George Washington University

July 2, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - The George Washington Department of Athletics and Office of Development are auctioning two sets of President's Suite passes for the 2009 United States' Open Tennis Championship, to be held Aug. 31-Sept. 13, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY, throughout this week, with proceeds benefiting the Colonials' tennis programs.

The GW Department of Athletics and Office of Development are auctioning two sets of President's Suite packages for the 2009 US Open Tennis Championship to raise funds for the Colonials' tennis programs

Two separate auctions are taking place between Monday, July 6 and Friday, July 10 to determine the Top 5 bidders for each of the two packages. The top bidders will then participate in a conference call Monday, July 13, to conduct final bidding.

These packages are not available to the general public and were generously donated by former GW tennis player and Athletic Hall of Fame member Dave Haggerty '79, President and Chief Executive Officer of Head USA and Penn Racquet Sports.

"This is a special opportunity, something most tennis fans can never experience because these packages aren't available for sale to the general public," said Haggerty. "The purchaser of these tickets will not only be mingling with New York elite, celebrities, important political figures and tennis icons, but will also be graciously supporting the GW tennis program."

PACKAGE 1 (minimum starting bid of $5,000)
Admission for two to the President's Suite for Thursday, Sept. 3, Day Session to feature men's and women's second round matches.

PACKAGE 2 (minimum starting bid of $10,000)
Admission for two to the President's Suite for Thursday, Sept. 10, Day Session to feature men's quarterfinal matches and the mixed doubles final.

Included in each package are: invitations for two individuals to be the guest of the USTA President for the days offered; seating in the USTA President's Courtside Box, located just feet from the action; Lunch in the President's Dining Room; Hospitality in the President's Suite during the session; Access to courtside seating in the Louis Armstrong Stadium; Access to all other courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; and a behind-the-scenes tour of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

To see the view from the President's Suite, visit the US Open Seat Viewer site and click Section S-100.

The President's Suite at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center routinely hosts prominent tennis figures and celebrities. Past attendees include Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Rod Laver, Stan Smith, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Mary Joe Fernandez, Guillermo Vilas, Illie Nastase, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kirk Douglas, Robin Williams, Rob Thomas (musician, lead singer of Matchbox 20), Robert DeNiro and Diana Ross.

BIDDING PROCESS

Two silent, reserve auctions are taking place from Noon Monday, July 6, until 4:00 pm Friday, July 10. The Top 5 bidders at the Friday deadline will then be contacted to participate in a conference call Monday, July 13, to conduct final bidding.

The GW Athletics Department and Office of Development reserve the right to deny any bids for any reason, including not meeting the minimum bid.