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Event Set for Nov 10-16 in Back Bay, Boston.

John Hancock Hall, Back Bay Boston

From the hallowed halls of Harvard to the iconic confines of world-renowned Boston Symphony Hall, U.S. Open Squash has had some very impressive homes. And this year is no exception. The prestigious tournament will move to the Back Bay Events Center and onto the stage of the comfortable, 1100-seat John Hancock Hall.  

Plans are also underway to increase the PSA-sanctioned men’s division of the Open to Super Series level, thereby ensuring a stellar field of competitors and “Top Ten” status on the men’s World Tour.  Qualifying and first rounds, as well as Junior tournament competition, will continue at Harvard’s world-class Murr Center’s squash facility.

According to Tournament Director and Chairman John Nimick the new venue opens up opportunities for the event.  “Boston is the fourth largest squash market in the USA and we can always count on tremendous popular support.  By moving the championship rounds of the Open to the Back Bay Events Center we anticipate having the best of both worlds; great attendance and excellent corporate sponsorship and hospitality opportunities,” says the veteran squash promoter.  He adds, “The facilities at the Back Bay Events Center are outstanding.  We can expand our seating dramatically and the social and hospitality areas are superb.  Moving the portable court onto the stage of the Hancock Hall gives us tremendous entertainment options.  We anticipate offering fans a top quality audio visual experience unlike anything they have ever experienced in Boston and wrapping the entire event in a host of musical and special experiences.”

Nimick, inducted into the United States Squash Racquets Association Hall of Fame in March of this year for his unwavering promotion of the sport through first-class competitions and his own impressive squash playing history, notes the combined professional draws will offer upwards of $100,000 in prize money, close to 30% more than the previous year.  He continues, “Thanks to Harvard’s court capacity and the Murr Center’s ability to host numerous qualifying and junior rounds, we are able to continue our grand-slam-like event, while giving the quarter, semi and final rounds a more theatrical feel at the Back Bay Events Center.”

The top 24 male squash players from around the globe are expected to compete for the prestigious U.S. Open Championship title, including the world-ranked top-ten. American Chris Gordon, currently world #90, is expected to compete in the Qualifying rounds, as will up to seven more American players.  

The women’s division will feature players ranked in the world’s top 30 including world #3 Natalie Grainger and potentially American stars Latasha Khan and Shabana Khan, as well as up-and-comers Lilly Lorentzen, Meredith Quick and Louisa Hall

Kevin Klipstein, USSRA CEO notes, "We are really pleased with the new set up for this tournament. John's drive to continually innovate and explore venues to present squash as showcase serve the sport well. We are determined to increase the stature of the US Open title and this shift is a major step in that direction."

The New England Junior Open is expected to attract more than 250 players under the age of 19 competing in 10 categories.  The New England Junior Open is sanctioned by the United States Squash Racquets Association (USSRA) and managed by the Massachusetts Squash Racquets Association Junior Committee in partnership with Event Engine, Inc.

The United States Open Squash Championship title is owned by the USSRA and licensed to Event Engine, Inc., which also produces the Tournament of Champions and Canadian Squash Classic.

Reserved seat tickets will go on sale in August. Information will be available by calling 877.524.5685 or visiting www.usopensquash.com

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