More than 50,000 people converged on lower Manhattan this weekend when the Big Apple was transformed into the City of Light for the first “Roland-Garros in the City” in the U.S. Created by the French Tennis Federation (Federation Française de Tennis – FFT), organizers of the world’s premier clay court event, Roland-Garros (known as The French Open), in partnership with the Swiss watch brand, Longines, BNP Paribas and Lacoste, New Yorkers had the unique opportunity to experience the feel of Paris at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City.
“Roland-Garros in the City” captured the excitement and magic of the French Open with the live transmission of the matches of the Men and Women Semi-Finals and Finals on a big screen in the Plaza, free for all to watch. Close to 400 people viewed the Men’s Finals on Sunday morning.
A full size red clay court attracted tennis players of all ages and levels, with free classes, clinics and open play available throughout the weekend. The waterfront space featured an historic gallery depicting images and the stories behind the classic Roland-Garros posters – created by some of the world’s most famous artists including Joan Miro and New York-based artist Viz Muni, 2017 Roland Garros poster artist – and an interactive replica of the famous Bridge of Locks along the Seine encouraged lovers to lock their love in metal throughout the event. Other activities included Longines’ “Smash Corner” at which people tested the speed of their serve, Lacoste Boutique, photo activation and a Kid Zone, among other activities.