BACK IN FULL SWING

THE BRISBANE International will be in full swing again this January with a stellar line-up of global superstars.

Tournament director and CEO of Tennis Queensland, Cameron Pearson, says the tournament has gone from strength to strength over the years thanks to a draw of big names and great sporting atmosphere at the Pat Rafter Arena.

A variety of top seeded players have signed on to play the week-long tournament including 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer (pictured left), Maria Sharapova and Kei Nishikori, as well as Australians Samantha Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt, who is also the defending tournament champion. 

“The players are global superstars – Maria is the highest paid and most visible female sportswoman of arguably all time, and it goes without saying that Roger is one of the greatest athletes of all time,” says Pearson.

“Brisbane International has a true international flavour from our player’s right through to our partnerships and corporates, and is certainly a global event, reaching more than 70 countries and many more broadcasters on top of that.”

Pearson says the prestige branding of the tournament is being amplified each year, with Emirates coming on board as a multi-year sponsor of the Australian Open series, which includes the Brisbane International.

“We have support from a number of high-end global brands including Emirates, SAP and Volkswagen, and are also backed by great national brands like Suncorp,” he says.

The branding aligns with the corporate packages on offer, which Pearson says appeal each year to a range of small and large businesses across south-east Queensland.

“We have a number of corporate offerings available within Pat Rafter Arena, from our top-level fully catered indoor suites (view from suite pictured right), premium baseline seats, and the always popular courtside boxes,” he says.

“The benefits of being in these sections are far-reaching and tailored to the guests.

“They have the opportunity to get closer to on court action, can gain entry into areas such as the corporate bar that general patrons don’t have access to, and also have access to many different catering options provided by our long-time partner O’Brien Catering Group.”

Pearson says the time of year consistently works in the tournament’s favour and further promotes a festive spirit by falling in business off-season.

“From what we’ve seen, the time of year is great for businesses to host clients as most are taking a break, or at least not in full charge,” he says.

“It’s the perfect time to bring in customers, suppliers and anyone affiliated with the business as everyone is in a relaxed mood and the offerings really complement that.”

The Brisbane International runs from January 4 until January 11 at the Queensland Tennis Centre.