Las Vegas gets new professional sports team

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Las Vegas first welcomed professional hockey with The Golden Knights, then professional football with the Raiders, and now the city solidifies itself as a true professional sports town with the introduction of its first and only professional tennis team, the Vegas Rollers. The latest expansion team in the World TeamTennis league (WTT) – a mixed-gender league which was famously co-founded in 1973 by Billie Jean King – the Rollers now join one of the country’s elite professional sports operations in the entertainment capital of the world.

The Rollers serve up an action-packed season when they hit the court at the Orleans Arena this summer. Marquee players leading the team’s all-star lineup include The Bryan Bothers, the all-time winningest doubles team in history, top American pro tennis player Sam Querrey and local hometown hero Asia Muhammad. Rounding out the team’s talent are Jay Clarke, top up-and-coming pro Reilly Opelka, Matt Reid, and Harriet Dart, with other marquee names to be added to the roster soon.

The Vegas Rollers open the season on the road 14 July against the Orlando Storm. They will play their first home match at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, 20 July against the defending WTT champion Springfield Lasers at 5 p.m. The following day, the Rollers will host the Philadelphia Freedoms in a match that will be televised on CBS National Network.

“Vegas has become quite a professional sports town and we can’t wait to add tennis into the mix,” stated the Rollers’ head coach Tim Blenkiron, a 1997 NCAA national champion at UNLV. “Fans can expect the unexpected, not only from our all-star athletes, but the quality of entertainment and production that will go into each match. We are looking to follow the Knights by making this city proud with some opening season wins.”

World TeamTennis brings stars from the ATP and WTA professional tours together in a fun and exciting environment. This season, Venus Williams, John Isner, Madison Keys and Nick Kyrgios are just a few of the world’s top-ranked players who will play matches this summer. Before, during and after the championship-level play will be lively music, entertainment, family-friendly activations, giveaways, celebrity appearances and community-based promotions.

Offering up-close-and-personal sports viewing, tickets for the inaugural season are $19.50, $41.50 and $89.00 (inclusive of taxes and fees) and will go on pre-sale Wednesday, 17 April and regular sale Friday, 19 April at noon PT. A special VIP seating and custom dining experience with unlimited, premium alcohol is also available for $199. Tickets may be purchased at VegasRollersTennis.com, Ticketmaster, or in person at all Boyd Gaming locations including Cannery Casino and Hotel, Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Suncoast Hotel and Casino, The Orleans, and Aliante Casino Hotel and Spa.

“It’s an honor to have Billie Jean King’s league in our city as she is a modern-day legend who has transformed our society for the better,” said Ryan Wolfington Director of USTA-Nevada. “Our city has become a mecca for professional and national tennis events and this is an incredible opportunity for Vegas.”

The United States Tennis Association in Nevada (USTA-Nevada) is the team’s official community partner and The Marty Hennessy - Inspiring Children Foundation and their award-winning TEAM BRYAN program is the official charity and promoter of the Vegas Rollers.

“Vegas is very special to Mike and me. Our TEAM BRYAN youth program is there and our results in the city of lights have always been great.” stated Rollers player and former WTT champion Bob Bryan. “I’m looking forward to adding another WTT championship ring to my collection!”

By purchasing tickets or VIP fundraising experiences through the Marty Hennessy - Inspiring Children Foundation a portion of the sales go to their non-profit programing serving Las Vegas youth. For more information or to buy tickets on behalf of the foundation, call 1-844-4-ROLLERS or email events@inspiringchildren.net.

“It’s incredible to have our program’s main supporters, Bob and Mike Bryan, our coach Tim Blenkiron, and alumni Asia Muhammad on the team,” said Trent Alenik, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We will be cheering loud and helping every chance we get.”