Building and aerospace industries specialist United Technologies has reached a deal to serve as presenting sponsor at the Women’s Tennis Association’s Connecticut Open tournament.
Under the agreement, the former New Haven Open becomes the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies and takes place at Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University from August 15-23. The tournament’s previous title sponsor was Pilot Pen, with the Japanese pen manufacturer ending its relationship in 2010.
The Connecticut Open generates an estimate $26m (€19.1m) annually in regional economic activity – a figure it hopes to increase with its new Fortune 50 global partner on board.
United Technologies will present a Military Appreciation Night on August 18 in association with the tournament and active duty military personnel and veterans who purchase a ticket will get a second free. Additionally, the company will partner with the Connecticut Open in fundraising for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.
World No.3 and last weekend's French Open runner-up Simona Halep is the reigning champion of the tournament.