United Technologies Becomes Presenting Sponsor of WTA’s Connecticut Open

United Technologies Corp. has been revealed as the presenting sponsor of the newly named Connecticut Open, search Tournament Director Anne Worcester announced today.

The annual Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event will be held August 15-23, symptoms 2014, at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University. 

The tournament’s new name — Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies — will broaden the event’s overall appeal to fans and sponsors and appropriately reflect the State of Connecticut’s investment.  

The tournament generates an estimated $26 million a year in regional economic activity, while also supporting a wide range of activities that build community pride and spirit, especially among young people. 

“United Technologies is proud to support the Connecticut Open as its new presenting sponsor,” said United Technologies Chairman & CEO Louis Chênevert. “Our partnership with the tournament, the State of Connecticut, Smilow Cancer Hospital and the other corporate sponsors will ensure a world-class event and build on UTC’s long history of supporting leading organizations in our community.” 

“With an economic impact of approximately $26 million annually, it goes without saying that this tournament is good for Connecticut. Each year, the tournament draws tens of thousands of spectators and volunteers from across the country, many of whom eat at local restaurants, stay at local hotels and shop at local businesses,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “UTC’s decision to become the corporate sponsor of the Connecticut Open demonstrates the company’s commitment to being a good neighbor and sharing our vision for making this state a more attractive place to visit, live, work, invest and do business.” 

On Monday, August 18, United Technologies will present Military Appreciation Night, featuring a performance of the National Anthem, a Color Guard, and special veteran recognition in the Stadium. Active duty military personnel and veterans who purchase one ticket for the night will get a second ticket free.

In addition, United Technologies will partner with the tournament in fundraising for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, a cause proudly supported by United Technologies. Tournament players will ride an on-site spin bike to generate awareness and donations for Smilow’s “Closer to Free” bike ride on September 6. 

“The last nine months have been incredibly transformational for the tournament, in large part thanks to the State of Connecticut. Rebranding as the ‘Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies’ is another significant step in the growth of this event,” said Worcester. “The tournament is a large-scale international sporting event and we are thrilled to be partnering with a global leader in United Technologies. Together, we can take the tournament to the next level, and continue to give back and positively impact our local communities.”