New Haven readies for Pilot Pen
August 19th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
By Matt Pun
The Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament has taken place each summer in New Haven, serving as the final tune-up for the U.S. Open for women since 1998 and for men since 2005. But, last November, Pilot Pen Corp. announced it would drop its sponsorship after the 2010 tournament.
The name locals have come to associate with tennis will be gone, but more importantly, the tennis might be too. According to the August 19, 2010 New Haven Register story “Tennis Anyone? New sponsor top priority to save New Haven tournament,” a new sponsor must be found by September 30 in order to keep the tournament in the Elm city. Currently, tournament director Anne Worcester is setting up tournament visits for potential sponsor companies according to the Register.
The tournament has provided local tennis fans with great opportunities to watch professional tennis nearby and has also greatly benefited the city of New Haven. According to a November Yale Daily News story, “Pilot Pen drops tournament,” the tournament provides both financial gain and worldwide recognition for the city:
“Each year, the tournament brings $26 million to the greater New Haven economy and attracts 20 hours of international television coverage, Worcester said.”
