Jelena, Serena, Venus, Maria to Headline 2009 Bank of the West Classic

The Bank of the West Classic received an early holiday gift when it was announced that four of the world’s top tennis players have committed to play the 2009 tournament.

Next year’s Bank of the West Classic, which will be held July 27-August 2 at Stanford University, will feature 2008 Australian Open Champion Maria Sharapova, two-time defending Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams, 2008 US Open Champion Serena Williams and current World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic in what is shaping up to be the most impressive player field in the tournament’s 39-year history.

New to the Bank of the West Classic in 2009 will be a straight 32-player singles draw guaranteeing the top players will be on display during the early rounds.

In previous years the tournament’s top four seeds received first round byes but in 2009 they will be competing in opening round matches.

In recognition of the exciting news about the field, the Bank of the West Classic is offering a special Holiday Promotion.

From December 4 until December 29 fans can purchase individual tickets for the first and second rounds (Sessions 1-8) at 20 percent off the regular ticket price. The discount is good only for individual first and second round tickets and can not be combined with any other discount or promotion. The discount does not apply to full-week packages.

Tickets for the tournament’s opening round start at just $23.

Full-week packages, which include tickets to all 13 sessions, are also available and start at only $525. Those who purchase a box of four full-week packages will also receive four passes to the exclusive VIP Plaza Club, four invitations to the Meet the Players Party and two VIP parking passes.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the Bank of the West Classic box office at 866-WTA-TIXS (866-982-8497) or log-on to www.BankoftheWestClassic.com.