South Australian state upgrades facilities in bid to host world-class tennis events

CANBERRA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- South Australian authorities have announced an ambitious 150 million Australian dollar (about 117 million USD) plan to bring world-class tennis back to the state.

The proposal would see 150 million Australian dollars spent on upgrading Adelaide's Memorial Drive tennis center which would include increased capacity for spectators and a retractable roof being added to the venue.

Australia's federal government has committed 10 million dollars to the project with Tennis South Australia CEO Seven Baldas now working to secure the remaining funding.

"We have been working with all levels of government to ensure that this project has the support it needs throughout the project," Baldas said in a media release on Monday evening.

"All of our research has shown that it will build upon the already significant economic benefits sporting events contribute to our state and will help attract more events to the Riverbank," Baldas added.

Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, said that another world-class tennis venue in Australia could only be a positive for the sport.

"South Australia has a rich tennis history and the state has produced some of our country's biggest names in the sport," Tiley said.

"There is a need for a 21st Century facility that can be filled with new, fresh content...we believe that with facilities such as these...Adelaide can gain international prominence on the global tennis calendar," Tiley added.

Adelaide hosted the Australian Open 14 times between its inception in 1905, when it was known as the Australasian Championships. It permanently moved to Melbourne in 1972. Enditem