Delray seeks to host Davis Cup qualifying round; commission approves bid submission and $75,000 local contribution

Parks and Recreation Director Sam Ita told the commission on March 11 that the city has an opportunity to bid to host a Davis Cup qualifying round in September 2025 and asked permission to submit a bid. He said the Palm Beach County Sports Commission had already approved a $75,000 contribution toward a host bid and that the city would be asked for a similar $75,000 contribution plus in‑kind services such as facility use, parking, public safety and logistics.

Why it matters: Hosting an international tennis event would bring economic activity to Delray Beach hotels, restaurants and retail and raise the city’s profile as a sports destination.

What staff presented: Ita said the full event package the city would support was estimated as a roughly $490,000 commitment in combined cash and in‑kind support across the county and the city; the county’s portion was confirmed and the bid request asked the commission to authorize the city portion and permission to submit a formal bid. He said the city has experience hosting similar events (for example, the Billie Jean King Cup in 2023) and staff would return with a full, line‑by‑line cost estimate if Delray won the bid.

Commission action: Commissioner Markert moved, a second was recorded and the commission voted unanimously to allow staff to submit the bid and to support the proposed local contribution and in‑kind services if the city is selected to host.

Follow up: Staff said a further step would return to the commission for formal approval of the detailed budget and any out‑of‑pocket city costs if the city is chosen as host.