Next PSA World Series to be Staged at Dubai Opera by Nathan Clarke photos PSA
May 27, 2016
- Dubai representatives and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) –
the global governing body responsible for the administration of
professional squash around the world – announced today that the 2017
and 2018 editions of the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals
will be staged at the state-of-the-art Dubai Opera, a 2000-seat
multi-format venue which forms the centerpiece of The Opera District in
Downtown Dubai.
The two year agreement, facilitated by
Falcon and Associates, will see the world’s top male and female squash
players perform on one of the region’s grandest stages in front of
thousands of anticipated spectators. The announcement builds on the
excitement generated by the inaugural 2016 PSA Dubai World Series
Finals which is currently underway in a purpose built venue in Burj
Park, Downtown Dubai, where tickets have been in high demand.
“By
hosting the PSA Dubai World Series Finals in Dubai Opera, thousands of
fans around the world will be treated to high-quality squash in a
simply breath taking setting, while our players will feel privileged to
play in such an iconic arena," said PSA Chairman Ziad Al-Turki.
"The
quality of play on court, coupled with the atmosphere within the venue,
will make for a spectacular occasion and we are excited to be a part of
the city’s impressive sporting story.”
The PSA Dubai World
Series Finals is the season-ending climax to the both the men’s and
women’s PSA World Series tours, featuring only the world’s best eight
qualified players as they battle it out for the last title of the
season.
Players compete for ‘Road To Dubai’ Ranking points
at each PSA World Series Tournament in a bid to earn one of the coveted
eight berths and a chance to compete in one of the sport’s most
lucrative events.
Commenting on the announcement, Secretary
General of Dubai Sports Council, His Excellency Saeed Hareb said:
“Dubai continually looks for new ways to develop its state-of-the-art
facilities to improve the experience of elite athletes and spectators
alike. The 2016 PSA Dubai World Series Finals has been a fantastic
spectacle so far and by securing the superb Dubai Opera venue for the
2017 and 2018 editions, the future of the tournament looks very bright
indeed.
"By delivering this world-class sporting event in
a completely new and exciting way, we hope not only to enhance the
emirate’s growing reputation as an international home for racquet
sports but inspire thousands across the region to play this fantastic
sport.”
Chief Executive of Dubai Opera, Jasper Hope, added:
“As the emirate’s first purpose-built multi-format theatre, Dubai Opera
has been designed specifically to host a wide spectrum of events that
appeal to the cosmopolitan population that visit, live and work in
Dubai. The venue’s unique ability to harness the state-of-the art
technology and support systems in-house to create a truly first class
entertainment experience is as perfectly well suited to sport as it is
to culture. This is hopefully the first of many more elite sporting
contests to share the Dubai Opera stage with our world-class artistic
programme and we very much look forward to hosting the world of squash
next year.”
Dates for the PSA Dubai World Series Finals
tournaments were also announced as June 6th - 10th in 2017 and June 5th
- 9th in 2018.
Tickets are now on sale now for the 2016
event through Ticketmaster online here: http://bit.ly/20rBVjD and
further information on both the PSA World Series and the PSA World Tour
is available online here: http://bit.ly/23VVrVA.
About Dubai Opera: Dubai
Opera will be a truly unique venue and the city’s first purpose built
multi-format performing arts theatre situated in the heart of Downtown
Dubai. Set to open late 2016, Dubai Opera will offer the ultimate
flexibility of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and
a 2000m2 flat floor event space. The configuration will allow for
approximately 2000 seats for a concert and up to 1000 for a gala
dinner. Outside of the main auditorium, the venue has a smaller
performance space and rehearsal room and a stunning rooftop restaurant
and sky garden with views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. Website: www.dubaiopera.com
About Dubai Sports Council: Dubai
Sports Council was founded on November 30, 2005 with the aim of
developing and improving sport in Dubai. It aims to create a
comprehensive sports environment that meets the requirements of society
and paves the way for the youth to cultivate their sporting and
cultural talents and aptitudes in a way that leads them to achieve
tangible results, so that Dubai can become a leading name in the world
of sports. Website: www.dubaisportscouncil.ae
About Professional Squash Association: An
affiliate of the World Squash Federation (WSF), the Professional Squash
Association (PSA) is the global governing body responsible for the
administration of both men’s and women’s professional squash around the
world. With over 800 registered players and over 200 events
taking place in all four corners of the globe every year, the PSA World
Tour showcases the game of squash at its highest level in some of the
world’s most unique and stunning locations. Encapsulating all that is
good about top flight professional squash, combining athleticism,
skill, fitness, tenacity, power, drama and above all else, passion, the
PSA World Tour is the pinnacle of world squash. Website: www.psaworldtour.com
About Falcon and Associates: Falcon
and Associates FZ-LLC is an independent strategic advisory and
implementation company working on behalf of the Dubai leadership to
enhance the emirate’s position as a global hub for finance, business
and tourism. Falcon partners with government and private entities to
build on the emirate’s many successes to date, helping it fulfil its
long-term potential. Website: www.falconandassociates.ae
