2023 was certainly an incredibly special year for the Keith Prowse team when talking all things Eastbourne. It was our first year as the official hospitality provider for this beloved tournament and it was a truly special week to be a part of, as we welcomed our guests to the brand-new Love Fifteen experience and the newly refurbished Sky Lounge experience.
As the proud and exclusive provider of award-winning experiences at the cinch Championships, The Queen’s Club, and The Championships, Wimbledon, it is extremely special to be able to add this fan-favourite event to our tennis portfolio and leave our mark as the #experienceexperts on the South Coast.
Eastbourne Experiences, Reimagined
Guests in the brand-new hospitality space, Love Fifteen, were welcomed into Eastbourne’s stunning Winter Garden building, situated at the front of the site. Floral arrangements were front and centre, and immersive tennis graphics of some of the previous talent to have graced the courts in Eastbourne appeared throughout, to ensure the real tennis fans were right at home. Just a short stroll to Centre Court through the famous practice courts allowed our guests to fuel their day of tennis viewing with a three-course lunch and come and go as they pleased with a beverage in hand. It was the perfect match for a full day of tennis action from the Centre Court South Stand. There was lots to love with this experience!
Now for the crown jewels of hospitality at Eastbourne: The Sky Lounge. Upon arriving, guests were welcomed into the heart of the soon-to-be action, in the Centre Court building, with sparkling wine and breakfast. A truly intimate environment that seats just 90 guests, The Sky Lounge’s dual aspect location meant that guests could watch every minute of the action on both (yes, both!) No.1 and Centre Court, from their table. An a la carte lunch, complete with afternoon tea, was served in between the serves and big hits on the courts, and guests were also free to head to their West Stand seats just outside the facility with a beverage or two, to really soak up both that sea air and thrilling atmosphere. Oh, and not to mention that the one and only Coco Gauff headed to The Sky Lounge, for a very exclusive Q&A with the guests!
The On-Court Action
Eastbourne features on both the ATP and WTA tour, being a 250 tournament for the former, and 500 tournament for the latter. Therefore, there really is a wealth of tennis to watch throughout the week and Devonshire Park certainly plays host to some elite players in the game.
On the ATP tour, it was Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo who was crowned champion, and subsequently lifted his maiden grass title at Rothesay International Eastbourne. In doing so, he denied second seed Tommy Paul of a win, defeating him 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. What’s more, the 24-year-old is only the second Argentine ever to lift the silverware for an ATP tour title on grass. Will this victory give him the confidence to make an impression at The Championships, Wimbledon?
As for the WTA tour, it was a spellbinding victory for the now two-time champion of the Rothesay International, Madison Keys, as she claimed her first grass-court career title in seven years. Keys adds this victory to her 2014 victory at Devonshire Park, after Kasatkina failed to deny Keys this victory, despite taking the match to 6-2, 7(15)-6(13). Upon receiving the champions trophy, the former World No.7 stated, “I love coming and playing here – being able to win the title here twice now, definitely makes me have very fond memories of Eastbourne.” We look forward to seeing the champion grace the courts in SW19!
The Rothesay international Eastbourne is consistently known as one of the fan favourite grass court tennis tournaments, and we cans see why! With the sun shining down on the beautiful South Coast, and some of the sport’s most exciting players setting foot onto the courts just inches away from the tennis fans. Year on year, thousands head to Devonshire Park as it transforms itself into a tennis haven to play hot as the ultimate Wimbledon warm-up tournament. What better way to get in the mood for the world’s most renowned Grand Slam event? Same time next year, Eastbourne? See you then…we're on sale soon!
