The countdown for the Davis Cup is over.
The much-awaited tennis tournament kicks off Friday at the Metro Centre, and Halifax is geared up for the big weekend as Canada and Colombia go head-to-head Friday afternoon with the first singles match getting underway at 3 p.m.
Co-owner of Headstart Tennis, Jamie Power, is a volunteer driver for Team Columbia, and he’s getting a first-hand feel for the hype.
“We’re all excited about it,” he said. “I think the entire tennis community is extremely excited about having world-class tennis in Halifax.”
Power said being the host city for the Davis Cup is a big deal, not just for tennis fanatics, but for everyone in Halifax.
“It’s kind of a new feeling if you’ve been in the tennis community for a long time. It’s great to see a lot of people who aren’t necessarily involved in the tennis community very much excited about something that has to do with tennis.”
The Marriott Harbourfront’s Jessica Muzzerall said they’ve seen an influx in sales for this weekend as people trickle in for the tournament, and said she’s excited Halifax is playing host.
“Big events like this draw a great impact into Halifax, and great business and visibility for our beautiful city,” she said. “We are excited to be hosting the Davis Cup here in Halifax and cheer on Team Canada.”
Canada is ranked number eight in the Davis Cup, and Columbia comes in at number 26.