Motorists travelling along the A444 could have been forgiven for taking a second glance at the Rowleys Green roundabout – when a giant tennis ball took up temporary residence.
The huge yellow fluffy ball was placed on the roundabout to promote the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry – the first time world-class tennis will be staged in the city.
Tickets are now on sale for the Europe/Africa Zone Group I second round tie in the indoor arena between the Aegon Great Britain Davis Cup team and Russia from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7.
Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said the Davis Cup had generated a great deal of excitement among sport fans in the region.
“The appearance of a giant tennis ball on the roundabout certainly caused a surprise for drivers and it received a few second looks!” she said.
“We wanted to highlight the fact that this great tennis tournament is coming to Coventry since it is an opportunity to promote the sport and this region to a national and international audience once again.
“The Davis Cup remains a high-profile tournament and we are already in countdown mode to the start of this tough tie for the Great British team against Russia.”
Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, said: “It’s getting very close now to the Davis Cup tie and we will be making the final decisions on the team that we will be putting out against Russia over the next couple of weeks.
“I know the whole team are really looking forward to coming up to Coventry and playing in the fantastic venue that is the Ricoh Arena. We’re hoping all the spectators will come dressed up in red, white and blue and make some noise to support the boys.”
The giant tennis ball was produced by Earlsdon-based printing company Buymyprint.co.uk
Councillor George Duggins, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming this high-profile event and all its spectators to the city to enjoy what I’m sure will be three great days of high quality tennis.
“With national coverage of the event we want to encourage people from the city and right across the Midlands to get behind the teams and fill the Ricoh Arena for the event, creating a loud and passionate atmosphere for the players.
“So if you’re looking for some top level sport to enjoy over the Easter period, get your tickets now and play a part in welcoming the event to Coventry.”
Tickets can be bought from www.theticketfactory.com/daviscup or on 0844 338 8838. For group bookings, please call 0800 358 0058 and for accessible bookings, call 0844 581 0700. Full price tickets start at £17. For more information, please visit www.lta.org.uk/DavisCup
