For Immediate Release
June 1, 2015

US Open Badminton Championships Return to Suffolk June 16 - 21

The US Open Badminton Championships are returning to Suffolk County Community College from June 16 to June 21, a repeat of last year’s successful international tournament that was held for the first time on the east coast. The tournament will be held at the Michael J. Grant Campus’ Health, Sports and Education Center field house in Brentwood, NY.

The 2015 YONEX US Open Championships, a Badminton World Federation (BWF) - sanctioned Grand Prix Gold Series Tournament will feature 348 players from nearly 30 countries who will compete for prizes totaling $120,000. The Suffolk-hosted tournament is one of only 13 Grand Prix Gold tournaments world-wide according to officials.

This year’s tournament will feature many of the world’s top 25 ranked competitors in each of the tournament’ s five events, including Men’s Singles Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, the former number one player in the world, holder of two silver medals from the  2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and winner of numerous World Super series titles. The US Open, an important part of the BWF Grand Prix Gold series, will be Wei’s first appearance in more than eight months in a major individual event with ranking points that count toward qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“We are pleased to again host an international event of this magnitude,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. 

Last year we demonstrated to the international community that we have a premier facility and staff to execute an international tournament of this magnitude. This year we have created jobs and learning opportunities for our students and will again help to boost the local economy by filling hotel rooms and restaurants with tournament attendees,” McKay said.

The tournament officials expect competitors from 30 countries to participate in the six-day event, and anticipate 348 athletes along with coaches, trainers, and support staff, all of whom will fill hotel rooms, eat at local restaurants and tour Long Island while they are here. 

Tickets will cost between $15 and $30 for adults, depending on the event and $9 to $15 for school age children. Information and tickets are at: www.usopengpg.com

McKay said the 57,800 square foot Michael J. Grant Campus Field House opened in 2000, can seat 4,800 spectators for exhibits and conventions and 2,700 spectators for sporting events, and is the largest facility of its kind in Suffolk County. The facility has a 200-meter, 6-lane AAU track, synthetic sports flooring, with the exception of a hardwood basketball court area; fitness center, dance/aerobics room, and a six-lane 250-meter pool with diving area and training room.