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Major Pro Tennis Event Brings International Attention To Birmingham

By Peyton Posey

As seasoned world travelers, Federation Cup team members from the United States and Russia said they were pleased with Birmingham, Ala., as the host for the semi-finals of the international tennis competition held April 24 and 25 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) arena.

The U.S. team claimed victory, defeating the Russian team 3-2 after four singles matches and one doubles match. This is the second year in a row that the United States advanced to the finals. “It was a long, long singles match. The crowd really helped me. Being at home was really to my advantage,” said Bethanie Mattek-Sands, after winning her singles match in three sets and then immediately playing in the doubles match.

Established in 1963 and governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Fed Cup attracts women’s teams from 80 different countries that must compete in qualifying rounds to be included among the final 16 teams. Unlike ITF Grand Slam events like the U.S. Open and Wimbledon, ranked tennis players compete as a team for their home country instead
of as individuals. The ITF also governs the men’s branch of international team tennis, the Davis Cup.

Birmingham’s campaign to host this event began in 2009. Leaders learned in February the city had won its bid. The Fed Cup event was the result of cooperation between the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Alabama Sports Foundation (ASF) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Birmingham outbid cities like Las Vegas, Chicago, San Antonio and St. Louis, according to ASF Executive Director Gene Hallman. “This is major tennis event. It validates how positive the experience was for the USTA last year with the Davis Cup here,” Hallman said.

Birmingham is no stranger when it comes to international tennis events. The Davis Cup first-round match between the U.S. and Switzerland held at the BJCC arena in April 2009 drew a record 45,708 fans, and tourism officials estimated an economic impact of around $8 million.

The USTA, which operates as a sports marketing, entertainment and media group for professional tennis in the United States, coordinated all travel and hotel requirements, said USTA Senior Director of Team Events Jeff Ryan. “As soon as the city is decided our team hits the ground running and starts organizing right away. The ITF usually does a site visit and will often represent the visiting team and their interests, if needed,” Ryan said. “For this event, we ran into some bumps like securing visas for the travelers and the volcano eruption [in Iceland that prevented some European travel]. Some uniforms, signage and other items were delayed, too. We always have bumps, but we get over them. I think you can size up an experienced event planner by the way he or she reacts to the bumps.” 

Working with local organizers in Birmingham helped provide human resources and local intelligence. “We work very hard to bring events to our city. We offer our full allotment of services and always strive to be a valuable resource for the event planner,” said CVB Director of Sports Sales and Marketing David Galbaugh. “The teams utilized area facilities including the BJCC, practice courts at George Ward Park, and enjoyed the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and local restaurants. Overall, it was a pleasure working with the USTA and accommodating such seasoned travelers and athletes.”

Ryan said he was impressed with the BJCC staff led by Arena Manager Bob Breedlove. “Many shows come in and leave without forming relationships with their host partners, and I guess it works for them. We get to know the people we work with, take then to dinner, give them nicknames, shake their hands, say thank you and give them a present at the end. We find this helps us maintain a very positive industry reputation, and I think Bob and other arena managers would agree,” Ryan said.

Galbaugh estimated that the Fed Cup event resulted in an economic impact of about $3 million for the city of Birmingham. “This event and all sporting events are important to our city. They bring in a very valuable financial impact.”

Birmingham Mayor William Bell attended the event and said he was pleased with its success, noting that the city is actively working on landing other major sporting events, including The National Senior Games, NCAA Division 1 Final Four soccer, Southeastern Conference gymnastics, plus pre-season NFL or NBA games. “Birmingham will be a major player in the world of sports hosting. Our effort is to position Birmingham as the number one sports venue in the South,” Bell said.

The athletes said they were impressed with the turnout of more than 7,000 fans throughout the weekend and were grateful for American team support. “The crowd makes a big difference. It’s just such a boost. You feel like they’re with you at every point. To have that support means a lot,” said U.S. team member Mary Jo Fernandez.

“You really helped pull out my singles today,” Bethanie Mattek-Sands said following her match with Russian team member Ekaterina Makarova. “I was getting some tough calls, and you guys pulled me through.”

U.S. team member Liezel Huber, a native of South Africa who became a U.S. citizen in 2007, agreed. “When the anthem was playing and we had the introductions, I started crying and I thought, ‘Get over this. You’ve been an American now for two years, so no need to get tears any more.’ You guys adopted me and treated me like your own and I appreciate that.”

The U.S. team has advanced to the finals against Italy, and will enjoy the advantage of competing on home soil again. The ITF and USTA will soon announce which U.S. city will host the final Fed Cup match on Nov. 6 and 7.