WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today, the Washington Kastles, World TeamTennis’ newest franchise, announced plans to build a temporary 2,020 seat stadium at the site of the former Convention Center to host the pro tennis team this summer for its inaugural season. The Kastles also launched season ticket sales during a lunchtime press conference at the future site of the stadium. Kastles’ owner Mark Ein was joined by WTT co-founder Billie Jean King, WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss and Mayor Adrian Fenty in releasing drawings of the soon-to-be constructed stadium.
The Kastles will play their inaugural match in their new home on July 8, when Serena Williams will lead the Kastles into a battle with the Boston Lobsters. The three-week WTT season offers exciting, fan-focused tennis that will see John McEnroe and Anna Kournikova make stops at the new stadium.
The temporary stadium will feature both premium box seating at courtside and affordable bleachers right on top of the action. Located at 11th and H streets, the stadium will be easily accessible by Metro and is expected to provide an economic boost for the heart of downtown Washington, DC during the summer.
“World TeamTennis is proud to bring our unique brand of tennis to the heart of the nation’s capital in this special tennis facility,” said tennis legend Billie Jean King.
King spent the day in Washington, where she hosted a luncheon for Kastles’ fans and announced “Play Ball” before the Washington Nationals game against the Atlanta Braves. King co-founded the WTT Pro League, which kicks off its 33rd season of tennis in July.
The Kastles also announced that full-plan season tickets are now on sale, as well as three-match ticket packages featuring Williams, McEnroe and Kournikova. tennis fans can choose a number of ways to enjoy WTT’s fast-action tennis including baseline VIP dinner tables, premier box seats, reserved chair seats and reserved bleacher seats. Tickets can be purchased by calling (202)-4TENNIS or by visiting washingtonkastles.com.
“Our goal was to bring fun, affordable tennis to a beautiful venue that is centrally located and easily accessible for the entire Washington community,” said Ein. “Surrounded by the city’s robust business district, this stadium will be one of the nation’s most intimate and unique tennis venues that will serve up professional tennis in a fun and entertaining format. We’re going to take this parking lot and turn it into a home worth defending.”
Ein added, “The Kastles are not only bringing a new sports experience to the community, but we are also committed to integrating charitable and community-based initiatives into all of our activities.” Examples include a designated charity beneficiary for each home match, hosting community-based programs on the site throughout the summer, and providing internship and volunteer opportunities for area youth.
Over the course of the season, the Washington Kastles will also give away more than 1,000 tennis racquets to local children who attend Kastles matches and at Kastles’ sponsored community clinics as part of Advanta’s “Ready, Set, Racquet!” program.
The Kastles will be led by eight-time Grand Slam champion and marquee player Serena Williams and first-round draft pick Justin Gimelstob during their 14-match season. The team also includes top-ranking junior Sacha Jones, former top-50 player Mashona Washington, and doubles expert Scott Oudsema.
About the Washington Kastles:
The Washington Kastles are the newest franchise of the World TeamTennis Pro League presented by Advanta. WTT is known for its team-oriented, co-ed tennis and its encouragement of fan interaction. For more information on the team and how to purchase tickets, visit or call 202-4TENNIS. For more information on World TeamTennis, visit .
Washington Kastles