Sony Ericsson Open becomes the first fully foursquare integrated sporting event

© Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson Open, becoming the first fully foursquare integrated sporting event

Miami, Fla-The ‘Glam Slam’ of tennis, the Sony Ericsson Open, is nearly upon us and Sony Ericsson, in partnership with foursquare, is aiming to make the tournament the first ever fully-integrated foursquare sporting event. This innovative partnership will provide tennis fans with the opportunity to get closer to the action than ever before.

Through foursquare, Sony Ericsson is offering the 300,000 fans that attend each year with the chance to win some amazing prizes, just by checking-in at designated venues at the Sony Ericsson Open on their mobile phones. Those lucky enough to redeem the Sony Ericsson Tennis Fan Badges will not only be able to receive discounts on tickets for select sessions, but also have a chance of winning access to post-match press conferences with the players and personal autograph signings. Those checking into foursquare can also access tips and match results for the duration of the tournament providing a more engaging experience for the fans.

The tennis fans lucky enough to become ‘Mayor’ of each court at the Sony Ericsson Open will even have the chance to win the ultimate prize – the opportunity to participate in a pre-match coin toss.

Stephan Croix, VP Head of Global Marketing Partnerships, Sony Ericsson says:
“The partnership with foursquare is a great way to reward tennis fans and engage with people through their smartphones. We think this is a fantastic way to build on the success of the Sony Ericsson Open and continue to find ways to improve the experience for tennis fans.

Dennis Crowley, CEO, foursquare says:
"We're thrilled that Sony Ericsson is using the foursquare platform to reward tennis fans attending the Sony Ericsson Open. Combined with the tips and match scores that Sony Ericsson will be providing through foursquare, these Specials will create a truly unique and engaging experience for attendees."

World Number 1, Caroline Woznaicki, is excited about rewarding tennis fans, saying: “I love the idea that Sony Ericsson and foursquare are giving fans the chance to become a key part of the game, rather than just being spectators. The Sony Ericsson Open is always an amazing tournament on the tour, so it seems natural that we give the fans the ultimate tennis experience here in Miami.”

Adam Barrett, Tournament Director, Sony Ericsson Open says:
“The Sony Ericsson Open is excited to be partnering with our title sponsor Sony Ericsson on making this year’s tournament the first fully-integrated foursquare event. Every year we look for new ways to give our guests experiences they can’t get anywhere else. Fans visiting the tournament this year will find us to be even more fan-friendly than ever before.”


For more information visit: www.sonyericssonopen.com and be sure to follow us on Foursquare http://foursquare.com/sonyericssonwta and check-in at the Sony Ericsson Open Tennis Hot Spot to unlock your Xperia Tennis Fan Badge.

**********
Notes to Editors:

About Sony Ericsson:
Sony Ericsson celebrates its 10th year as a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson in October, 2011. Over the years the company has brought together the best communication technologies with superior entertainment user experiences to create its Xperia™ line of the ‘most entertaining smartphones’ in the mobile handset industry. With its global corporate functions in London, Sony Ericsson has sales and marketing operations in all major regions of the world, as well as manufacturing in China, and product development sites in China, Japan, Sweden and Silicon Valley, California. For more information, please visit: www.sonyericsson.com/press.

About the Sony Ericsson Open:
The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open will be played March 21-April 3 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG and is widely regarded as the most glamorous event on the ATP and WTA Tours drawing over 300,000 guests each year including the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports. The Sony Ericsson Open is one of nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 series events and a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA Tour, and features the top men's and women's tennis players in the world including defending champions Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. For ticket information, call (305) 442-3367 or visit the website at http://www.SonyEricssonOpen.com.

foursquare
Foursquare is an application that encourages people to explore new locations and rewards people with virtual badges and even discounts or special offers. Foursquare engages with mobile customers and those on the go who like to share what they are doing. Customers are rewarded for their loyalty by checking in. Used as a fan engagement channel, Foursquare also enables fans to check in at their favorite sporting events where they can share tips about their experience and read feedback to see what others say. check in to Foursquare on your mobile handset on arrival: www.foursquare.com

For further information please contact:
Sony Ericsson Global Communications & PR
Graciela Pineda: +44 208 762 6023
General Press: +44 208 762 5858
E-mail: press.global@sonyericsson.com

Legal

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2009.

The liquid identity and liquid energy are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. “SONY” and “make.believe” are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.