DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — The Credit One Charleston Open is underway with new attractions and a commitment to record prize money for North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event.
The tournament is making history in women’s tennis by closing the gender pay gap and committing $2.5 million to its players.
Organizers say there will be new and elevated experiences for tennis fans on the grounds, including a kitchen with a new open flame concept where everything will be cooked live over charcoal.
“We seat people. We let them know how it all works. It’s shareable plates. We recommend quantities for your table,” Travis Maynard, general manager of the food and service hospitality, said. “If you got five or six people, this thing serves two to four; this serves four to six. And then we let them know, they’re going to walk right up to the counter and order. They’ll take their drinks back to the table with them and then we’ll run the food to the table.”
Food and shopping
Event organizers say locally sourcing ingredients has been top of mind.
“A lot of local people come here, but a lot of people come from all over the country and some out of the country. So, we partner with a lot of great restaurants that are local to Charleston,” Maynard said.
Organizers say there is more to do between matches, including the brand-new COCO Co-Op, an on-site curated shopping experience featuring local brands.
Fan zone activities
The Fan Zone includes two new activations this year.
“It’s great for kids, but also adults. We have two new activations this year that we’re really excited about. The umpire chair challenge, where you can sit in an umpire chair and watch clips from the previous year’s tournament and make the call,” Ashley Smith, fan experience and special events manager, said.
“And then we have the sign the lens challenge. If you’ve watched tennis, you’ve seen that after a player wins a match, they get to sign the camera lens. So, you kind of have the opportunity to do that as well,” Smith said.
“Everyone’s smiling and enjoying themselves. So, just having everyone come out and seeing all of the fun and exciting things we have going on,” Smith said.
The tournament will wrap up on April 5. Click here for ticket information.