NEWS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 15, 2010

The doors of the Palmetto Tennis Center (PTC) in Sumter, South Carolina opened in April 2004 to an NCAA Division II College Tournament, the Conference Carolinas. Now hosted by PTC for the seventh consecutive year, this event brings in over 200 college tennis players annually.  Since opening, PTC has averaged approximately 14 other tournaments each year from the local Sumter Tennis Association and SCISA (SC Independent Schools Association) to higher level USTA tournaments. It has been a constant aim of the tennis center since day one to keep and maintain the challenge in seeking larger events that will place Sumter and the Palmetto Tennis Center in the center of the tennis industry. Based on last year’s numbers more than 30,000 local players and 2,000 tournament players provided Sumter with a 3.1 million dollar economic impact which has proven an annual increase steady with the 8% national average.  

The PTC tournament strategy has definitely paid off for the tennis center, as it has recently announced that it will host the $10,000 USTA Women’s Professional Circuit tennis event, the Palmetto Pro Open for a third year!  This event raises PTC to new heights as the center embarks on hosting the professional event from May 22 through May 30.  The event will showcase some of the rising stars on the USTA circuit and will bring in players from all over the world.  

The Palmetto Tennis Center is only the second USTA Pro Circuit event to offer a 128 qualifying draw that will begin on Saturday, May 22. The main draw matches will begin Monday, May 24, and will include a 32 person draw.  

The event will kick-off with a FREE Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. Come meet the Pro’s, participate in free lessons, enjoy free food and beverages, bounce house and a dunk tank! Fun for all ages! Tuesday and Wednesday will have Featured PM matches beginning at 6pm and the main draw play begins daily at 9am.  Admission is Free for all activities including the Family Fun Day on Saturday May 22! The Palmetto Pro Open is unique for the Sumter area and will showcase not only the excellence in tennis play but also the Palmetto Tennis Center. For more information you can contact the Palmetto Tennis Center or the Swan Lake Visitors Center at 803-436-2640 or log on to www.sumtersc.gov.  

Palmetto Tennis Center
Telephone: 803-774-3969
Email: palmettotennis@sumter-sc.com