CHARLESTON, S.C., March 30, 2024 (Press Release)
The Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America, will partner with nonprofit organizations and support community initiatives to bring awareness to causes in alignment with the tournament’s mission. The WTA 500 tournament will take place March 30 to April 7 at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island in Charleston, S.C.
“This year, our commitment goes beyond the court, focusing on empowering women and girls, fostering education, and nurturing the growth of tennis within our community,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “Our efforts in providing additional access to the tournament aim to inspire, engage, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we touch.”
Complimentary Tickets
In partnership with Credit One Bank, the tournament is pledging to grow the game of tennis by offering all juniors – 16 and under – free general admission access to the tournament with a ticketed adult. The Credit One Charleston Open, which coincides with local spring break calendars, has elevated its fan-favorite Family Weekend and expanded its on-site offerings for juniors throughout the week. To redeem this offer, call the box office at (843) 856-7900 or pick up a ticket on-site at the box office during the tournament.
In addition, all active duty, veteran and retired military members and their families will receive complimentary tickets for all night sessions, as well as semifinals and finals. To register for tickets, please visit vettix.org.
Teacher Appreciation Day
The Credit One Charleston Open is excited to spotlight our educators with a special Teacher Appreciation Day, inviting our world-class teachers to join us for a day of world-class tennis on Tuesday, April 2. The tournament will honor our special guests with a presentation held on-site to express gratitude for their dedication to education. Three teachers will perform the coin toss on Stadium Court before matches commence. Tickets are $10 for teachers and school staff members and can be purchased through this link: https://bit.ly/3Trji1U. The first 200 teachers to enter the gates will also receive a Credit One Charleston Open stadium bag and food voucher.
Kindness Wins Pro-Am
The Credit One Charleston Open will host a charity pro-am event benefiting the Kindness Wins Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting kindness to youth, kindness to self, and kindness to others in times of struggle, on March 30, at 10 a.m. The Foundation was started in 2020 by Charleston champion Madison Keys. Alongside Keys, several other WTA stars will participate, including: Emma Navarro, Jessica Pegula, Sloane Stephens, Desirae Krawczyk, Shelby Rogers, Giuliana Olmos, Elina Svitolina, Arantxa Rus, Anhelina Kalinina, Aldila Sutjiadi and Sachia Vickery.
The tournament’s Tennis Plays for Peace pro-ams in 2022 and 2023 raised $200,000 for Ukrainian relief.
Special Olympics Clinic
The Credit One Charleston Open, with support from WTA Charities, will host a Special Olympics clinic on-site with 30 Special Olympics South Carolina athletes and WTA tennis players on April 3 at 10 am. The program supports and inspires the Special Olympics’ global inclusion movement to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Participating athletes will have the chance to play with notable WTA players and Tournament Ambassador Vania King.
Non-Profit Partner Organizations
The tournament welcomes several non-profit organizations as volunteer partners at concession stands, bars, and premium spaces throughout the venue. These organizations, each dedicated to community causes, receive valuable exposure through the tournament, as well as financial support from commissions at point of sales locations and all tips collected. This year, volunteer groups include members from United Sports, All Star Booster Club, Pier Booster Club of Charleston, Competitive Champions of the Carolinas, Be the Change Charleston, Bridges of Hope and Delancey Street Foundation. Last year the tournament’s non-profit partners raised nearly $70,000 between their respective groups.
In addition, the tournament gave more than $20,000 in ticket donations to local nonprofit organizations including the American Cancer Society, East Cooper Meals on Wheels, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Lowcountry Youth Tennis Association, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 28 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island. The tournament has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the path for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and pay in the sport. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event moved to Charleston in 2001 and is played on Daniel Island at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to the Credit One Stadium.
