Two-time Wimbledon tennis champion Venus Williams comes to campus this summer when her Philadelphia Freedom meets the New York Buzz in an indoor match at the Frank L. Messa Rink as part of the World Team Tennis. A portable tennis court will be placed over the Union hockey surface for the July 19 event, which marks Williams' first career appearance in the Electric City.
To protect against bad weather for the high-profile match, the Buzz wanted an indoor venue and worked with Schenectady city and county leaders to find the right site. The Buzz will host Williams and the Philadelphia Freedom at Union and in six other home matches, to be held in Schenectady's Central Park.
“The World Team Tennis matches are a signature event for Schenectady County, and we are pleased to provide a first-class venue,” said Bill Schwarz, the College's director of communications and public affairs. He praised “the strong collaborative effort among the College, city and county leadership” for the successful match-up.
Williams, 25, has won 33 career World Tennis Association singles titles and five Grand Slam tournament championships. Buzz owner Nitty Singh said the Messa Rink, which seats nearly 3,000, will “be a great opportunity… to enjoy fantastic tennis in a comfortable indoor setting.” Buzz summer tickets go on sale May 1.
For details: www.nybuzzwtt.com, or (518) 378-BUZZ.