Lineup Announced for 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open Tennis Tournament
This year’s BB&T Atlanta Open lineup includes four of the top 25 tennis players in the world, and 10 in the top 50, allowing Atlanta tennis fans to see firsthand what’s sure to be some of the most impressive, exciting competition in years. Those players include fan favorite John Isner, Fernando Verdasco, and Kevin Anderson. You can expect some passionate play from currently ranked #18 player Nick Kyrgios, of Australia, who will be joined by Lucas Pouille, Jeremy Chardy, and Borna Coric, among others.
That action will be complimented by a special exhibit honoring Atlanta’s 20th anniversary since hosting the Olympic Games, including a rematch of the 1996 Andre Agassi competition against Sergi Brugera, which earned Agassi the gold medal (scheduled for Sunday evening, July 31st). You’ll find other Olympians at the event, too, as part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games 20th Anniversary Exhibit presented by Coca-Cola. From GiGi Fernandez to Nancy Kerrigan, fans will be able to take part in a free event showcasing these athletes and highlighting memorabilia from the ’96 games. The exhibit will run for nine days at Atlantic Station as part of the BB&T Atlanta Open.
You’ll also find some new player’s practice courts at Atlantic Station, the host venue for the Open for five years now. Several college players helped christen those courts at a ribbon cutting ceremony that was followed by some tennis action between those college superstars and local media personalities. The college players included Austin Smith, an All-American at UGA, Chris Eubanks of Georgia Tech, and Zach Kenned, who plays at Georgia State and used to be doubles partners in high school with Eubanks (coincidentally, at the same high school Cam Newton graduated from).
This year’s activities will include the Ladies Day activities (with Verdasco), a Fireworks Show sponsored by Coca Cola, a Family Zone by Prince, and Tennis Night on the Town. You’ll also be able to see the Fuzzy Car from Lexus, a vehicle completely wrapped in the same felt used to make tennis balls.
You can get tickets online or by calling the Ticket Hotlines: 855 307-1981 or 404-941-9202.
Schedule of Olympic Athletes (current as of 6/21/16):
Kayla Harrison (Judo ’12 Gold/Rio bound) Sat/Sun 7/30-31
Nancy Kerrigan (Figure Skating ’92 Bronze/’94 Silver) Mon 8/1
Gigi Fernandez (Tennis Doubles ’92 Gold/’96 Gold) Tues 8/2
Kent Steffes (Beach Volleyball ’96 Gold) Wed 8/3
Brook Bennett (Swimming 800 Meter ’96 Gold) Thurs 8/4
Gail Devers (pending acceptance) or TBD Fri 8/5