Tennis Channel Open from Las Vegas - Platformpalooza!

BY JASON GRAY
MARCH 24, 2008
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

From March 6^th-9^th, Platform Tennis traveled across country to be a part of The Tennis Channel Open, an ATP Tour event, in Las Vegas, that allows other events to take place during the tournament.

For Platform Tennis, it was an historic opportunity to showcase the sport. For four days, several of the top PPTA instructors and APTA players performed for the crowds.  Mike Rahaley, Matt Garavaglia, Mike Cochrane, Rod Workman, Mike Marino, Peter Berka, Brian Heil, Todd Ward, David Caldwell, Blake Cordish and Brian Uihlien quickly served notice that Platform Tennis was something you must stop over and see.

With the help and support of the APTA, Paddlepro, Platform Tennis Magazine, Premier Platform Tennis, and Viking Athletics, Jason Gray and Jean Kempner were able to organize one of the largest promotional events in the history of Platform Tennis.

The Platform Tennis tent was occupied by volunteers who educated spectators about the sport. Spectators were able to sign up for free instructional clinics, receive free promotional items all while learning more about the game. After several days of exposure, several ATP Tour Professionals started taking notice of our game

On Saturday, Jonas Bjorkman, an 11-time Grand Slam Champion, came over to learn more about the game He was impressed enough to think Platform Tennis would be a hit in his home country of Sweden . The ultimate highlight of the week took place after the Men’s Doubles Final on Sunday.

The Bryan Brothers, at the urging pf Peter Berka, came over to try the game out. They quickly fell in love and ended up playing for over an hour. Having the #1 doubles team in the world was a remarkable moment for our sport and something those present will never forget!

With all that was going on, the biggest exposure came from our “live” television coverage received Friday-Sunday. Each of those days provided live and taped coverage. David Dodge, Premier Platform Tennis, received multiple inquiries about building courts in the west.

“Platformpalooza” exceeded everyone’s expectations and was a smashing hit!