Tennis stars return to Uptown this fall
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Frances Tiafoe wore a Charlotte Hornets jersey during last year's inaugural Charlotte Invitational. Photo: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Elite tennis returns to Uptown in December at Spectrum Center.
Why it matters: Last year's inaugural Charlotte Invitational drew 16,194 fans showing the Charlotte Sports Foundation, which organized the exhibition, and Charlotte that the city is hungry for tennis.
State of play: This year's doubleheader on Dec. 4 will feature Venus Williams vs. Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe vs. Taylor Fritz.
Flashback: Keys and Tiafoe participated in the inaugural Charlotte Invitational, beating Sloane Stephens and Carlos Alcaraz.
- Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and Panthers legend Steve Smith hit a few serves during Carlos Alcaraz and Tiafoe's match, along with Cleveland Cavaliers players.
Zoom out: In 2006, Williams faced her sister Serena Williams in Charlotte.
By the numbers: The inaugural Charlotte Invitational generated $4.4 million in economic impact, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
What they're saying: "Last year validated that Charlotte is a tennis city, and we're thrilled to build on that momentum with the return of this unparalleled event," CSF CEO Will Pitts said in a statement.
What's next: The exhibition will take place in the evening. The exact time is TBD. Tickets will go on sale closer to the event. You can sign up for presale details at CLTInvitational.com.
The big picture: Charlotte's major venues, Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium, have been serving up more than just basketball, football, soccer and concerts.
- The Charlotte Invitational put a tennis court inside Spectrum Center, and the Savannah Bananas put a baseball field inside Bank of America Stadium — both events were organized by CSF.
