Dre Day

Comments (0) By Deirdra Funcheon Thursday, Feb 2 2006

First it went to Qatar. Then it went to Australia. Now it’s coming to… Delray Beach? Yes, the unassuming little city is a hot spot on the professional tennis circuit and the Delray Beach International Tennis Championshipsis the biggest sporting event in Palm Beach County. It’ll draw some 50,000 spectators and be seen on television on 200 countries.

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Of course, that’s what happens when you have such a high concentration of talent in such a little green rectangle. Andre Agassi, James Blake, Robby Ginepri, Tommy Haas, and Mardy Fish will be among the contenders chasing a little yellow ball and $380,000 in prize money at the Delray Beach Tennis Center (201 W. Atlantic Ave.) from Monday, January 30 through Sunday, February 5. It’s the first time that Agassi will set foot here, even though the tournament has been happening for 14 years and Agassi has been playing for 21.

As a bonus for locals, “This is a very intimate facility as far as fan interaction,” says Ivan Baron, the tennis center’s director of marketing and special events. “Players will literally walk right by to grab food or a drink. It’s very fan-friendly.” The price is fan-friendly, too: grandstand tickets can be had for a mere $10, box seats for $50 to $75. Call 561-330-6000, or visit www.yellowtennisball.com.
Jan. 30-Feb. 5