What is a USTA Block Party?
Tennis Block Parties are easy to organize and provide a great platform to promote your local tennis programs to players of all ages and abilities. These events can be hosted at any public facility and should feature two to three hours of tennis instruction, interactive games, and attractions for player of all ages and abilities.
These events showcase the unparalleled health and social benefits of tennis in a fun and dynamic way while achieving three main goals:
- Introduce new players to the game and your local programs
- Generate excitement in players
- Create awareness about the USTA and its programs such as
- USTA Jr. Team Tennis
- Quickstart Tennis format
- USTA League
Past successful USTA Block Parties have
- Hosted event at a "neutral" site – school, public park, neighborhood courts, etc.
- Made event open to the public (adults and children of all ages).
- Invited multiple local tennis facilities to staff their own Program Sign-up Table on-site during the event.
- Invite at least one local high school tennis team to participate by helping with on-court activities during the event.
Who can host a Block Party?
Just about anyone - park agencies, commercial clubs, schools, NJTL's and CTA's
Where are block parties held?
A Block Party can be held on public tennis courts at your local park, school or commercial club. Block Parties can also be set up in high pedestrian traffic areas like a mall, or a city square (i.e. Mall of America, Minneapolis).
Why is it important to host a Block Party in May?
Tennis Block Parties are an integral part of the USTA’s Tennis Month promotional platform designed to kick off the outdoor tennis season in May. The USTA national office and Midwest Section regional office will put forth an extensive marketing and publicity program which will help create buzz for the sport of tennis. Hosting a Block Party during this time will give your local market an opportunity to leverage the national effort to gain broader exposure for their event.
What kind of promotional materials are available for USTA Block Parties?
When we receive your 2009 Block Party Site Commitment form you will have access to downloadable marketing materials and printed tips to help make your Block Party a success. These materials include posters, flyers, press releases, and more. Your event will also be featured on USTA.com and Active.com!