Rafael Nadal, Kia, and the Australian Open Team Up to Launch "The Open Drive"

Kia is leveraging its designation as an Official Partner of the 2011 Australian Open by creating a feature called "The Open Drive" that features the WTA's finest stars participating in video interviews filmed inside the sporty Kia Optima.

Kia filmed The Open Drive features with a state-of-the-art camera system that provides multiple camera angles of the tennis stars while they answer a series of questions presented via an iPad. Fans can suggest questions for the players to answer via Facebook/Twitter and can view the segments on the Official Australian Open website as well as Kia.com.au

The Open Drive feature serves as a terrific benchmark for tennis properties (and golf) to leverage automobile partners and engage players in new ways.

Check out Rafael Nadal's appearance in The Open Drive to kick off the 2011 Australian Open below:

For more information, check out a video overview of The Open Drive below:

RBS Treats Guests to an Ultimate Tennis Experience

Are you looking for ways to enhance your client hospitality initiatives? Are you looking for ways to leverage tennis partnerships and related assets?

In November 2009, RBS treated a collection of clients, customers, and competition winners to an ultimate first-hand tennis experience. The company, a notable tennis sponsor, teamed up with tennis stars Andy and Jamie Murray to host "The Murray Experience", an exclusive clinic that provided select guests with an opportunity to learn insights, practice techniques, and exercises from two (2) of the sport's finest players.

Check out a video that recaps the exclusive RBS hospitality experience below! 

For more images, check out Andy Murray's official blog here.

The Top 5 Activation Ideas From the U.S. Open...

Are you looking for some best-in-class activation examples? Are you looking for new ways to leverage brands in the tennis space?

I. CONTINENTAL AIRLINES

II. HEINEKEN

III. WILSON

IV. LEXUS

V. NIKE

The U.S. Open Brings Back the SmashZone...

Courtesy: Synergy EventsAre you looking to create the ultimate fan experience at your venue? Are you looking for new ways to engage fans and incorporate partners at tennis events?

U.S. Open officials teamed up with Synergy Events to bring back the SmashZone - a 20,000 sq. foot interactive fan experience - back to the National Tennis Center's Indoor Training Center after a three (3) year hiatus. The SmashZone featured a variety of games and exhibits for fans of all ages to enjoy, including:

• American Express "Challenge A Pro" - An interactive GreenScreen technology that enables fans on-site to virtually play against tennis pros. After the consumer participates in the exhibit, a digital video is captured and sent to him/her via text, MMS, or email (which they can then share with friends) - check it out here
• The Training Zone
• Fast Serve Cages - click here to check it out
• QuickStart  Tennis Format (Where Fans Can Play 1v1)
• A "You Call the Shots" Exhibit
• A Large "Center Court" That Featured Guests Appearances, Games, Contests, and Exhibitions
• Giant Television Screen

Here is a quick panorama of the U.S. Open SmashZone exhibit: