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HSBC Bank USA Brings Authentic Wimbledon Experience to New York City

Posted on: Monday, 22 June 2009, 05:00 CDT

- Jim Courier and Jennifer Capriati to Play Tennis With Fans at Rockefeller Center on Manhattan's Only Grass Tennis Court -

Week of Complimentary Activities Includes Live Screenings of Wimbledon Matches, Public Tennis Play on Grass Court and Traditional English Treats

NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC, "The world's local bank" and official Wimbledon sponsor, today announced that it is bringing Wimbledon to New York, giving tennis fans a taste of all the tournament has to offer. "HSBC presents Wimbledon 2009 at Rockefeller Center" will feature a week of complimentary activities and events from June 22-26, including live daily screenings of matches at the HSBC outdoor viewing area and free tennis for the public on Manhattan's only grass court.

On Monday, June 22, former world No. 1 ranked players Jim Courier and Jennifer Capriati will play with select fans on the specially-developed grass court. The event will take place at noon at the HSBC outdoor Rockefeller Center venue (between 50th/ 51st Streets and 5th/6th Avenues), with emcee Luke Jensen calling the plays. Ballboys and ballgirls will be attired in official Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon uniforms.

"The traditions and values of Wimbledon are a perfect match with those of HSBC, the world's local bank," said Kevin Martin, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Marketing, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. "With this event, HSBC is bringing a bigger and more authentic taste of Wimbledon to New York City."

In addition to the kick-off event, HSBC will host activities throughout the week that bring Wimbledon stateside:

• Live Wimbledon Screenings - Catch exciting match play daily on a giant screen TV from 7:00am to 5:00 pm, followed by classic tournament footage until 7:00pm. Tennis fans can enjoy their lunch or take a break while watching the action from a special seating area.
• Public Grass Court Play - Challenge friends to a match on the singles grass court, trimmed to Wimbledon's official 1/8" length. Tennis sneakers are required; Prince racquets and balls will be provided or players may use their own equipment.
• Prince Sports, Inc. Tennis Clinics- Passerby can get tips from certified Prince tennis pros on June 23 & 24 from 11:30am- 1:00pm and 5:30- 7:00pm, and on June 25 & 26 from 1:00- 2:30pm and 4:00- 5:30pm.
• Photo with the Wimbledon Trophy - Through green screen technology, fans can pose with the Wimbledon trophy and walk away with a memento photo.
• EA Sports(TM) Grand Slam(R) Tennis game - Play EA Sport's new video game at kiosks in the viewing area. Sign up on-site for a "Grand Slam(R) Tennis" tournament to be held on the big screen on June 25 at 5:00 pm when the official Wimbledon broadcast ends.
• Strawberries & Cream Carts - Try a traditional English treat! Complimentary samples of strawberries and cream will be distributed between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily, courtesy of California Giant Berry Farms.
• History of Wimbledon - Learn about the heritage and evolution of the world's most famous tennis event, from the grass courts to Wimbledon whites to the new roof that allows match play in all weather. HSBC also will unveil a "Champions of Wimbledon" mural by acclaimed artist Rolf Harris celebrating winners through the years.
• HSBC Cab Rides- Be on the lookout for the HSBC London cab. Johnny the Cabbie, HSBC's popular cab driver, will be driving through the streets of Manhattan offering complimentary rides to Rockefeller Center activities.
• City Parks Foundation Tennis Clinic -On June 23 at 3:30pm Jim Courier will host an invitation-only tennis clinic for children selected by the City Parks Foundation, part of HSBC's ongoing sponsorship of the Foundation. Courier will take participants through a number of tennis drills and a Q&A session. California Giant Berry Farms will provide healthy strawberry snacks, Polo Ralph Lauren will outfit clinic attendees.

About HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc. It has more than 470 bank branches throughout the United States, with over 380 in New York State. The Bank also operates in Florida, California, Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Oregon, Washington, Maryland, Illinois, Connecticut and Virginia. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. HSBC USA Inc. is one of the nation's largest bank holding companies by assets. Deposits in the United States are offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.

About Tishman Speyer:

Tishman Speyer is the co-owner and manager of Rockefeller Center, the world-famous real estate, shopping and dining complex in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Rockefeller Center is the site of numerous public exhibits and events, including large-scale installations of public art by world-renowned artists including Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons and Jonathan Borofsky. Tishman Speyer has earned a worldwide reputation for innovative utilization of public art in its signature commercial properties, which include Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center. Tishman Speyer is committed to the preservation and restoration of Rockefeller Center and recently refurbished and reopened the historic Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, making it one of New York's top attractions. Each day an estimated 350,000 people visit the Rockefeller Plaza complex, which during the holidays is home to the most famous Christmas Tree in the world.

SOURCE HSBC Bank USA

Source: PR Newswire

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