Indiantelevision.com Team

(22 August 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and JPMorgan Chase have signed a new worldwide partnership agreement, solidifying JPMorgan Chase’s position as the lead sponsor of the US Open.

The five-year promotional partnership includes JPMorgan Chase naming rights to the electronic line calling challenge system at the US Open. All reviews on television broadcasts and on in-stadium video boards will be branded the Chase Review.

Instant replay technology made its Grand Slam debut at the 2006 US Open. This breakthrough for the sport has improved officiating for the players, and increased interest and excitement for the in-stadium fan and television viewers. All player challenges will now be titled "Chase Review" as the challenged call is reviewed on all screens.

The partnership also includes:

Prominent back wall signage on every court including all five television courts on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Support of US Open television broadcasts on CBS and USA Network.

JPMorgan Chase also will remain the sponsor of the Women’s Singles Championship at the US Open, as well as a USTA Corporate Champion.

In addition, JPMorgan Chase is promoting the US Open with a campaign at its 800 Chase branches and 2,300 ATMs in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In 2007, Chase expects to distribute more than 8,000 free tickets for tennis fans opening new accounts or through instant win transactions at Chase branches and ATMs.

USTA chief business officer Pierce O’Neil says, "We are proud to continue our 26-year relationship with JPMorgan Chase - one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions.

"Chase’s reputation for trust and reliability is a perfect complement to the precision of the electronic line calling challenge system. Their steadfast support of the US Open is a key element in growing the game and delivering tennis to fans across the country."

JPMorgan Chase has been a sponsor of America’s tennis Grand Slam for over 20 years. Through the City Parks Foundation, JPMorgan Chase provides over 8,000 New York City youth the opportunity to develop their tennis skills in free tennis camps in over 37 parks. The program concludes with the JPMorgan Chase Aces Tournament which showcases the talent of three hundred youth at the intermediate and advanced levels.

The USTA claims that the US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world and attracted a crowd of more than 640,000 in 2006. More than 95 million viewers watched the 2006 US Open on CBS Sports and USA Network, and international broadcasts reached 184 countries. The 2007 US Open will be held from 27 August 9 September 2007.