KFDM COOP Posted October 27, 2008 Report Posted October 27, 2008 Ford Park pursuing Federer, Davis Cup By GARY LANEY October, 27, 2008 If Ford Arena has its way, tennis superstar Roger Federer will be in town competing against the United States in Davis Cup competition next spring. Representatives from Beaumont have contacted the United States Tennis Association about hosting a first-round Davis Cup match between the United States and Federer's native Switzerland on March 6-8, 2009, a USTA official said. Tim Curry, the USTA's Director of Public Relations, said San Antonio, Greenville, S.C., and Birmingham, Ala., also have expressed interest in hosting the event. Beaumont would hold the match at the 14,000-seat Ford Arena. Curry said cities have until Friday to submit notifications of intent to bid on the event; then they have until Nov. 21 to submit a bid. "There are four to eight cities that typically bid on these things," Curry said. "We have four cities so far that have contacted us, but none have submitted their notification of their intention to bid." Curry said there is generally less competition for venues in early spring events like this one. The matches are held indoors, and in early March many venues still have commitments to basketball and hockey teams, he said. The winning city will be announced sometime in mid-December, Curry said. Ford Park officials did not return calls Monday. The arena has hosted indoor tennis events before and is scheduled to be the site of an exhibition featuring Martina Navratilova on Dec. 14. Federer, who won an indoor tournament in his native country over the weekend, has a history of representing his country in international competitions. He competed for Switzerland in both the Olympics and the Davis Cup this year.
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