RI Power Player: Tennis Hall of Fame’s Mary Heath
Monday, June 03, 2013
Every Monday, GoLocal shines a spotlight on one individual who is making an impact on Rhode Island.
This week, GoLocal sat down with Mary Heath, Chief Marketing Officer at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum in Newport, to find out some more about what the venerable Rhode Island institution has in store for the summer!
So tell us about your tennis experience, Mary. What is that sets the International Tennis Hall of Fame apart, and makes it unique?
I spent the first 15 years of my sports career promoting men’s and women’s pro tennis in the 80s and 90s and was lucky to have the privilege of promoting so many great athletes and personalities during those years, players like Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Stefanie Graf, Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis – players who fans really connected with and who changed how the game was played. Working at the Hall of Fame now, I’m lucky to come full circle and continue to promote these great players as Hall of Famers!GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
As for what sets us apart...the International Tennis Hall of Fame is located on the grounds where the very first US National was played in 1881 -- that tournament today is the US Open. The rich history of the grounds combined with a Museum that chronicles the history of the sport since it was played in courtyards in France to today provides an experience unlike any other Hall of Fame. Just think – you can play on the very same courts that the greatest players of the game have competed! Where else can you have that experience?
Additionally, we continue to host one of the premier grass court professional tournaments the week after Wimbledon, so tennis fans can see up close some of the greatest players of the game today.
What are the three big things to watch from the Tennis Hall of Fame this summer?
The 2013 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is shaping up to be one of our best fields ever with defending champion, John Isner, returning along with former Number #1 Lleyton Hewitt, and top Americans James Blake, Ryan Harrison and Sam Querrey. We are the only ATP World Tour Tournament in the Northeast --- and our stadium is one of the best places to watch tennis in the world!
The 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony – always an emotional and uplifting experience and a MUST SEE for any tennis fan. Rod Laver will be in attendance along with a host of other Hall of Famers and legends to celebrate the Class of 2013 which includes tennis great, Martina Hingis.
On July 14th, one of the most influential women in sport, Hall of Famer Billie Jean King will participate in a “World Re-Premiere” of the Battle of the Sexes Match in honor of the 40th Anniversary of her historic match against Bobby Riggs. King will introduce the broadcast footage, and then discuss her memories of key moments in the match, what the match meant to her personally, and reflect on its lasting impact.
Take us through the day in life of a Chief Marketing Officer for the Tennis Hall of Fame
I make sure every day I check on what I should or could be doing for our major sponsors, whether it’s preparing for an advance promotion around the tournament, helping to design a logo using a sponsor’s brand around an entitlement sponsorship, brainstorming about fresh ideas to leverage their sponsorship, or helping them execute a b2b program securing Hall of Famers and Legends to enhance their customer’s experience.
It’s important I keep an eye on how we are progressing with our ticket sales and sponsorship revenues, so will often coordinate with my associates on inventory we still have available to sell like signage, or box seats and target some businesses who may benefit from exposure to our valuable demographic. We are especially excited about a new Alex and Ani Charity by Design Charm that will launch in the next month! We have so much to offer our partners – it’s endless and fun!
So can anyone play at the Tennis Hall of Fame? How does one go about getting court time, or taking lessons?
Our grass courts are open to the public end of May through October. Go to tennisfame.com and check out our rates and offerings, or call (401) 849-4777 and we can book a court, lesson, or clinic for you.
From Young Professional memberships to Junior and Ladies Leagues, we have something for everyone! If you are a tennis player – put this on your bucket list, and hit some balls with a wooden racquet, we have plenty of them!
Quick Hits
Favorite professional players at the moment: John Isner (our 2 time Champ !) and Serena Williams, she redefines the word “Grit.”
Favorite restaurant in Newport: Perro Salado
Favorite Grand Slam Tournament: The French Open
Best Part about Living in Rhode Island: Living in Jamestown, I love everything about it – it’s such a special place.
Favorite TV Show: Shark Tank
Over the Bridge -- Favorite Thing to Do in Providence: RISD Museum and then find a cool place to eat!
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