Attachment 14 Body: CABINET Date: 9 July 2008 Subject: EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2009 Report Of: Director of Economy, Tourism & Environment Ward(s) All Purpose To update Cabinet of the outcome of the Lawn Tennis Associations Review and the combining of a Women’s and Men’s Eastbourne’s International Tennis tournament. Recommendation: Cabinet is recommended to note update. Contact: Adrian Ash, Interim Assistant Director of Economy, Tourism & Planning, Telephone 01323 415432 or internally on extension 5432. [email protected] 1.0 Background 1.1 An International Women’s Open tennis tournament has been held at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne since 1975. 1.2 Since then it has grown into the biggest women’s tournament in Britain and is one of the top 30 tournaments in world tennis. 1.3 Its location Devonshire Park has had substantial investment to make it into a premier venue with a world class playing surface which also offers comfortable and modern spectator facilities and is the perfect setting for a day of great tennis for the whole family. 1.4 The event has attracted a plethora of overseas stars such as, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo, Lindsay Davenport, Anna Kournikova, Steffi Graf, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and well known British stars such as Elena Baltacha, Sue Barker and Virginia Wade. 1.5 This event also provides a great opportunity for emerging young talent such as Agnieszka Radwanska who at 19 years old is ranked no. 15 in the world and returned to Eastbourne for the second year and Victoria Azarenko ranked no. 17 who made her debut this year. 2.0 Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Review 2.1 On the 9th April 2008 the LTA announced the outcome of its review on how it was going to address its shortfall of £1.5 million on British grass court events (excluding Wimbledon). Page 1 of 4 2.2 Their aims are to radically change the complexion of the grass court season so as to re-invigorate the tournaments that lead up to Wimbledon by; • Attracting one single sponsor for the whole of British tennis • Open up the sport to new audiences • Offering a better experience for existing fans 2.3 In addition the LTA stated they could not continue to haemorrhage money which needed to be invested in to junior players, coaching and clubs. 2.4 The International Tennis event at Eastbourne had been pitched against the other grass court venues such as Nottingham, Birmingham and Surbiton which provide either women or men’s events. 2.5 It is understood that LTA as part of it review had received representation from players indicating that they wanted to base themselves in and around London during the grass court season. 2.6 Eastbourne having good road and rail links to London appears to be a major factor in the LTA’s decision but also that the International event already draws many of the top women players. 3.0 Outcome of LTA Review 3.1 Announcing the results of the review Roger Draper, Chief Executive of the LTA said “Eastbourne will stage Britain’s first joint ATP/WTA tournament”. 3.2 The LTA hopes that holding a joint event in Eastbourne, in the week before Wimbledon will attract the world best players and help raise the profile of British competitions, as well as cutting the costs of hosting the tournaments. 3.3 Eastbourne will be the seventh world event to bring men and women together and the first in Britain at this level. 3.4 Dates for the merged Men and Women’s tournament are: • 13th June – 21st June 2009 • 12th June – 20th June 2010 4.0 Current and Future Economic Impact 4.1 The current event provides the following; • Visitor spending over £9 million – 36,000 visitors (78% non-resident) • Hotels are packed – 44% stay for an average of 5 days • Over 300 staff employed at the tournament • Record crowd during 2007 event – 40,000 – Largest in history of event • Event brings new audiences for Eastbourne – 6% of spectators are first time visitors to the Town • A great venue for business 4.2 The future combined Men and Women’s event is likely to provide the following; Page 2 of 4 • Increased media coverage • Live coverage of the event beamed across the nation and on Eurosport around the world • Increased number of players, coaches and media from around the world • Increased attendance at the event – Expanded courts to provide additional seating • Increased visitor spending • Diversify the audience profile • Attract a new audience to Eastbourne 5.0 Financial Implications 5.1 Some future investment may be required to enhance the Devonshire Park International Tennis Centre to accommodate this high profile prestigious new event. 5.2 Area’s where future work has been identified have been highlighted in the capital bid programme and include items such as; • WIFI for the Devonshire Park complex • AV Equipment in the Hardwicke Suite • Irrigation system • Grass cutting equipment • Painting and remedial work - required to high level metal work • Repair to perimeter walls • Replacement sealant to prevent water ingress Bids for the 2009/10 capital programme will include; • Refurbishment of showers in locker rooms • Grounds Maintenance equipment • Remedial work to trees • Remedial works to grounds to accommodate site configurations for the 2009/10 event 5.3 Any work carried out at the tennis centre will maintain and enhance the value of a Council asset. 6.0 Legal A user licence exists between the LTA and EBC to maintain the site so that it can host international tennis tournaments. It is understood with the introduction of men to the women’s events the licence may need to be amended. It is anticipated that discussion will commence following this years tournament. 7.0 Other Implications 7.1 This merged event will impact on Eastbourne in a variety of ways encompassing such issues as; Page 3 of 4 • Continued partnership working with the LTA which encourages visitors to Eastbourne • Tournament provides short term local jobs to local people • Local contractors able to bid for the work • The venue provides community support and facilities for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors • High profile Council asset • The event maintains and enhances a visitor location 8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 8.1 Eastbourne’s Women’s Open has always been hailed as one of the highest calibre international grass court events. The championships regularly attract top names from the world of tennis, with this year’s tournament ending in a thrilling final. 8.2 The merger will lead to the world’s best female players being joined by top male tennis stars from June 2009. 8.3 With the women’s event already broadcast on national television and globally through Eurosport, attracting spectators from across the country and bringing over £9 million into the town, (which will significantly increase with the inclusion of the Men’s tennis) news that Eastbourne will now stage the men’s event will really boost interest in the town and its economy. 8.4 With the future of Eastbourne tennis now confirmed, Eastbourne Borough Council will be working closely with the LTA to make arrangements for the tournament merge next summer. 8.5 This is an exciting time with Eastbourne being at the forefront of a major reshape of British tennis and being part of the tennis tours for men and women which cross continents and attract global media attention. Cabinet are requested to note the update and progress in terms of the future discussions and ongoing partnership between the LTA and Eastbourne Borough Council but to note that this is a 2 year arrangement and that much work will be required by the Council and the local business community to ensure that this partnership continues beyond 2010. Norman Kinnish Director of Economy, Tourism & Environment Background Papers: None Page 4 of 4 .