Tennis event a damp disgrace

ORGANISERS of the Brodies Champions of Tennis event cannot be serious (“‘Rain proof’ court proves a washout for tennis stars”, The Herald, June 24).

I accept that no-one can control the weather but believe that the organisers should have had a contingency weather plan.

Our tickets for Saturday cost £100 each (plus a £3 credit card charge per ticket). We arrived to find the court soaking, with the volunteer staff on their hands and knees trying to mop up the wet playing surface with towels. The overhead canopy for the players was about as useful as a handkerchief. We had managed to see 20 minutes of actual tennis when a downpour sent all spectators to try to find cover underneath the seat scaffolding. Umbrellas were not permitted in the stadium.

No contingency plans were in place to give sufficient cover from the rain and wind for a full house of 2500 spectators outwith the Bulmers Tent and an information tent at the main entrance. The biggest covered marquee, fully protected from the elements, was full of corporate clients and invited guests.

This was an experience we will remember for all the wrong reasons.