Schenectady, N.Y., April 18, 2006 – Schenectady County and City leaders today announced that World Team Tennis will come to Union College on July 19th for an indoor match featuring Wimbledon Champ Venus Williams.
The New York Buzz wanted an indoor venue to host the blockbuster July 19th match featuring Ms. Williams, widely regarded as one of the best tennis players in the world. After considering numerous sites around the Capital Region, Schenectady officials are pleased to announce that the match will be played at Union College. The New York Buzz will play six other home matches this summer at Central Park in Schenectady.
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development said, “We are very pleased that the New York Buzz will stay right here in Schenectady County for seven home matches including a new mid-summer classic to be held at Union College. We worked closely with the City, our unified economic development team and the College to bring this high profile event to Schenectady County.”
Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, “We have always believed that professional tennis belongs in Schenectady, and we are very pleased that our united effort with the County has kept the entire New York Buzz summer season in Schenectady, especially the showcase July 19th match at Union College. We are grateful to Union College for its assistance in helping us present a winning proposal to the New York Buzz to stay right here in Schenectady, where the team started and belongs.”
The New York Buzz will host Ms. William and the Philadelphia Freedom at Messa Arena (Achilles Center) on the Union College Campus. Wimbledon Champ Venus Williams has 33 career WTA singles wins, five grand slam tournament titles, six grand slam doubles titles and two mixed doubles championships. The July 19th match between the New York Buzz and Philadelphia Freedom will likely feature a national TV broadcast with negotiations underway now with various television networks.
Team owner Nitty Singh said, “65% of our fans come from outside the County. This will be a great opportunity for them to enjoy fantastic tennis in a comfortable indoor setting. World Team Tennis is America’s only professional co-ed team sport.”
“The World Team Tennis matches are a signature event for Schenectady County, and we are pleased to provide a first-class venue,” said Bill Schwarz, director of communications and public affairs at Union College. “This successful outcome is due to the strong collaborative effort among the College, City and County leadership.”
Tickets for the July 19th match as well as the rest of the Buzz summer season go on sale on May 1st. More information may be obtained at www.nybuzzwtt.com or by calling (518) 378-BUZZ.