The 2018 ASB Classic is set to be one of the most sought-after destinations this summer, with its lifestyle events rivalling its stellar player line-up. The tournament has teamed up with some of the best names in food, fashion and entertainment to create a touch of Classic come January.
Off the back of the star-studded 2017 player field, the 2018 ASB Classic returns with an impressive player line-up including glamour girl Caroline Wozniacki, and previous Men’s Champions Jack Sock, Grand Slam Champion Victoria Azarenka and former champion’s John Isner and Roberto Bautista Agut.
In addition to the established stars, the ASB Classic has secured tennis wonderkid Denis Shapovalov, tipped by many to be the next Roger Federer as part of a quartet of future stars who are set for the games elite. Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov and eventual champion Hyeun Chung all competed at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan this month as the best players aged 21 and under on tour. They are set for bright futures with Auckland shaping up as a launching pad for 2018.
Elevating the excitement around the tournament, off-the-court some of New Zealand’s top musicians and chefs will be bringing to life an unmissable summer experience action-packed with captivating music and the highest-quality cuisine.
The tournaments’ entertainment hub, The Serve, will expand in size by 80% to include a larger interactive Fan Zone. The new space will extend even further into the Auckland Domain to offer a mix of grassed and platformed areas where fans can relax, listen to live entertainment acts, and enjoy tennis on the big screen with commentary.
Beats on The Serve
Hand-picked music artists performing in The Serve will feature some of New Zealand’s best acts including Boh Runga, White Chapel, and Taye Williams.
For the first time ever, the ASB Classic will host the Sunday Sweetspot featuring a diverse line-up of music including Weird Together DJ Set, Peacekeepers, Sunshine Sound System, Dylan C and Chicorelli (Liquid Lowdown). This exciting festival will be held on Sunday 7 January in The Serve, and tickets for the Sunday Sweetspot will be on sale via Ticketek from 23 November.
Sam Trevethick of Shapeshifter, who says entertainment is such a key part of the summer tournament, “I’m really excited to bring something entirely new to the ASB Classic entertainment line-up. I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a few years at the tournament, so it will be a fun way to celebrate the start of summer in The Serve with some incredible kiwi artists” said Sam.
Serving up a taste of Classic Delights
The ASB Classic will partner with SKYCITY for the sixth year to offer delicious food from celebrity chefs Peter Gordon and Sean Connolly. The Sugar Club will provide a menu in the Moet & Chandon champagne lounge whilst pop up versions of Bellota and The Grill will keep event goers fuelled throughout. Temptations included the Ahi Poke Raw Fish Salad, Connolly’s iconic Wagyu Burger served with Dutch Fries and Mexican street corn.
Peter Gordon, says, “I am thrilled to be involved with the ASB Classic this year to bring some of my favourite Sugar Club favourites to the tournament. The bespoke menu boasts a mix of iconic kiwi classics and fresh summer delights.”
Fans this year will also get an exclusive taste of SKYCITY’S newest restaurant Spice Alley via a pop-up in The Serve. Spice Alley, which will formally open at SkyCity early next year and will be serving an array of Indian favourites including a Fish Madras Curry and Bang Bang Chicken Salad.
New to The Serve this year is a Hot Dog Bar featuring a range of Mexican, Japanese and American Hot Dogs for all. The Pheonix Lighthouse Bar is back serving up a trio of Cocktails with a new exciting menu including a Black Mojito and the must try ‘Popeye’ – a tipple of American Whisky shaken with ginger, lemon and ginger ale.
The popular Heineken Bar returns this year with double the footprint, dubbed as the ‘Heineken House,’ a two-story exclusive VIP experience in the heart of the action. The renowned Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge is set to return to the ASB Classic this year alongside a new interactive bar in The Serve which will offer guests the chance to indulge in a fun Moët Mini and Popcorn offering. The Kapiti Store will also be returning with 15 different ice cream flavours available alongside some exciting activations from ASB and BMW.
