New York City To Host US Open

US Squash and Squash Universe, a newly-formed squash event promotion company, have revealed that the 2007 US Open for men will be hosted in New York City from 27 September to 4 October. The two organisations also announced a multi-year licensing agreement for the event, bringing them together in close partnership to promote squash at the professional level.

The 2007 US Open - a PSA Super Series Platinum event - will be hosted at the world famous Roseland Ballroom, located just blocks from Times Square, in the heart of New York City. Roseland has operated for over 75 years and has earned international acclaim as a concert venue for some of the biggest names in music. Initial qualifying rounds and the round of 32 will be played at New York City area clubs. Tickets for the 2007 US Open go on sale August 1st and can be purchased in advance at www.usopen-squash.com

"Bringing the US Open title to New York makes very good business sense," commented US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein. "New York is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other city and is clearly the media capital of the world. The additional sponsor support and media exposure the event will receive as a result of the move will further US Squash's vision of making squash accessible."

Sean Gibbon, who led the first-time Village Open event in New York in 2006 and now serves as Squash Universe CEO, added: "Our experience with the Village Open convinced us there was an opportunity to create an even larger event. Taking on the management of the US Open Championship was a logical progression and we share US Squash's vision for the development of the sport."

Gibbon went on to confirm the strong possibility for broad television coverage of the tournament this year, and indicated the desire to add the Women's US Open Championship title to the event in subsequent years, offering a combined "Grand Slam" style event.

PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars also added: "The US Open Squash Championships has successfully flourished for some years now in Boston under the stewardship of John Nimick, and the 2007 edition arrives in New York for the first time under the renewed auspices of the US Squash and the Village Club promotion team headed up by Sean Gibbon.

"Bigger than before, at a premier PSA rating of Platinum Super Series, the 2007 US Open has truly arrived to join the elite of the world calendar as a grand slam style tournament that will attract the very best of the world's players.

"The qualification and first rounds will be hosted at the Printing House Fitness and Squash Club on Hudson Street with the second round onwards being presented in the Portland Court Roseland Ballroom - a stunning new venue to host the all glass court," explained Briars.

"Our congratulations to Sean and his team for taking on this major tournament in such positive and confident fashion. Audiences in Manhattan will not be disappointed when PSA players come to town to challenge for the highest of world ranking points."