Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

Arthur Ashe Kids' Day is an annual tennis/children's event that takes place in the end of August at the United States Tennis Association at Arthur Ashe Stadium. (USTA) Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York. It is sponsored by IBM and the USTA. This event also begins the U.S. Open, which officially starts one day later. This event was also televised on CBS the following day, until 2014 when it lost U.S. Open broadcast rights to ESPN. Beginning in 2015, the event airs on ESPN2. It is a celebration of the memory of Arthur Ashe, who died of AIDS in 1993, and of his efforts to help young people through tennis. Kids’ Day began in 1993, the year that Ashe died.

At the 2005 event, the United States Postal Service unveiled and issued the Arthur Ashe Commemorative Postal Stamp in the presence of the Ashe family.[1] The 2011 event originally scheduled for August 27, 2011 was cancelled in the wake of the forthcoming Hurricane Irene. This marked the first time the event was cancelled in advance. The 2020 and 2021 events were also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants at the Arthur Ashe Kids Day have an opportunity to play and/or watch numerous tennis matches before and after the main event at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Center. The main event at the stadium consists of a concert and tennis matches. As people enter the stadium, they are handed hats to commemorate the event.

Tennis greats that have appeared annually at Arthur Ashe Kids Day include Venus and Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, and Anna Kournikova, who play to entertain the children and families and to raise money for charity. Kids Day has been hosted by MTV VJ Quddus and sportscaster and ‘’Figure It Out’’ host Summer Sanders. Many popular singers have also performed at Kids Day, including Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees, Bow Wow, Ne-Yo, Jesse McCartney, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, O Town, JoJo, Monica, Jonas Brothers, Ariana Grande, and many others. During the day many tennis stars sign autographs and take pictures with the children.

Events

Date Host Tennis players[nb 1] Performers Other celebrities Ref.
2nd Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 23, 1997 John McEnroe, Andre Agassi Hanson Bill Cosby [2]
3rd Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 29, 1998 Bill Cosby Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Serena Williams, Venus Williams Backstreet Boys [3]
4th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 28, 1999 Mark McEwen Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Patrick Rafter, Michael Chang, Mary Pierce Britney Spears [4]
5th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 26, 2000 Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Alexandra Stevenson Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees [5]
6th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 25, 2001 Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Martina Hingis, Serena Williams Lil' Bow Wow and O-Town [6]
7th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 24, 2002 Summer Sanders and Quddus Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, James Blake, Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova Mario, BBmak, and Vanessa Carlton [7][8]
8th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 23, 2003 Summer Sanders Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Anna Kournikova Daniel Bedingfield, Monica, and Smash Mouth [9]
9th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 28, 2004 Andy Roddick, Bob and Mike Bryan, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati JoJo and Gavin DeGraw [10]
10th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 27, 2005 Summer Sanders and Quddus Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Martina Navratilova, Anna Kournikova Rihanna, Jesse McCartney, and The Click Five [11][12]
11th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 2006 Daisy Fuentes and Quddus Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova Ne-Yo, The Cheetah Girls, Cheyenne Kimball, and Teddy Geiger [13]
12th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 26, 2007 Daisy Fuentes and Quddus Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, Sam Querrey, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantuchová The Jonas Brothers, Sean Kingston, Kat De Luna, and Lil Mama John Cena, Tony Hawk, Rob Thomas [14][15] see also 2007 Arthur Ashe Kids Day
13th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 23, 2008 Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams Demi Lovato, Colby O'Donis and Menudo [16]
14th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 29, 2009 Susie Castillo and Quddus Roger Federer, Any Roddick, James Blake, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova Jordin Sparks and Justin Bieber Will Ferrell [17][18]
15th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 28, 2010 Adrienne Bailon and Quddus Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Shontelle, and Allstar Weekend Nick Cannon, Lindsey Vonn [19][20]
16th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (cancelled) August 27, 2011 La La Anthony and Quddus Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, David Wagner Original program: Jason Derulo, Cody Simpson, Jessica Jarrell, and Greyson Chance Bradley Cooper, Carmelo Anthony [21][22]
17th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 2012 Jordin Sparks and Quddus Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Mardy Fish, Ryan Harrison, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters, Sloane Stephens, Christina McHale Carly Rae Jepsen with Owl City, Rachel Crow, The Wanted, and Mindless Behavior Matthew Morrison, Missy Franklin, Brad Richards [23][24]
18th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 24, 2013 Missy Franklin and Quddus Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, David Wagner Fifth Harmony, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Lawson, Coco Jones and Cazzette. Free concert: Before You Exit, Kenton Duty, Trevor Jackson, Megan Nicole, CityKids and Lucki Gurlz [25]
19th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 24, 2014 China Anne McClain, Jeff Sutphen, and Shaun Thompson Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray Hunter Hayes, MKTO, The Vamps, Shawn Mendes, McClain and Madison Beer. Free concert: Hollywood Ending, Kalin and Myles, Zach Matari, Karina Rae and The Bomb Digz [26]
20th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 29, 2015 Shaun T, Brooke Taylor Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Madison Keys, Marin Cilic. Bea Miller, Kalin & Myles, Jacob Whitesides, Natalie La Rose and American Authors. Free concert: Alessia Cara, Forever in Your Mind, Carson Lueders, Sweet Suspense, Jena Rose.
21st Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 27, 2016 Joey Bragg, Jordan Fisher, Laura Marano Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Mackenzie McDonald, Monica Puig, Juan Martin del Potro, Jack Sock, Maria Sakkari, Louisa Chirico, Samantha Crawford, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal. Galaxy Empire All Starz, Citizen Four, Sophie Beem, Tegan Marie, Troye Sivan, Los 5. Free concert: Flo Rida, Forever in Your Mind, Zara Larsson, Ansel Engort.
22nd Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 26, 2017 Sofia Carson, Alex Aiono Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Angelique Kerber, CiCi Bellis, Frances Tiafoe, Ernesto Escobedo, Claire Liu. Skyler Steckler, Spencer Sutherland, Summer Valentine. Free concert: Why Don't We, New Hope Club, Saving Forever, Jack & Jack.
23rd Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day August 25, 2018 Alex Aiono, Morgan Tompkins Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Angelique Kerber and Madison Keys CNCO, Echosmith and In Real Life, Kim Petras [27]
24th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 24, 2019 Meg Donnelly, Morgan Tompkins, JD McCrary Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, Bob and Mike Bryan Austin Mahone, Blanco Brown, MAX and Ava Max [28]
25th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (cancelled) August 23, 2020
26th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (cancelled) August 28, 2021
27th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 27, 2022 Venus Williams, Taylor Fritz, John Isner, Frances Tiafoe, Maria Sakkari Dude Perfect, Nicky Youre, Em Beihold, Young Dylan, Good NEWZ Girls, Brandon Hernandez
28th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day August 26, 2023

Notes

  1. ^ There might be more players than listed; the ones listed are cited

References

  1. ^ "Arthur Ashe stamp dedicated at US Open". StampNews.com. August 27, 2005. Archived from the original on November 10, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Clarey, Christopher (August 23, 1997). "It's No Party for Qualifiers". The New York Times. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  3. ^ "The Legend To The World: Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". The Sentinel. August 27, 1998. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2012 – via HighBeam.
  4. ^ "Britney Spears To Play Special Concert At U.S. Open Site". MTV. Viacom. June 14, 1999. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  5. ^ Basham, David (June 29, 2000). "98 Degrees, Jessica Simpson To Play Kids' Day Show". MTV. Viacom. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  6. ^ Scheinbart, Betsy (August 30, 2001). "O-Town, Lil' Bow-Wow perform at Arthur Ashe Kids Day". Times Ledger. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  7. ^ "Top Entertainment Celebrities Join Top Tennis Stars August 24 for Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Presented by Aetna". PR Newswire. August 4, 2002. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  8. ^ Gelman, Jason (August 21, 2002). "Vanessa Carlton Added To Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Line-up". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  9. ^ Fell, Everett (August 21, 2003). "Stars to entertain crowd at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". Times Ledger. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  10. ^ "Top Musical Performers JoJo and Gavin DeGraw Join Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, the Bryan Brothers for Star-Studded Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Music and Tennis Extravaganza On August 28". PR Newswire. August 12, 2004. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  11. ^ Heldman, Breanne L (August 27, 2005). "Tennis greats and pop stars will take to the court for games and music at the U.S. Open's Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". New York Daily News.[dead link‍]
  12. ^ "Arthur Ashe Kids Day 2005 at the US Open". PRPhotos.com. August 27, 2005. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  13. ^ "Pop, R&B stars highlight 11th annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". CBS Sports. August 24, 2006. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  14. ^ "Music stars highlight Arthur Ashe Kids' day celebration". CBS Sports. August 23, 2007. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  15. ^ Faber, Judy. "Tennis And Music Mix At U.S. Open". CBS News. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  16. ^ "The 13th annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented by Hess". USTA.com. May 25, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  17. ^ "US Open 2009 Arthur Ashe Kid's Day Line-up announced". Zimbio. July 13, 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  18. ^ "Photo - 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day". Zimbio. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  19. ^ "New Additions to 15th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day Talent". Long Island Tennis Magazine. August 3, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  20. ^ "Jonas Brothers Headline 15th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day". Active.com. 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  21. ^ "Pros lined up for Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". RacquetSportsIndustry.com. July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on September 11, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  22. ^ "2011 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Cancelled". Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. August 26, 2011. Archived from the original on August 28, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  23. ^ Montalvo, Megan (August 23, 2012). "Arthur Ashe Kids' Day - Festivities Kick Off U.S. Open". Queens Tribune. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  24. ^ "U.S. Open grounds buzzing for Kids' Day". Tucson Citizen. Gannett Company. August 25, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  25. ^ "Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone to headline talent at 2013 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". July 24, 2012. Archived from the original on July 31, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  26. ^ "2014 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Talent". May 2, 2015. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  27. ^ Maher, Erin (23 August 2018). "Stars to come out for Arthur Ashe Kids' Day". Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  28. ^ Chiesa, Victoria. "2019 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day: A big hit for all ages," USOpen.org, Saturday, August 24, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2021