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Miami herald Article.
Posted on Thu, Mar. 15, 2007
Night tennis a glowing opportunity for fans
BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
Tennis pro Marcel Goodman, 19, ranked 1,014th in the world, knew he would never survive in the midday sunshine -- or otherwise -- of next week's Sony Ericsson Open on Key Biscayne.
But when this dance-crazy teenager from Boca Raton was invited to play in the dark under psychedelic ultraviolet lights in another Miami Sony Ericsson tennis tournament next week, he jumped at the chance. Spectators can drink free liquor and groove to remixes by famous DJs in town for the Winter Music Conference, while Goodman and his indoor opponents' reflective outfits and tennis equipment glow in neon whites, pinks, blues, reds, greens and purples.
''That sounds awesome, really cool -- a glowing ball with flashing lights like a disco with a tennis tournament right in the middle,'' Goodman said. ``I'll try to stop from dancing in the middle of the point because I love to dance.''
Sony Ericsson has dubbed its new concept Night Tennis, and it's free to the first 1,200 people 21 and older who register for tickets online at www.night-tennis.com. The two-night event from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. March 22 and 23 takes place at the Ice Palace Film Studio, 1400 North Miami Ave., in downtown Miami.
THE CREATOR
Dean Taylor, Sony Ericsson's British senior manager of sponsorship marketing, created the concept for a similar event last year at the Madrid School of Fashion. Taylor said Spanish college players competed in ``everything from specifically designed UV hooded tennis tops to A-line skirts with tennis balls attached.
''Visually, it's incredible,'' he said. 'Our vision was to knock down boundaries that put some people off to tennis -- `Quiet please!' -- and unleash some fun and excitement. Tennis to music is a great idea, and the ball gets a taillike comet effect when it's hit back and forth. We'll celebrate amazing shots with light displays.''
The Ice Palace Film Studio will have banked seating for about 500 spectators, with the rest standing on the pitch-black dance floor that surrounds the tennis court. A giant clock with neon lights is projected on the back wall to keep score, show replays and flash colors. A UV-intensive Gen Art fashion show will take place in the dark between games, and renowned DJs Paul Oakenfold, Masters at Work and Miami-based Murk will spin music from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
The fast-paced tournament will be played on a spongy-foam court with unconventional, but simple, rules and scoring. Each game is limited to three minutes. Taylor even got well-known tennis umpire Debra ''Vigi'' Dreker of Boca Raton -- she has been a chair umpire or linesman for the past 14 U.S. Open finals -- to be the umpire. Each night's winner among the eight mostly pro or former touring players will get a trophy and a pair of VIP tickets to the Sony Ericsson Open, which begins Wednesday at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.
LATE-NIGHT SURPRISE
Don't be surprised if some Sony Ericsson Open players pop in for some late-night entertainment.
''It's out of this world, but extremely fun,'' said Sergio Moreno Gomez, 20, who plays for Madrid Polytechnic and competed in the Madrid event in November. ``It was quite electrifying, especially with the spotlights and music playing. Having people dance by the side of the court while you were playing was quite strange. . . . ''
Next week's players include Adriana Biasella, 26, of Rome, who plays Futures and Challengers tournaments and is ranked 675th, and Horacio Rearte, 43, who grew up in Argentina and France and now lives in Boca Raton.
''I heard it will be a bit different because we'll play with black lights, disco lights, so the ball will have a cool effect,'' Biasella said. ``When the ball goes [that fast] and everything is dark, it could be tough to see. But the color, the music and all the people dancing and drinking -- maybe tennis will be the least important thing.''
Goodman, who grew up on Long Island, N.Y., figures as such. He said in his perfect world, he would be introduced next week to the theme song from Rocky.
''I'd love to be wearing a big silk robe and come out with trunks and start punching with a racket in my hand,'' he said. ``I just hope I don't start break dancing in the middle of the tournament. It's going to be awesome with all that neon. I don't know if I'm ever going to want to play tennis with lights again.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/42101.html
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Upcoming:
Michael Andrews Feat. Gary Jules - Mad World (Grayed Out Mix)
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I just need to save some of that energy for Saturday night at KARU---i love WMC!
