Tulsa is a Top Destination for Collegiate Tennis Events

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

After hosting the Saint Francis Health System ITA Men's All-American Championships, the top men's collegiate event of the fall season, October 3-12, the focus will shift to hosting collegiate tennis' major spring event. The University of Tulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission will serve as hosts of the 2016 NCAA Division I Men's & Women's Tennis Championships, May 19-30. Both events take place at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on the TU campus.

It will be the third NCAA Tennis Championship that has been played in Tulsa. The Case Tennis Center was host site for the 2004 NCAA Men's Championships and the 2008 NCAA Men's & Women's Championships.

The All-American Championships is currently in the qualifying stage of the tournament with the Main Draw scheduled to start this Thursday (Oct. 8) and finish on Monday (Oct. 12). Tulsa has served as host of the ITA Men's All-American Championships for 11 years. The All-American is hosting over 400 players in singles and more than 80 doubles teams over a 10-day stretch.

At the NCAA Championships, 16 men's and women's teams will compete for the first six days of the tournament to claim the title of team champion. At the conclusion of the team event, a field of 64 singles players and a 32-doubles team bracket for both the men and women will be played out in the final six days of competition.

"As a university and community, we're excited for the opportunity to host the two biggest events in collegiate tennis this year," said Derrick Gragg, The University of Tulsa Vice President & Director of Athletics. "The Michael D. Case Tennis Center is a cut-above when it comes to facilities for college tennis and by hosting these events hundreds of the nation's best tennis players are exposed to the extraordinary hospitality from our campus and community."

It is estimated that the 2016 NCAA Tournament will have a total economic impact of over $5 million. Tulsa will look to increase what was an NCAA record-high of 16,000 fans who attended the event in 2008.

"The Tulsa Sports Commission recognizes the importance of collegiate tennis and the Case Tennis Center at the University of Tulsa in our community. With TU hosting the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Championship for 11 years and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Tennis Championships coming in 2016, we are excited for Tulsa to be the spotlight city for collegiate tennis in the coming year," said Ray Hoyt, VisitTulsa & Tulsa Sports Commission President.

"Tennis tournaments bring and will continue to bring a significant economic impact to the region. We are looking forward to the NCAA tournament in 2016 and its projected total economic impact of over $5 million," Hoyt added.

"Obviously, these two events, the Saint Francis ITA All-American and the NCAA Championships, are not only huge for our tennis program, but it speaks to the strong interest that the city of Tulsa has in the sport. These national events allow us the opportunity to showcase the top facility for collegiate tennis and our outstanding community," said TU's Director of Tennis and Head Men's Tennis Coach Vince Westbrook.

Tulsa is a Top Destination for Collegiate Tennis Events

Related Videos