NEWPORT, R.I. — The International Tennis Hall of Fame and 11th Hour Racing announced Wednesday they have renewed their sustainability-focused sponsorship for a sixth consecutive year, marking significant environmental achievements during July’s Hall of Fame Open tournament.
As the Official Sustainability Sponsor, 11th Hour Racing supports the hall’s year-round environmental initiatives, including operations during the Hall of Fame Open, the 2025 Induction Celebration and daily organizational activities.
The partnership’s efforts during July’s tournament produced notable results. The event achieved a 78% diversion from landfill rate, an improvement from 2024, through new recycling programs for racket strings and tennis balls.
Food sustainability increased significantly, with concessions offering 35% local produce, 95% sustainable seafood and 85% naturally raised proteins. Nine plant-based menu options were available during the tournament.
The hall eliminated 4,800 single-use plastic bottles by using canned water and refilling stations. The TURN reusable cup system achieved a 93% return rate, diverting 280 pounds of plastic waste from landfills.
In partnership with Bike Newport, the tournament provided dedicated bicycle parking and promoted cycling to attendees.
For the third consecutive year, the Hall of Fame Open received Green Event Certification from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The sponsorship extends beyond the tournament to support TeamFAME’s composting and gardening projects and promotes education on environmental practices including composting, recycling and eliminating single-use plastics throughout the organization’s operations.
The Tennis Wave, presented by 11th Hour Racing, will launch the 2025 Induction Celebration on Aug. 21 at Bowen’s Wharf. The free, all-day public event begins at 11 a.m. and will feature a pop-up tennis court on the waterfront with professional matches, live activations and free lessons from Hall of Famers and Tennis Club professionals.