ATP 250 Returns to Singapore
Safe sport, world stage
On 21 January 2021, the ATP announced that the Singapore Tennis Open — an ATP 250 indoor hard-court event — would be held on a single-year licence from 22–28 February at the 3,000-seat OCBC Arena in the Singapore Sports Hub. Singapore had previously hosted an ATP tournament between 1989–1992 and 1996–1999.
With the event organised amidst a global pandemic, KIN was tasked as Lead Event Management Agency to develop and manage the competition venue build-up, provide games services, and ensure strict adherence to Singapore’s Covid-19 Safe Management Measures — all within approximately eight weeks.
Working closely with the organising committee and 15 appointed local agencies, KIN created an internationally televised sporting event in accordance with International Tennis Federation court standards. Beyond certified court surfaces, ITF-standard net posts, and programmed lighting, the venue had to be both visually vibrant on-site and constructed for quality broadcast — ensuring the experience for viewers at home would not be compromised.
Safe officiating was achieved by leveraging the Hawk-Eye tennis officiating system — the first and only ball-tracking technology to have passed stringent ITF testing measures. Live scoring solution Crionet, one of ATP’s preferred services, was set up to capture data from the umpire scoring system and Hawk-Eye, providing solid scoring and data-feed analysis.
Back-of-house facilities and a games services team were set up to provide operational and hospitality requirements for stakeholders, international delegates, athletes, officials, and vendors. Strict implementation of Safe Management Measures at the venue, as well as travel and movement protocols for players and officials, were maintained in line with prevailing government regulations.
The allowable on-site audience was limited to just 250 — yet KIN ensured the experience for all stakeholders, athletes, and officials was not compromised by the stringent Covid-19 measures. By identifying components that could go virtual, KIN reduced manpower and logistical costs while delivering the event safely.
