For the past seven years, the Philadelphia Freedoms of the World Team Tennis Pro League has played its home matches at Cabrini College in Radnor. This July, though, center court will be the overflow parking lot of the King of Prussia Mall. Management hopes the matches attract more visitors.
"The initial excitement took about five minutes, to think about hosting an event like this in King of Prussia's parking lot, the added entertainment it will bring to the shopping center, Mark Bachus, a KOP mall official told Action News. So, we immediately saw the possibilities of this event."
In June, a 2500 seat stadium and court will be set up for the home matches to be played in July. Among those who will make appearances are Venus Williams, John McEnroe and the Bryan brothers.
Two WTT teams already play in parking lots... one at a mall and one at a country club and officials say its a perfect match.
"They are two of our most successful teams, so it just kind of fit, the move was right, King of Prussia. We have a great relationship with them," Rory Paolantonio of the WTT's Freedoms said.
In the Freedoms case, the action will take place right along route 202.
"All this foot traffic, the intersection there, so many people drive by. We are all about visability and also about thinking outside the box," Freedoms' Jessica Rybacki added.
We asked some shoppers what they thought of the idea. Some don't love it.. others say they might make a point to check it out.
"Yes, I would say if I was up here I might check it out. I'm always willing to check out new things," said Donna Young, of Ocean View, New Jersey.
Do you think you might take in a match? "Sure," said Jason Cobb, of Maple Shade, New Jersey.
"Try it, see how it goes. I have no idea. Just try it, try it," Tom Bookheimer, of Norristown, added.
The first of the Freedoms seven home games at the mall will be on July 4th at 5pm.
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