A Landmark Agreement for College Tennis in Orlando
Infrastructure Enhancements for a Memorable Experience
The USTA has meticulously planned a series of infrastructure enhancements. These improvements will not only enhance the Championships for both student-athletes and fans but also leave a lasting impact on the Orlando community. Six new indoor courts will be added, bringing the total number of available indoor courts to 12. These courts will feature improved viewing areas, ensuring that spectators can enjoy the matches to the fullest. Additionally, permanent shade structures will be constructed at the Collegiate Center, which houses 12 outdoor competition courts. This will provide much-needed shade during matches and enhance the overall experience for players and spectators alike. The USTA is also committed to enhancing student-athlete amenities and scoring infrastructure, ensuring that the athletes have everything they need to perform at their best.According to Lew Sherr, CEO and Executive Director of the USTA, “This is a momentous day for the USTA and for college tennis. Supporting college tennis is a growing priority for us as it is the aspirational dream of youth tennis players across the country. It is also an increasingly vital part of the elite player development pathway. We are proud to bring this event to Orlando for years to come and are excited to work alongside the NCAA and our local partners to elevate this event and give college tennis the platform it so richly deserves.”
The USTA’s commitment to enhancing the Championships goes beyond infrastructure. They have also pledged to work with the NCAA and other college tennis stakeholders to raise the profile of the event. This includes increasing on-site fan engagement and supplementing existing NCAA broadcast agreements. By doing so, they aim to create a more immersive and exciting experience for fans both on-site and at home.
Long-Term Hosting and Community Impact
The NCAA previously announced that the USTA National Campus was awarded the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships. This year’s event will mark the first of 10 consecutive years, concluding in 2037, with the Orlando facility hosting the final three rounds of the season-ending team championships. If the individual singles and doubles championships, which are currently being held in the fall as part of a two-year pilot program, move back to the spring, the USTA National Campus will also host those events each year.Terry Mohajir, UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed his excitement about partnering with the USTA as co-hosts for the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships. He said, “This is a testament to our community’s passion for sports and our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans from all over. Being able to host prestigious events such as this over a 10-year period continues to shine the spotlight on Orlando as a premier sports destination while also strengthening our college athletics brand.”
Musicians Fight for the Preservation of Music and Culture
Musicians for Fairness and Preservation Open Letter
The Musicians for Fairness and Preservation Open Letter clearly states, "We, the undersigned musicians, wholeheartedly oppose major record labels' unjust lawsuit targeting the Internet Archive. We don't believe that the Internet Archive should be destroyed in our name." Instead, the letter presents three alternative ways to improve the lives of musicians. By partnering with organizations like the Internet Archive, original recordings and music culture can be preserved. Musicians should be able to keep 100 percent of their merchandise sales, and vertical investments in streaming services like Spotify should end.
The advent of streaming services has already made it highly unprofitable to be a working musician. As the letter notes, factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Live Nation's monopoly on ticket sales have made it nearly impossible to perform without additional expenses. The original lawsuit by labels like Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group was specifically aimed at the Internet Archive's Great 78 Project, which aims to preserve music recorded on 78 RPM records. This project has over 400,000 recordings available for streaming, including music from renowned artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. If the labels win the lawsuit, the Internet Archive could be liable for up to $621 million in damages for the music streamed through the Archive since 2006, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Internet Archive's Battle in Multiple Fronts
Music isn't the only area where the Internet Archive is engaged in a fight. The organization recently lost its appeal in an ongoing lawsuit with publishers over digital book lending. The Internet Archive claims that its digital book library can lend out eBooks under the fair use doctrine, but multiple judges have now disagreed. This shows the diverse challenges faced by the Internet Archive as it strives to fulfill its mission of preserving and providing access to various forms of cultural heritage.
The Internet Archive's work is crucial in safeguarding our musical and literary heritage. It provides a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and music lovers alike. By supporting the Internet Archive, musicians and the wider community can ensure that these treasures are preserved for future generations. The fight against the lawsuit is not just about the immediate interests of musicians but about the preservation of our cultural legacy.
"Discover the Dynamic Tribute to San Francisco's Creativity"
Gypsy Snyder's Vision
Created by Gypsy Snyder, a native San Franciscan with a deep connection to the renowned Pickle Family Circus, this show truly captures the eclectic spirit of the 70s and 80s. As Snyder shared, "It's not just a mentality – it's a way of living." His work emphasizes San Francisco's unique humanity and cultural richness, making it a truly special experience.The show constantly evolves, welcoming new performers and routines. This allows for fresh perspectives and skills to be showcased, adding to its ever-growing charm. Its latest holiday reimagining brings in heartfelt moments that are simply perfect for the season.
Snyder's goal is clear – to celebrate this city and its people. He believes in the power of lifting each other up and coming together. This spirit is at the heart of "Dear San Francisco" and is what makes it so special.
The Enduring Creativity of San Francisco
"Dear San Francisco" is a dynamic tribute to the city's enduring creativity. The acrobatics and storytelling combine to create a visual and auditory feast that leaves audiences touched and inspired. It is a testament to the city's ability to constantly reinvent itself and remain a hub of artistic expression.Whether it's the way the performers move or the stories they tell, every aspect of the show reflects San Francisco's unique character. It's a celebration of the city's past, present, and future.
You can follow Club Fugazi on Instagram to stay updated on their latest performances and experiences. This allows you to be a part of the San Francisco story and share in the joy and inspiration that "Dear San Francisco" brings.