Grand Prix badminton returns to New Zealand
World class SKYCITY NZ Badminton Open coming to Auckland.
An exciting new partnership between SKYCITY and Badminton NZ enabling New Zealand to host a large-scale international badminton tournament next year has been announced today.
SKYCITY has come on board as the naming rights sponsor for the SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open to be held in Auckland next year, which is expected to attract 350 players from 20 countries around the world including players from badminton strongholds such as China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, India and European nations.
The event, a Badminton World Federation Grand Prix tournament worth US$50,000 in prize money, forms part of a three tournament swing through Oceania. It follows on from the Australian Badminton Open in Sydney - a Grand Prix Gold tournament, and precedes the Tahiti International.
SKYCITY Auckland GM Simon Jamieson says SKYCITY is proud to be involved in supporting an international scale tournament that will draw hundreds of overseas visitors to the country and showcase what New Zealand has to offer.
"Badminton is a very popular sport in many different countries across the world, particularly in Asia. The New Zealand Badminton Open will be broadcast internationally and SKYCITY is happy to be able to come on board as naming rights sponsor and support this world class event.
"The new partnership with Badminton NZ is a welcome addition to the many sports and community partnerships SKYCITY already has in place and we look forward to working with Badminton NZ over the coming months in welcoming these international players to New Zealand and ensuring the tournament is a huge success," says Mr Jamieson.
Event Director Julie Carrel says the SKYCITY New Zealand Open will be a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best play in New Zealand in a Grand Prix tournament.
"This is also a great chance for New Zealand’s best to take to the court with home support. It’s a big boost to the event to have such a well-known and supportive partner in SKYCITY coming on board as the naming rights sponsor and official accommodation provider. The involvement of SKYCITY will add value to the event which will enhance the player experience to ensure they want to return again and again," says Ms Carrel.
The SKYCITY New Zealand Open will be held at the North Shore Events Centre from 10-14 April 2013 and is expected to attract top 20 ranked players from around the world.
Below is a copy of the Press Release