Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2024, Stuttgart

When the “Women’s Tennis Association” (WTA) stops off in Stuttgart, almost all the world’s top players are on board. This was once again the case at the 47th edition of the tournament, with eight of the top ten players competing. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix not only has one of the richest traditions on the ladies’ tour but also belongs to the third highest tier on the WTA tour. Since 2006, the tournament has been played at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, having previously been held in Filderstadt just a few kilometres away. This is where the Grand Prix laid the foundation for its worldwide success and prestige. Martina Navratilova holds the record for the most victories, having won the tournament six times. In 1991 she beat Anke Huber in the final, and Anke remains linked to the tournament to this day. Since 2002 she has held the position of sports director of the Porsche Grand Prix, working with tournament director Markus Günthardt to create a “family atmosphere” to which tennis players are keen to return year after year.

Over 31,000 tennis fans came to the 2024 edition of the tournament at the Porsche Arena, and we were engaged to provide the technical equipment for the Centre Court. This mainly concerned the lighting, which we installed in a mobile rig as it would not have been possible to use equipment such as an elevating work platform during the week of the tournament. This way we were able to lower the rig and work on the lighting, in case maintenance was required late in the evening or at night after play had ended. We also illuminated the player area and the “Walk on Court” for interviews with the media as well as the various presentation areas, where we showcased the Porsche vehicles to perfect effect. Last but not least, we provided a “FollowME” system with two cameras that filmed the players on the way from the “Walk on Court” right across the field of play as well as the intercom system for communication among the entire ATP team.