Before tennis’ biggest stars take to the courts at the U.S. Open, kids will take over the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing on Saturday, August 29 for the annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
This marks the 14th year that the event, which includes a variety of activities, celebrity appearances and a concert, has been held.
“Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess is a terrific way to kick off the U.S. Open each year,” said Pierce O’Neil, the Chief Business Officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). “This year’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will again bring together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment for a fun-filled day for all ages.”
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a variety of activities for youngsters to take part in. There will be performances by up-and-coming musical acts, an obstacle course, interactive tennis activities, “beat the pro” challenges, player autographs, face painting, balloon artists, and more.
After the activities conclude at 1 p.m., there will be a live tennis and music show that will run until 4 p.m. The show will be hosted by MTV VJs Susie Castillo and Quddus.
Participants of the exhibition tennis matches and skills competition include comedian Will Ferrell and tennis star Andy Roddick.
The concert will feature “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, rising group Honor Society and 12-year-old performer Justin Bieber.
General admission promenade tickets for the show can be purchased for $10. Loge tickets are also available for $20.
Along with providing fun for the children, the day will also serve as a celebration.
“Additionally, this year’s event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Junior Tennis and Learning network, a program that Arthur Ashe co-founded in an effort to bring the sport of tennis to economically diverse audiences throughout the country,” O’Neil said.
For more information on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, visit www.usta.com.
