University of Tennessee Athletics
Andy Roddick, Serena Williams Coming to Knoxville
November 06, 2008 | Men's Tennis
Nov. 6, 2008
 Andy Roddick |
 Serena Williams |
Get Ready to Rock! Tennis icons team up for Rock-n-Racquets presented by BB&T benefiting The Andy Roddick Foundation.
Andy Roddick (current world No. 6) and 2008 U.S. Open Champion Serena Williams (nine grand slam titles) will team up on court together in Rock-n-Racquets presented by BB&T to be held at Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern time.
America's No. 1 players will be joined by up and coming American star John Isner (6-foot-9) and the WTA Tour's newest sensation Caroline Wozniacki, currently ranked No. 13 in the world. Benefiting The Andy Roddick Foundation, Rock-n-Racquets has been designed as an annual tennis exhibition like no other. The event features the world's most exciting tennis players with a musical component woven throughout the evening's line-up. The synergy of athleticism and music capitalizes on providing fans with the ultimate sports/entertainment experience.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time and are priced from $12 to $77 with a special offer of just $10 for students and kids 12 and under in designated sections. Military, senior citizen and group discounts also will be available.
Rock-n-Racquets successfully debuted in 2002 in Miami and was followed by great exhibitions in Little Rock, Ark., Mobile, Ala., Boise, Idaho, Wichita, Kan., and Omaha, Neb. Now, thanks to BB&T, which has committed to be the event's presenting sponsor, this tennis extravaganza comes to Tennessee.
"From the start, I wanted an event that showcased my passion for tennis, music and The Andy Roddick Foundation, so we created Rock-n-Racquets," Roddick said. "And thanks to BB&T it is especially exciting for me to be able to bring the event to Knoxville, where the tennis community and participation throughout the state is so strong."
"Rock-n-Racquets is an incredibly unique event and I am really excited to be a part of it," Williams said. "Andy and I are close friends, so I look forward to playing with him and giving the fans in Tennessee an evening of great entertainment."
"BB&T is pleased to bring world-class champions Andy Roddick, Serena Williams and others to our community," said Martha "Missy" Wallen, East Tennessee regional president of BB&T. "This exciting family event benefiting the Andy Roddick Foundation is consistent with our core values and community banking philosophy."
"Thompson-Boling Arena and the University of Tennessee are proud to host these elite athletes for what should truly be one of the best events for Knoxville in 2008," said Tim Reese, arena manager. "The arena configuration is ideal for tennis offering seats extremely close to the action."
Showcasing the best in men's and women's professional tennis, the format for the evening consists of three components:
- Men's and Women's Singles - Andy Roddick takes on John Isner and Serena Williams takes on Caroline Wozniacki as the present takes on the future of tennis.
- Mixed Doubles - Rock-n-Racquets presented by BB&T exclusive: Roddick and Williams team up against Isner and Wozniacki to compete in a mixed doubles match.
- The evening is complemented by music and an atmosphere of high-energy and fun unlike any tennis event. Wayne Bryan, father of the world's No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan, serves as the event emcee and will entertain the crowd through fan interactive activities.
- Special Guest appearance - University of Tennessee men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl serves as a celebrity chair umpire.
Tickets can be charged by phone through Tickets Unlimited at (865) 656-4444 or (877) 995-9961 (toll free); online at KnoxvilleTickets.com; "Tickets Unlimited" Outlets include Thompson-Boling Arena, Cat's Music stores, Disc Exchange, Fye Music stores, Rhythm Section in Gatlinburg and Sonic Music in Bristol, Va. Please note all outlets are cash only except Thompson-Boling Arena (Visa, Master Card and Discover) and the Knoxville Civic Box Office (Visa, Master Card and Discover). All tickets subject to applicable convenience charges. Dates and times are subject to change without notice. For additional information, please visit www.rocknracquets.com.
