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World TeamTennis COVID-19 Safety Fact Sheet

Posted on June 16, 2020

Updated July 11, 2020

Season Dates: July 12 – August 2
Location: The Greenbrier in West Virginia
Players & Coaches:  60 Professional Men’s and Women’s Tennis players, 20 WTT Coaches
Staff & Production: 30 WTT Staff, 65 Production/Operations Staffers/Medical Personnel
Fan Protocol: The Greenbrier COVID-19 Guidelines

OVERVIEW

WTT will privately secure, pay for, provide and administer a COVID-19 test to all WTT players, coaches, essential staff and those 13 years of age and up staying in the same room as any of parties listed prior to arrival at The Greenbrier. An additional test will be done upon arrival at the Greenbrier Clinic. An additional test will be given to all at The Greenbrier Clinic on the first weekend of the season (July 17/18/19). WTT reserves the right to add additional testing during the event. All WTT personnel will receive temperature checks daily and be given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) upon arrival for their stay. This will be the first major professional tennis organization to resume operations since the WTA and ATP suspended operations on March 9, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND

  • Medical/Testing: WTT will follow and abide by any testing guidelines that are required by the state. All players and staff must self-quarantine for 14 days in the U.S. prior to arrival. WTT personnel (all WTT staff, players, coaches and their traveling parties) will stay at The Greenbrier and will be tested within five days of arriving at The Greenbrier (prior to the start of the season, which begins on July 12), and must produce a negative test before entering the grounds. Upon initial arrival at The Greenbrier, all WTT personnel will be tested again at The Greenbrier Clinic. On the weekend of July 17/18/19, all WTT personnel will be given a third COVID-19 test at The Greenbrier Clinic. WTT reserves the right to add additional testing as needed. In addition, every morning of the tournament, a temperature check will be conducted. Any person who has a temperature reading at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to participate in WTT activities or enter WTT facilities until a COVID-19 negative test result is received. Should a player or coach test positive for COVID-19, they will be eliminated from the tournament with full compensation and will be asked to self-quarantine either at The Greenbrier at WTT’s expense or, should they have be asymptomatic and have traveled by car, be permitted to travel and self-quarantine at home. WTT personnel who have been in close proximity with any player testing positive for COVID-19 will be evaluated by The Greenbrier Clinic staff, which will determine and administer any additional testing among players, coaches and staff.
  • Media: All media planning to cover any day of the WTT season must bring documentation of a negative COVID-19 test – dated within seven days of the media member’s arrival at The Greenbrier – and show to WTT personnel upon entering The Greenbrier’s Center Court at Creekside stadium. WTT will not administer COVID-19 tests for media. It is the media member’s responsibility to secure a test on their own. Any person with a positive COVID-19 test will not be admitted into any WTT facilities. Media will be issued a face covering/mask to wear within WTT facilities and must submit to a temperature check on a daily basis upon arrival to The Greenbrier’s Center Court at Creekside stadium. Any person who has a temperature reading at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to participate in WTT activities or enter into WTT facilities. Should media members plan to remain onsite throughout the tournament they will need to adhere to the testing calendar all WTT personnel will be undertaking (test within 7 ays of arrival, test upon arrival, test first weekend of the event – July 17, 18, 19). WTT reserves the right to add additional testing as needed.
  • Airport Pickup and Transportation: WTT will provide all airport transfers for players and staff with official WTT transportation. Transportation will be provided by professional drivers contracted by WTT. Buses/Vans will be cleaned after every trip.
  • Hotel: When arriving at the hotel, players and staff will have a separate check-in area. Players and staff will each be in their own room for the duration of the event.
  • Food and Beverage: WTT will provide meals to players and staff through the hotel and venue catering. WTT players, coaches and family members will have access to a private room in the venue where the food and beverage would be available, and credentials will be required to enter these private spaces. WTT staff will have access to separate dining arrangements. In addition to the private space, take away service is permitted and room service is available 24 hours a day.
  • People in the Process: In total, the WTT group will be no larger than 175 people which includes all players, coaches, operations staff, TV production and medical personnel. WTT will follow any capacity maximums mandated by the State of West Virginia. Social distancing will take place amongst the staff and players during the event.
  • Venue and Hotel: WTT will work with the hotel partner and The Greenbrier to provide hand sanitizers throughout the necessary hotel levels and the stadium. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed periodically throughout the venue. Social distancing signs will also be placed throughout the venue.
  • On Court: WTT will only have the two teams (up to six players per team) on the court at a time along with one chair umpire. Hawkeye’s automated line calling system will be used to eliminate extra officials on court and ball kids will not be used for this event. Players will be asked to retrieve their own tennis balls after points and manage their own towel. High-fives or handshakes will be discouraged between teammates and opponents. All players will be required to wear a facemask/covering entering and departing the playing service.
  • Guidance: WTT is fully prepared and will follow all state guidelines set by the State of West Virginia as well as White House and CDC guidelines. WTT will also administer any additional COVID-19 testing that is required by the state. WTT will follow all procedures and necessary practices to make this safe for its staff, players and partners.
  • Season Details: The 2020 World TeamTennis season will showcase a 63-match regular season over 19 consecutive days from July 12-30, with the WTT Playoffs to follow on Aug. 1 (WTT Semifinals) and Aug. 2 (WTT Final). The top four teams from WTT’s regular season standings will advance to the WTT Playoffs. This season, WTT has increased its prize money to a record $5 million and an added $1,000,000 awarded in WTT Playoffs compensation, including a $500,000 bonus to the team hoisting the King Trophy on Aug. 2.
  • WTT Teams: WTT’s nine franchises include the expansion Chicago Smash, New York Empire, Orange County (Calif.) Breakers, Orlando Storm, Philadelphia Freedoms, San Diego Aviators, 2018 and 2019 WTT champion Springfield (Mo.) Lasers, Vegas Rollers and Washington (D.C.) Kastles.

WTT 2020 FAQ

Q: Where is the season taking place?
A: The entire season will take place in one location – The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The Resort is located at 101 Main Street, West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.

Q: How are you allowed to have this event?
A: West Virginia is one of the most open states and we are following all state health guidelines. Every person who comes to the Greenbrier and everyone who comes to the stadium will have their temperature checked daily.

Q: How is it working with social distancing?
A: We are only selling limited seats per day in the 2,500-seat stadium. In the lower bowl, there will only be 4 people per row, and every other row will be empty. Empty rows will be sectioned off and ushers and staff will inform patrons where they are allowed to sit.

Q: What are the requirements for masks?
A: When walking in and around the stadium, guests are required to wear masks. However, with our distancing between groups in the stands and being outside, guests are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks when sitting in their seats.

Q: Is this a permanent move to one location or will WTT be back in their normal cities in 2021?
A: This is an atypical year, as with many of the major leagues, we have found the one city concept to be the most viable for 2020. As long as things return to normal for the country, in terms of the pandemic, in 2021, we plan to be back in our nine cities for a normal World TeamTennis season in 2021.

Q: How is the schedule working?
A: All nine teams are playing a normal 14-match season over 19 days. There are 3 or 4 matches per day from July 12 until July 30. The complete schedule can be found here: www.wtt.com/schedule. With teams only having 5 days off over 19 days, if you are there two days in a row, you are guaranteed to see every team.

Q: What about the playoffs?
A: As in a normal WTT season, the top four teams will qualify for the playoffs. The semifinals will take place on August 1st, followed by the finals on August 2nd.

Q: How do tickets work? Do I buy for individual matches? Do I pick my seats?
A: All tickets are DAILY tickets – they are good for the entire day. All seats are General Admission (to ensure distancing) in the assigned section – either front row, lower bowl or upper bowl.

Q: How do I receive tickets?
A: All tickets are sent electronically as individual .pdf’s for each ticket purchased. When you purchase tickets, you have an option to receive via text message. If you do not choose this option, tickets will be e-mailed to you. Bring the electronic ticket to be scanned at the gate when you arrive, and scanned out if you leave and wish to come back the same day.

Q: Are there any ticket packages?
A: There are weekend packages (Fri/Sat/Sun) for each of the two weekends that are discounted 20% from the daily ticket price and season tickets that are discounted 25% from the daily ticket price.

Q: Are there any special events?
A: The first two players clinics sold out, but we just added a third clinic on
July 19th. You can sign up at www.wtttickets.com for that clinic. There is also a clinic limited to 8 people with the Bryan Brothers on July 25th for $1,000/ person that is still available and there are also private hits available with many
of the superstar players. Contact Matt Miles at mmiles@wtt.com to sign up for these special events.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: In case of inclement weather, the matches will be moved to the indoor facility, which is a close walk to the outdoor stadium. All patrons who have Lower Bowl, Front Row tickets or ADA tickets will be allowed in the indoor facility. Upper Bowl ticket package buyers (weekend and season tickets) will also be granted access to the indoor facility. To ensure distancing in the smaller, indoor facility, upper bowl daily ticket buyers will not be allowed indoors. If less than half the possible sets are played outdoors that day, all upper bowl daily ticket buyers will be offered a ticket to another day or they can also choose
a refund.

Q: When do gates open?
A: Gates will open 30 minutes prior to the starting time of the first match.

Q: With matches all day, can I leave the stadium and return?
A: Exit and re-entry is allowed, but you must scan your ticket on the way out of the stadium each time to be able to re-enter.

Q: Where do I park?
A: When you enter the resort, you can proceed to the main hotel valet for
$25. After you valet your car, walk to the back of the lobby and a shuttle will be available to the drop off point for the stadium (a short downhill walk to the stadium). The shuttle can take you back to the lobby at anytime throughout the day.
You can also park without charge in the “Guest Self-Parking” lot located outside the hotel at the Amtrak station. From there, a shuttle will take you to a drop off point for the stadium (a short downhill walk to the stadium). The shuttle will also return you to the Amtrak lot at any point throughout the day.

Q: Will there be concessions available?
A: Yes, there will be one place for general concessions with drinks and “ballpark” fare. The restaurants will also be open, but there is a dress code when you are on different areas of the Greenbrier.

Q: Where are the restrooms located in the venue?
A: There are two men’s and two women’s restrooms – one each located on the North and South side of the stadium on the lower level. There are also restrooms in the Indoor Tennis Building located on the ground level.

Q: Is there emergency personnel available at all times?
A: We will have two EMT’s and one ambulance on-site for every match during the entire season.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: There is no dress code for attending the matches. However, if you want to visit any restaurants or other areas of the resort, there is a dress code. The dress code can be found here: www.greenbrier.com/GreenbrierResort/media/ Dining/Documents/DressCode_9.pdf.

Q: If I buy Lower Bowl or Front Row tickets, what are my benefits?
A: With Lower Bowl or Front Row Tickets, you receive seating in the lower bowl for all matches throughout the day, guaranteed access to the indoor facility if it rains, access to the VIP area throughout the day, including the daily player/coach Q&A.

 

Q: Where is the VIP area and what are the specifics of the area?

A: The VIP area is located immediately behind the Box Office as you walk into the stadium. You will have access to the VIP area throughout the day. In addition to complimentary water and snacks, you will receive one complimentary drink with your VIP ticket. The bar is not located in the VIP Area, but it is close by at the concession area. Please check in to the VIP area at your leisure to get your free drink ticket, as well as your wristband that will allow you access to the VIP area.

 

Q: How do I know who will be at the Player/Coach Q&A and what time is it each day?

A: Each day, there will be a player/coach Q&A inside the VIP Tent at either 12pm, 1:30pm or 2:30pm. Signage in the area will list the daily time of the Q&A and the players/coaches who will be participating.

 

Q: If I signed up for one of the clinics, what are the details?

A: In addition to your clinic ticket, you will receive a lower bowl VIP ticket for the matches that day. Detailed instructions regarding the clinic (FAQ’s, parking, etc.) will be e-mailed to you one week prior to the clinic.

 

Q: Are there any hotel packages available at the Greenbrier?

A: As the hotel is almost sold out, there are no discounted packages, but you can contact GoTravel, who can assist in putting together packages. You can visit www.gotravel.com/wtt.

 

Q: Is there a number I can call with additional questions?

A: You can call 866-PLAY-WTT for any additional questions
A: We will have two EMT’s and one ambulance on-site for every match during the entire season.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: There is no dress code for attending the matches. However, if you want to visit any restaurants or other areas of the resort, there is a dress code. The dress code can be found here: www.greenbrier.com/GreenbrierResort/media/ Dining/Documents/DressCode_9.pdf.

Q: If I buy Lower Bowl or Front Row tickets, what are my benefits?
A: With Lower Bowl or Front Row Tickets, you receive seating in the lower bowl for all matches throughout the day, guaranteed access to the indoor facility if it rains, access to the VIP area throughout the day, including the daily player/coach Q&A.

Q: Where is the VIP area and what are the specifics of the area?
A: The VIP area is located immediately behind the Box Office as you walk into the stadium. You will have access to the VIP area throughout the day. In addition to complimentary water and snacks, you will receive one complimentary drink with your VIP ticket. The bar is not located in the VIP Area, but it is close by at the concession area. Please check in to the VIP area at your leisure to get your free drink ticket, as well as your wristband that will allow you access to the VIP area.

Q: How do I know who will be at the Player/Coach Q&A and what time is it each day?
A: Each day, there will be a player/coach Q&A inside the VIP Tent at either 12pm, 1:30pm or 2:30pm. Signage in the area will list the daily time of the Q&A and the players/coaches who will be participating.

Q: If I signed up for one of the clinics, what are the details?
A: In addition to your clinic ticket, you will receive a lower bowl VIP ticket for the matches that day. Detailed instructions regarding the clinic (FAQ’s, parking, etc.) will be e-mailed to you one week prior to the clinic.

Q: Are there any hotel packages available at the Greenbrier?
A: As the hotel is almost sold out, there are no discounted packages, but you can contact GoTravel, who can assist in putting together packages. You can visit www.gotravel.com/wtt.

Q: Is there a number I can call with additional questions?
A: You can call 866-PLAY-WTT for any additional questions