NEWPORT – The International Tennis Hall of Fame has joined more than 50 organizations in partnering with the Sports Museum of America being built in New York City.
The SmA – scheduled to open next month, as part of the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan – will be the nation’s first and only museum to celebrate all sports under one roof. It will house original films, interactives and collections of sports memorabilia.
“We are honored to partner with the Sports Museum of America,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “Representation of all American sports is an incredible undertaking and the SmA will be one of the finest attractions in New York City when it opens.
“Tennis has a strong, rich history, and we are pleased to have this unique opportunity to showcase our sport in such a dynamic and energetic setting,” Stenning added. “The Sports Museum of America is a great new institution that will be educational, entertaining and quite an enjoyable experience for many years to come.”
Through the partnership, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will provide archival tennis materials and memorabilia on a rotating basisbasis, including the racquet used by Chris Evert in the 1982 U.S. Open; the outfit worn by World No. 1 Roger Federer in the 2005 U.S. Open; the 1929 U.S. National Men’s Singles trophy won by Bill Tilden; the 1890-1901 U.S. National Men’s Doubles Challenge Trophy; and the 1923-1935 Women’s Doubles Challenge Trophy.
“The Sports Museum of America is extremely pleased to have the International Tennis Hall of Fame join our more than 50 exclusive sports partner organizations to create the first comprehensive museum of sports,” said Philip Schwalb, founder and CEO of the SmA.
“We’re particularly excited because of the special place that tennis holds in the hearts and minds of American sports enthusiasts. SmA looks forward to sharing tennis’ tremendous legacy – from Arthur Ashe and Andre Agassi to Venus and Serena Williams to the stars of tomorrow – with our millions of visitors.
“We’ll also excite our fans about the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport … and encourage them to visit there for the ultimate celebration of tennis,” Schwalb said.
For information about The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, visit www.tennisfame.com and for more information about the Sports Museum of America, visit www.sportsmuseum.com.
