PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championship has returned to Philadelphia. The prestigious squash tournament kicks off today, October 4, and runs through October 12 at Drexel University’s Daskalakis Athletic Center. One of the most significant tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open is a major international showcase of talent in squash, featuring the top ten professional players worldwide and drawing visitors from across the globe.
“Philadelphia possesses a deep connection to squash and proudly calls itself home to a passionate and knowledgeable squash community, which is energized by the return of its most prestigious tournament,” said Mayor Nutter. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome these players and fans to the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships.”
The event forms part of the 2012 World Series for both the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women’s Squash Association (WSA). This year’s prize money of $185,000 is the most that has ever been offered in the history of the U.S. Open, making it one of the top paying and most highly sought after squash championships in the world.
Since 2011, the U.S. Open has been held in Philadelphia, at the heart of the squash community, where Drexel University is transformed into a world-class showcase venue to host the prominent event. A number of local Philadelphia pro players will also compete in the world-class event, which will be streamed live at www.psasquashtv.com and broadcast by 17 distributors worldwide, reaching a potential audience of 300 million people around the globe. WatchESPN will also broadcast the semi-finals and finals of the Championships online, reaching 60 million households.
“We are thrilled for the U.S. Open to return to Philadelphia, a city with a deep history in the sport and an outstanding squash community,” said U.S. SQUASH CEO Kevin Klipstein. “Our partnership with Drexel University allows us to take the U.S. Open to an entirely new level, and develop it into what we fully anticipate to be the best squash tournament in the world for fans and players alike.”
John Fry, President of Drexel University added, “Drexel University is delighted to welcome the 2012 U.S. Open Squash Championships to Philadelphia, the home of many of the game’s most storied players and historic squash venues. Drexel University is founded on equality and competitive opportunity that extends beyond academics to the frontiers of entrepreneurship, technological innovation and athletics. We are delighted to host these remarkable championships in an urban collegiate athletic facility that can attract a diverse fan-base, and help advance the great sport of squash at Drexel and in the region.”
Larry Needle, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress said, “We are really excited to have the U.S. Open Squash Championships coming to Philadelphia. It is another example of Philadelphia as a diverse, dynamic and passionate sports destination, and we are extremely grateful to Drexel University for hosting this year’s tournament.”