Non-Stop Action at the Family Circle Cup!

The world’s top tennis stars are on Daniel Island this week for the Family Circle Cup, and the action is getting more intense by the day. Warm temperatures and an all-star lineup have helped draw record crowds for the 40th anniversary of this WTA Premier event.

Among the players who have moved on to the second round of the tournament are Nadia Petrova and Venus Williams, who returned to the WTA just a few weeks ago at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami after an injury last fall. The second round began Tuesday, with No.2 seed Sam Stosur, No.4 seed Vera Zvonareva and No. 5 seed Serena Williams among the winners. Stosur was the 2010 Family Circle Cup champion, and Zvonareva is a two-time runner-up here: She lost to Serena Williams in 2008 and to Stosur in 2010.

On Thursday, the folks from ESPN2 will begin their coverage of the tournament, which continues through Sunday, April 8.

But the tournament goes well beyond serving up great tennis. All week long, the Grand Lawn has been the central gathering spot, with an open bar and live music – a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Family Circle Cup. And on Saturday, a very special event will commemorate the tournament’s 40th anniversary. “40 Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup” will feature appearances by Billie Jean King and many other former Family Circle Cup Champions.

The Family Circle Cup is a great time to be out and about on Daniel Island. There are still tickets available – visit familycirclecup.com for details. And if you can’t make it, be sure to tune into ESPN2 this weekend to check out the action.

Daniel Island Gets Ready for the Family Circle Cup

The tents are up, the courts and grounds at the Family Circle Tennis Center are in prime condition and some of the world’s top tennis stars are making their way to Charleston’s island town for a week of competition. The Family Circle Cup, a WTA Premier Event, takes place March 31 – April 8 right here on Daniel Island. ESPN2 will broadcast coverage of the tournament starting on Thursday, April 5.

Among those scheduled to compete this year are Samantha Stosur, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Marion Bartoli, Sabine Lisicki and Jelena Jankovic. They’ll be competing for a $749,160 purse during the week-long event.

But the tournament goes well beyond serving up great tennis. All week long, the Grand Lawn is the place to be, with an open bar and live music – a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Family Circle Cup. And this year, a very special event is planned to commemorate the tournament’s 40th anniversary. “40 Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup” takes place Saturday, April 7 and will feature appearances by Billie Jean King and many other former Family Circle Cup Champions.

The Family Circle Cup is a great time to be out and about on Daniel Island – come check out the action! Visit familycirclecup.com for ticket information.

The Family Circle Cup Turns 40!

Some of the greatest names in women’s tennis will come to Daniel Island April 7 for a special celebration commemorating the tournament’s 40 years and the birth of the top professional sport for women.

In September 1970, the birth of women’s professional tennis was launched when nine female tennis players signed $1 contracts with World Tennis publications publisher Gladys Heldman to compete in what would become the Virginia Slims Series. The Original 9, as they were called, included Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss and Julie Heldman. Competing in events like the Family Circle Cup, these women helped pave the way for tennis to become the number one professional sport for women.

On April 7, a special tribute to these women will take place at “40Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup.” The evening will include a reunion of the Original 9, including Billie Jean King and first-ever Family Circle Cup Champion Rosie Casals. Honorary coaches Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade will lead a star-studded World Team Tennis-style exhibition with former Family Circle Cup champions Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Rennae Stubbs. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors and American standout Aaron Krickstein will also participate.

“This commemoration is designed to celebrate our 40th year in professional tennis, and honor the incredible women who made it all possible with their courage and steadfast determination for equality,” said Bob Moran, Tournament Director of the Family Circle Cup. “The Original 9 served as a catalyst for change in not only women’s tennis, but helped shift our country’s attitude toward equality as a whole. I truly believe that this is an evening that should be experienced by every generation from daughter to grandmother.”

The event will take place at Family Circle Tennis Stadium beginning promptly at 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 7th. Tickets are available starting at $20 at ticketmaster.com.

Volunteers Needed for the 2012 Family Circle Cup

Calling all Family Circle Cup Tennis fans!  This is your chance to be an integral part of one of Charleston’s signature events.  The Family Circle Cup is currently accepting applications for 375 adult volunteer positions for the March 31 – April 8 event.  This year, the Family Circle Cup will be celebrating its 40th consecutive year, right here in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, SC.

“Without the outstanding efforts from our volunteers, the Family Circle Cup wouldn’t be the world class event it is today,” Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager, said. “They are the reason the fans have such a memorable experience at the event each year and we greatly appreciate their generosity and dedication.”

A good portion of the tournament’s pool of volunteers and temporary staff are island residents, who are proud to have this world-class event take place in their hometown and take pride in the fact that their contributions go a long way towards making the tournament a success. Last year was no exception.  Nancy Heinz, a long-time resident of Daniel Island’s Codner’s Ferry Park neighborhood, served as the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year. To read her story, click here.

Adult volunteer opportunities this year involve 17 areas including Guest Services, Player Lounge, Transportation, Media Center, Information Technology, Ticket Office, Ushers, Food & Beverage, Adult Ball Crew and other areas.  The volunteer uniform fee is $60 and provides a week full of benefits.  For more information about adult volunteerism, direct inquires to Jo Cooper, Volunteer Coordinator at Jo.Cooper@familycirclecip.com or by leaving a message on the Family Circle Cup Volunteer Hotline at (843) 849-5309.  Applications are available on line at familycirclecup.com

America’s Best Tennis Town Welcomes WTT!

Come watch some of the biggest tennis names in the world battle it out against each other during the World Team Tennis Finals Weekend at the Family Circle Stadium July 22 – 24.  WTT is tennis like you’ve never seen it, featuring the biggest names in the world playing together in an innovative co-ed team format that offers exciting possibilities for players and fans!

Marquis players such as Serena Williams, Pete Sampras, John Isner, Melanie Oudin and John McEnroe will be hitting the courts for some non-stop, loud and exciting competition.  Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at www.familycirclecup.com or by calling (800) 677-2293.   For more information about World Team Tennis, click on www.wtt.com

Ten Things to Watch for at This Year’s Family Circle Cup

The tents are up, the courts are in prime condition and some of the world’s top tennis stars are making their way to Daniel Island for a week of competition. It’s that time of year: The Family Circle Cup begins this Saturday, April 2, with the action continuing through Sunday, April 10. If you’ll be on Daniel Island checking out this world-class event (or even if you won’t), here are ten things to be on the lookout for at this year’s Family Circle Cup:

The Best Players
The Family Circle Cup has helped advance the careers of some of the most famous women’s tennis champions of our times, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin and the Williams sisters. This year’s line up includes World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, Samantha Stosur, Marion Bartoli, Maria Sharpova and many more of the world’s top players. They’ll compete for a $721,000 purse in what is one of the Premier Events on the WTA Tour.

Local Talent
Daniel Island resident Shelby Rogers has been granted a Main Draw Wild Card into this year’s tournament. The 18-year old began her formal tennis instruction right here at the Family Circle Tennis Center in 2001 at the age of eight, when she also served as a ball crew member and presented flowers to 2001 Family Circle Cup Champion Jennifer Capriati during the trophy presentation. Ten years later, she returns with a career high World No. 328 ranking and an opportunity to bring this storybook tale full-circle.

Tennis Legends
Those who grew up watching Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova at the height of their careers will want to attend “Game, Set, Rock: Tennis. Amplified.” on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 pm. These former Family Circle Cup champions will be joined by none other than John McEnroe and Todd Martin for an exciting evening of singles and mixed-doubles exhibition matches.

America’s Best Tennis Town
You’ll be in the heart of it at the Cup.
Charleston was awarded the title by the USTA at last year’s U.S. Open, and we’re marking the honor on Tuesday, April 5 during the evening session with an “America’s Best Tennis Town Celebration.” The first 1,000 fans thru the gates will receive a gift. Enjoy the festivities on the Grand Lawn, a marching band in the stadium and more.

Friendly Island Residents
“The tournament brings people from all over the world to our island,” says resident and Family Circle Cup volunteer Jo Cooper. “It’s fun to share with them where the best restaurants and tourist attractions are. I always hope they take my advice and visit the local hot spots on the island!” If you’re visiting from out of town, ask a resident or volunteer to tell you about their favorite spots on Daniel Island and in Charleston.

Happy Hour
If you’re attending a night session, be sure to check out the Happy Hour specials and live entertainment at the Ketel One Racquet Club on the Grand Lawn from 5:00 – 7:00 pm for a festive way to start off your evening.

Match Point Market
Get your shopping on at the Cup’s boutique retail destination. Located adjacent to stadium court, the Market features a select group of South Carolina vendors offering a variety unique items for sale, including hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts and more.

Freebies
Be on the lookout for great giveaways and prizes from many of the tournament’s generous sponsors, and be sure to stop by the Daniel Island Real Estate booth to enter to enter the daily drawing for some great Daniel Island-themed prizes!

Community Outreach
The Family Circle Cup focuses on giving back to the community by supporting non-profit organizations and projects that focus empowering and enhancing women, families and children. Throughout the week, you’ll hear stories about some of the Cup’s featured charity partners, including the Lowcountry Special Olympics tennis team, Courting Kids (an inner-city youth tennis program) and others.

National Television Coverage
Can’t be here in person? Check out the action on ESPN2
from Thursday through Sunday starting at 1 pm each day.

For further information about the week’s events and to purchase tickets, visit www.familycirclecup.com.

Resident Volunteers Help Make Family Circle Cup a Success (Part 2)

We recently introduced you to the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year, Daniel Island resident Nancy Heinz. As we approach April 2 and the beginning of this world-class tennis event, we wanted to highlight some of the other resident volunteers who are giving their time to make sure the tournament runs without a hitch. They shared some thoughts about their experience volunteering for the Family Circle Cup and living on Daniel Island.

Jann O’Toole
5-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived on Isle of Palms and Wilton, CT
“The Family Circle Cup brings people to Daniel Island  from all over the country. We are able to showcase our beautiful island, its wonderful restaurants, shops and neighborhoods. April becomes a very exciting month due to the positive atmosphere surrounding the tournament; I really look forward to it every year!”

Julie Lawrence
8-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived on James Island
“The Cup is definitely a factor in why I live on DI. Our whole family enjoys tennis and we enjoy being a part of the event by volunteering.  We routinely ride and park our bikes at the tennis center instead of driving. We could only do that if we lived here.”

Jeannine DeRoy
2-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Indianapolis, IN
“Although I am not a tennis player, I thought volunteering would be a wonderful way to meet people. I certainly was not disappointed, as I not only met lots of locals, but I met wonderful people from all over the WORLD. This will be my third year volunteering.  I always look forward to renewing friendships and making new ones.”

Jo Cooper
12-year resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Buford, GA
“When I first volunteered for the tournament in 2001, it was a great way to meet new people. Since that time, I have continued to enjoy seeing other volunteers that I may only get to see this time of year.”

Lynn Coursey
10-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Greenwood, SC
Q: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup, and why? People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends, helping others.
A: I’m not sure that I can pick just one! During the tournament I could be doing any one of these at any given time. It is one of the best “vacations” I have ever taken!

Mary Alice “Petey” Haase
8-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Quaker Hill, CT
“We on Daniel Island are extremely fortunate to have great leadership coordinating the world-class Family Circle Cup tournament. We have the best professional women tennis players in the world come to our peaceful, quaint island to present an exciting program for tens of thousands of tennis lovers the world over… I’m proud of the volunteer uniform I wear for the tournament as I meet and greet people from all walks of life.”

Rona Bobey
14-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived in Mt. Pleasant
“I enjoy volunteering for events on Daniel Island to try and show and share my love for the island. My husband and I were the 7th family on Daniel Island and we have watched it grow. Hosting a professional tennis tournament gives the island a chance to show what all it has to offer. It takes volunteers to help the event run smoothly and I enjoy being a part of that.”

Deborah Currin
11-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Orangeburg, SC
“The island gives us so much, and you’ve got to give it back or pay it forward!”

Lisa Frizelle
11-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived in West Ashley
Q: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup? People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends or helping others.
A: I love the tennis and the people… and I want to give back to the community.

Don Rose
13-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Richmond, VA
Q: What is the best part of the Cup and why?
A: Bringing people from all over the country to Daniel Island so they can enjoy the atmosphere. I like the personality of the players, and getting to talk to the players, eyeball-to-eyeball.

A special thank you to these residents and all of the volunteers who help our community put on its best face at the Family Circle Cup each year!

Resident Volunteers Help Make Family Circle Cup an Outstanding Success

Pulling off a WTA tournament each year that brings the top names in women’s tennis to Daniel Island – along with thousands of fans from around the world – is no small feat. But after ten years on Daniel Island, the folks at the Family Circle Cup seem to have the process down to a science. Beginning in early March, things start shifting into high gear as all the pieces of this world-class, nationally-televised event start falling into place.

“We absolutely could not do it without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, many of whom are Daniel Island residents,” says Eleanor Adams, Tournament Manager for the Family Circle Cup. The tournament recruits more than 500 volunteers each year.

As we approach this year’s event, which takes place April 2-10, we thought we’d introduce you to some of the island residents who help make the tournament such an outstanding success each year. And who better to start with than the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year, Nancy Heinz?

A long-time resident of Daniel Island’s Codner’s Ferry Park neighborhood, Nancy and her family moved to the island from Springfield, Virginia in 2000. While her husband (a USTA league player) and 15-year old son (a junior player who competes in USTA sanctioned tournaments at the Southern and National level) are active players, Nancy works behind the scenes, coordinating tennis events for the Daniel Island Club, where she’s been on staff for four and a half years. She is Co-Chair of the Media Center at the Family Circle Cup.

“Nancy has been an invaluable asset to the Cup’s Media Center for the past 11 years,” says Mike Saia, Communications Manager at the Family Circle Cup. “She was named Volunteer of the Year for a list of reasons far too long to mention, but primarily because of her leadership skills, dedication and unwavering attention to detail, all of which her volunteer position demands.”

Mike caught up with Nancy to find out why she dedicates her time to the tournament each year:

MS: Why do you feel it’s important for you, as an island resident, to volunteer your time to this event?

NH: When the decision was made for the Cup to relocate from Hilton Head to Daniel Island in 2001, the call for volunteers was great. I was already a Daniel Island resident at the time, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the FCC volunteer team and contribute in some way towards making the tournament an overwhelming success its first year on the island.

MS: What kind of an impact do you think the Cup has on island life, and why?

NH: What an awesome way to introduce people of all ages in the community to professional tennis! Additionally, with so many residents volunteering, a wonderful tradition of giving back to the community has been established and has had a tremendous impact. Beyond the tournament, the Family Circle Tennis Center is a beautiful facility that residents enjoy year round, both for tennis and other events held at the venue.

MS: What are your favorite non-tennis reasons to volunteer at the Cup?

NH: It’s a pleasure to work alongside the dedicated staff at Family Circle Tennis Center and a great opportunity to serve others.

MS: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup, and why: People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends, helping others?

NH: Hands down, helping others. I enjoy helping to ensure that the media has a welcoming “home away from home” to write their stories and preview their photos each day, and that the players have an inviting place to speak with the media, especially after a tough match or loss.

Congratulations Nancy, and a big thank you for all you do to help make the Family Circle Cup a successful island event!

Daniel Island’s Two Tennis Clubs Battle it Out in a Friendly Tennis Town Challenge

Daniel Island is fortunate to have two outstanding tennis facilities: The 18-court Family Circle Tennis Center, and the Daniel Island Club, which offers members an active tennis program on its 11 courts. This weekend, members from both will compete in the annual Daniel Island Tennis Challenge, an island tradition that continues to grow in popularity.

This four-day event will feature ladies’ and men’s doubles competitions taking place at both world-class facilities. As the home of the Family Circle Cup, the Family Circle Tennis Center is an award-winning operation that hosts outstanding events throughout the year. And the Daniel Island Club includes top flight instruction, social programming and Charleston’s first grass courts among its Tennis Pavilion offerings for members.

It’s all in good fun, so of course there are also an array of social events planned for participants and their families throughout the weekend. From dinner, live music and dancing at the Daniel Island Club on Friday night, to breakfast, lunch and a Saturday night family party and pasta dinner – plus lots of great gifts and prizes – everyone who participates is sure to have a blast.

“The Daniel Island Tennis Challenge has been a great partnership between the Family Circle Tennis Center and the Daniel Island Club, and this highly social event has really created a lot of tennis camaraderie on the island,” said Rob Eppelsheimer, Family Circle Tennis Center Director of Facilities and Tennis Development.  “In its third year, this tournament continues to expand its offerings to players, and it’s really become one of highlights on our membership’s calendar.”

Best of luck to everyone!

For the Sports Fans On Your List this Year…

Are you seeking something different to give the sports fans on your list this holiday season? Look no further than Daniel Island! The Family Circle Cup and the Charleston Battery – Daniel Island’s two professional sports venues – are now offering tickets to next spring’s world-class tennis and soccer events on Daniel Island.

Family Circle Cup
Tickets are now on sale for individual sessions of the 2011 Family Circle Cup, a WTA event that draws the top women tennis players from around the world each spring to Daniel Island. The tournament takes place April 2-10, 2011, and a stellar playing field is already beginning to form. Grounds Passes are available for $10-25 per day, and stadium seats available for $20-50 per session. Visit familycirclecup.com or ticketmaster.com for additional details. This a great gift idea for tennis players and fans of all ages!

Charleston Battery
Just in time for Christmas, the USL Champion Charleston Battery, is offering package deals on tickets to events at its state-of-the-art soccer stadium on Daniel Island. For just $40, you can give the soccer fans on your list a 4-pack of tickets good for any 2011 regular season game along with a Battery scarf or t-shirt. Also available are 2 tickets to the 2011 Carolina Challenge Cup, plus a scarf or tshirt, for just $30. The Carolina Challenge Cup is the premier pre-season soccer tournament in the U.S. This year, the Battery will be joined by Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, D.C. United & Toronto FC on March 5-12. For additional details, visit charlestonbattery.com.

Happy shopping!

Next Page »