Tennis: WTA Finals fringe activities to be held at Marina Bay and Sports Hub

The Courtside by the Bay will be held at the event plaza along the Promenade, facing the Marina Bay Sands, from Oct 19-28, 2018. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Organisers of the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global announced on Friday (Oct 12) a slew of fringe activities for the fifth and last edition of the season-ending tournament in Singapore.

The Courtside by the Bay will be held at the event plaza along the Promenade, facing the Marina Bay Sands, from Oct 19-28, which will host activities such as a light-and-water show, match screenings, legend appearances, as well as the official doubles draw ceremony on Oct 23.

"Over the past five years, we've worked with the Singapore Tourism Board and all our partners to ensure that we take the festival atmosphere to the community across the island," Sarah Clements, Lagardere Sports' vice-president of tennis in Asia.

"With player and legend visits, tennis-themed activities, F&B, music and entertainment and even match screenings, Courtside by the Bay will provide a fully immersive and engaging experience to augment what's offered on court."

Singapore Tourism Board's director of sport Jean Ng added: "The WTA Finals Singapore experience for fans extends far beyond centre court into the heart of the Lion City itself. With complementary initiatives like Courtside by the Bay, we are confident that visitors would be inspired to discover Singapore's wide range of lifestyle offerings, and to deepen and share their passions."

In addition, the Singapore Tennis Festival will return from Oct 20-28 and will be co-located at the WTA Finals Fan Village at the Sports Hub, where the community can also participate in tennis skill challenges, immerse in an augmented reality e-gaming experience, browse through a local artisan street market, and enjoy dance and musical performances.

Sport Singapore's ActiveSG chief Lai Chin Kwang said: "The WTA Finals has been the catalyst for many community projects and initiatives like the ActiveSG Tennis Academy, SportCares 'Love Singapore' and Singapore Tennis Festival, with the belief that tennis is for everyone. October has become synonymous with tennis in our local sporting calendar. This year we will continue to offer more fun and tennis to our people."

Full details on Courtside by the Bay, as well as ticketing details, can be found at wtafinals.com , while more information on the Singapore Tennis Festival can be found at tennisfest.sg.

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