Swing City is Sweeping the Community

In only its second year, the Swing City Open has become a can't-miss event for local tennis players

When Phil Chase and his wife Alisa started Swing City two years ago, they had no idea their community tennis competitions would inspire and unify so many people. 

Now in its second year, the Swing City Open, presented by Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop, is drawing participants from all over Minnesota and into the Dakotas. 

“One of our goals at Swing City is to make tennis more community-driven, and to create opportunities for people to play against others that they've never played against before,” Chase said. 

Last year, the Swing City Open sold out five divisions and welcomed 70 players. With such positive feedback, Chase hopes to double the number of participants at this year’s tournament during the last weekend in April.

“We want amateur athletes to feel like professionals, so we set up the tournament to make it feel like it was something special that they came to,” Chase said. 

From swag bags to announcers to raffle giveaways, players are treated to a first-class experience. They’re also able to take part in a silent auction, thanks to support and donations from local businesses. Those businesses also play a huge part in Swing City’s ability to raise funds and support the community. 

“We really wanted to give back to the community,” Chase said. “We’re humbled to have raised a little over $2,500 last year to give directly to Eisenhower Elementary School, which is a Title 1 school. They used it to buy Spanish immersion books for their library.”

Fostering friendships and competition

Not only does the Swing City Open pride itself in cultivating a fun atmosphere, it’s also an opportunity for athletes to take their game to the next level.

“We did partner with United States Tennis Association in order to make this a qualifying event for national tournaments, which is very cool,” Chase said. 

Participants take part in a tournament-style bracket, and each individual or team will play a minimum of two matches. There are seven divisions this year, with winners taking home a cash prize. 

Chase encourages tennis fans and players alike to stop by Lifetime Fitness in St. Louis Park during the tournament, which will take place April 28–30.

“Anybody can come in for this tournament for free, and you don't have to be a Lifetime member to come watch,” Chase said. “Last year, I think we had 50 people there watching for one match. It was incredible.”

Though only in its second year, Chase can’t help but dream of the future of Swing City. He’s also grateful to have the support of the local tennis community.  

“We couldn't be happier to have Michael Lynne’s sponsor the Swing City Open,” Chase said. “If you attach Mike’s name to something in Minnesota, people know who he is. It’s a big deal.”

With the tournament open to anyone in the Northern Division of the USTA, Chase keeps hearing how excited players are to get to play against people they’ve never met. 

“Hopefully friendships spawn out of this,” Chase said. “Hopefully tennis in this section of the world gets even bigger. We're just trying to bring the tennis community together. That's one of our biggest things — it’s to unify the tennis community.”

For more information about Swing City, or to register for the Swing City Open by April 23, visit SwingCityRacketSports.com.