Press release -
Emirates Arena to host Davis Cup Semi-Final
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has today announced that the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinal between Great Britain and Australia will take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.
The tie will take place on September 18-20 and will be the 13th meeting between the two nations dating back to 1907, with Australia holding an 8-4 advantage. Interestingly the two nations have split their last six meetings and the last time they faced off indoors in Great Britain, the hosts won 3-2.
Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, said: “We have had incredible support any time we played at home, none more so than when we played in Glasgow. Playing indoors allows the noise level to go through the roof and will give our team the ideal platform they need to get inspired. This will be important against a nation with the Davis Cup pedigree of Australia as we try to reach the final of competition for the first time in nearly 40 years. To bring all our fans together, I would like to ask anyone supporting us to wear Blue or Navy over the course of the weekend and make as much noise as possible.”
World number three Andy Murray added: “It’s exciting for the team to be going back to Glasgow. It’s always special to play in front of a home crowd and we are fortunate to have played our last three ties at home. We had a unique atmosphere in Glasgow, the crowd was unbelievable. It’s going to be a huge week for our team and we’ll be doing everything we can to get GB through to the final.”
The Emirates Arena will build a temporary hard court with 8,200 seats, similar to what was used in March against the United States. Teams will be announced no later than ten days before the start of the tie. Great Britain will be playing their first Davis Cup semifinal since 1981, while Australia is playing their 15th in that same span. Great Britain are bidding to reach the final for the first time since 1978 having last won the title in 1936 (ending a four consecutive year-run) amounting to nine titles in all. Australia have won the Davis Cup 28 times (only four behind the United States with 32), their last victory coming in 2003.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “We are thrilled Glasgow's Emirates Arena has been chosen to host the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semi-final, adding to what has been an incredible year of sport in our great city. The now famous Emirates Roar played such an important part in Britain's earlier victory over the USA and that support will be crucial as we take on Australia. The players really responded to their backing and I'm sure it will be the same again next month.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events added: “We are delighted that Glasgow has been selected to host the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team once again for the semi-final against Australia in September. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and we are certain that fans from all across the country will turn out in force to show their support at the Emirates Arena.”
Richard Newman, Head of Brand and Communications, BNP Paribas UK said: “The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas is the event in the tennis calendar where the crowd plays a major role – in many ways supporters become the sixth member of the team. At the Quarter-Finals at Queen’s, we launched the BNP Paribas Fan Academy to help support tennis like never before. It was a huge success, and the Fan Academy will be on hand again in Glasgow to generate another electric atmosphere.”
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Head of Brand, Sponsorship and Digital Marketing Aegon UK added: “The Aegon GB Davis Cup Team is on a roll and we know the crowd has played a huge part in their recent ties. Returning to Glasgow, where memories of victory and a fantastic atmosphere are still fresh in the Team’s mind will no doubt set them up well for this huge semi-final.”
British Tennis Members and previous 2015 Davis Cup purchasers will be given priority access to tickets from 7am Tuesday 25 August. Tickets will then go on general sale from 7am Thursday 27 August. Three-day tickets will be available and a variety of price points will be offered across all three days. Hospitality is on sale now. For the latest information on tickets and hospitality, please visit www.lta.org.uk/DavisCup or follow us on twitter @BritishTennis or (www.facebook.com/britishtennislta).
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