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Tournament director hails ResMed Little Rock Open as community and economic win
Summary
ResMed Tennis tournament director Chip told the Little Rock City Parks & Recreation Commission the 45th Little Rock Open at Rebsman attracted more than 3,500 attendees, secured a $50,000 title sponsor and completed major court resurfacing; organizers said proceeds are still being tallied and noted challenges such as rain and limited player space.
Chip, the ResMed Tennis tournament director, presented a recap of the 45th ResMed Little Rock Open at Rebsman, telling the Parks & Recreation Commission that the professional-level event drew "over 3,500 people" across the week and featured 65 sponsors, including a $50,000 presenting sponsorship from Wersom Law Firm.
Chip said the tournament, which moved from a Futures event to an ATP Challenger in 2019, costs roughly $250,000 to $275,000 to stage. "Whatever money is raised on top of the $250,000 or whatever goes to our beneficiary," he said, identifying UAMS Health's cancer institute as this year's beneficiary and saying the partnership with UAMS is in its fourth year.
Chip also described new tournament features and facility improvements: electronic line-calling was used for the first time this year with support from the USTA and the ATP; upgrades to LED lighting have increased nighttime play; and 13 of Rebsman's 17 courts have been resurfaced this season with four remaining to complete. He noted the work was supported by grants from tennis associations and additional city contributions.
Commissioners asked about net proceeds and challenges. Chip said final fundraising and expense reconciliation were still underway but estimated current proceeds in the mid-five-figure range and said he expected higher net fundraising next year once one-time costs for electronic line calling are no longer required. He and commissioners also discussed the event's biggest controllable challenge: limited on-site indoor space for players, officials and support services.
Chip described community outreach efforts that included a kids' day in partnership with the USTA, an art contest whose winners' artwork was used on shirts, and a wildcard tournament that helped showcase local collegiate players. "We're trying to get people that don't necessarily know anything about tennis to be a part of it," he said.
The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Chip and urging continued coordination with the city's visitor and convention bureau to maximize economic impact from junior tournaments and sustained community engagement.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the presentation; it received the report and asked staff to continue coordination and follow up on tournament finances for a future meeting.
