing Platform
The Connecticut Open encourages its partners to integrate their tournament sponsorship with existing year-round marketing efforts. Below are examples that co-promote the Connecticut Open while maximizing the partnership and achieving specific and measurable sponsor goals.
Dichello Distributors’ Goose Island Banners hang at New Haven clubs and bars
Lux Bond & Green and vineyard vines Yale Daily News – Online Articles trip giveaway to Antigua 22 APPENDIX
23 RESEARCH
Why Tennis?
1. Great way to reach female sports enthusiasts. Offers a Sizable Female Audience – 55% vs Golf (34%)
2. It attracts a diverse audience. 69% white/19% black/12% Hispanic/4% Asian) vs Golf (77% white/14% black)
3. Tennis fans are open to connecting with Sponsors. The average fan spends 6.5 hours on the grounds per visit
4. Tennis fans are highly engaged on-site. 67% visit and interact with Sponsors on-site
5. Allows brands to have an extended “conversation” with fans. Average attendees spend 51 minutes visiting Sponsor Booths
6. Facilitates a connection with something consumers are passionate about. 81% of fans understand the importance of Sponsor support
7. Sponsorship has a positive impact on brand image and perceptions 64% of fans feel more positive towards a Sponsor’s brand
8. Tennis fans have a positive impression of Sponsors 88% view sponsorships as a good way to promote products
9. Tennis tournaments drive sales 64% of fans more likely to buy a Sponsor’s product as a result of sponsorship
10. Tennis tournaments drives ROI Cost/Benefit ratio (avg. 2:1) meets or exceeds industry thresholds 24 RESEARCH
Why Women’s Tennis?
The Women’s Tennis Association is the global leader in women's professional sport
• More than 2,500 players • Representing 92 nations • Competing for more than $118 million in prize money • 54 events and four Grand Slams in 33 countries • Over 5.4 million people attended women's tennis events in 2012 with hundreds of millions more watching on television and digital channels around the world
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Why Women’s Tennis? Five of the World’s Top 50 Most Marketable Females are from the WTA tour, the most of any single league or tour:
• Sloane Stephens* • Victoria Azarenka • Maria Sharapova • Caroline Wozniacki* • Laura Robson**
Central criteria that shaped the list: value for money, age, home market, charisma, willingness to be marketed, crossover appeal.
*Sports Pro/EuroSport 2013 **Played 2013 New Haven Open at Yale ***Four-time champion, New Haven Open at Yale 26 APPENDIX
Why Women’s Tennis?
Powerful, Exciting, Competitors Seven of the Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes in the world are from the WTA tour, the most of any single league or tour:
1. Maria Sharapova ($29M) 2. Serena Williams ($20.5M) 3. Li Na ($18.2M)** 4. Victoria Azarenka ($15.7M) 7. Caroline Wozniacki ($13.6M) 8. Agnieska Radwanska ($7.4M) 9. Ana Ivanovic ($7M)
*Forbes, 2013 **Played New Haven in 2011 27 APPENDIX
Why Women’s Tennis?
The Women’s Tennis Association is the global leader in women's professional sport
THE WTA STORY – Pioneers in Sports History Billie Jean King and her group of eight other renegades were revolutionary by 1970s standards. A full two years ahead of the passage of Title IX in the United States, they envisioned a better future for women's tennis.
In September 1970, the birth of women's professional tennis was launched when nine players signed $1 contracts with World Tennis publications publisher Gladys Heldman to compete in a newly created Virginia Slims Series. The Original 9, as they were called, included King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss and Julie Heldman.
Heldman, along with her friend Joe Cullman from Philip Morris and several others, provided women's professional tennis the opportunity the Original 9 and so many others sought. The inaugural $7,500 Virginia Slims of Houston was established on September 23, 1970 and it was the event that became the groundbreaker for all others. 28 Thank you for considering a partnership with Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies! August 15 – 23, 2014
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