© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNPR News sports coverage brings you a mix of local and statewide news from our reporters as well as national and global news from around the world from NPR.

Benefits Of Renovation Expected To Last Beyond 2017 Connecticut Open

With the tournament scheduled to begin on August 18, final preparations are being made for the 20th annual Connecticut Open in New Haven. And the tournament’s director believes they will have a lasting benefit for the U.S. Open tune-up event.

Anne Worcester has been in charge since the 1998 inaugural event in New Haven — then called the Pilot Pen. She convinced the state to step in as a backer in 2015 after Pilot Pen left. Since then, it’s put about $2.5 million dollars into the Connecticut Tennis Center. The final stage of the project’s three phases has just been completed.  

“Lastly,” Worcester said, “physical improvements that make the building more multi-purpose year-round so that we can rent the building out for corporate events.”

Adding revenue streams like that, plus additional improvements like building administrative offices to keep everyone on-site and converting electric power to gas, save the tournament between $100,000 and $300,000 a year.

“Our whole goal,” Worcester said, “is to make everyone feel that they are not at a temporary facility, but they are at something that is year-round.”

The other phases were completed in the previous two years and included physical updates to the seats and lower bowl, along with retrofitting of the players’ center, locker rooms, and media area.

 

Frankie Graziano is the host of The Wheelhouse, focusing on how local and national politics impact the people of Connecticut.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content