For the second year in a row the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California will host the women’s $50,000 Stockton Challenger. The event will take place at the newly constructed Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center from July 10th - 17th.
The tennis center, which opened on March 24th, 2016, was made possible by a $1.5 million gift from the University of the Pacific graduate and previously world-ranked professional player, Eve Zimmerman. The complex offers 12 courts, covered player benches with a new electronic scoreboard and a 5,500-square-foot clubhouse on the way. The Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center, which occupies a fragment of the former Amos Alonzo Stagg Memorial Stadium, offers an impeccable setting to host the 2016 Women’s USTA Pro Circuit event.
“The Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center is going to be the perfect spot for this event and hopefully future events like this in years to come. The intimate setting of the courts which are sunken below the spectator seating will provide the best viewing for spectators,” stated tournament director and Pacific’s men’s head tennis coach Ryan Redondo
The Stockton Challenger is part of the 43 stop USTA Pro Circuit and will feature 32 singles competitors along with 16 doubles teams. The Pro Circuit is the route to large scale events such as the US Open and tour-level competition for both up-and-coming players and established pros. Tournaments of this caliber often feature athletes ranked in the top 500 in the world and have assisted in kick starting the careers of Andy Murray, John Isner and Maria Sharapova. Both the University and the city of Stockton are proud to host this top tier event and are hoping their sophomore year is one to remember for the fans and the players.
Redondo also added, “This level of a tournament hosts almost every top-level world class tennis player. The Challenger circuit and especially the USTA/ITF circuits provide some of the best players in the world. I was watching the French Open last night and saw our 2015 Champion Nao Hibino playing. Knowing that we are providing this opportunity for the best players in the world is wonderful.”
Tickets are on sale now at stocktonchallenger.com and in the next few weeks, more details on scheduling, players, and live streaming will become available on the event’s official website. Fans and spectators can also “Like” the “USTA Stockton Challenger” on Facebook and follow all the action on Twitter @STKChallenger. Those looking to volunteer at the event should visit the tournament website or email [email protected] for more information. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the event, please contact Jeremy Neisser by emailing him at [email protected].