SMT Redefines Spectator Engagement with Technology at Credit One Charleston Open

SMT announces its continued partnership with the Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America. With nearly four decades of experience, SMT remains at the forefront of innovation, enhancing the fan experience with state-of-the-art technology and services.

This year’s Credit One Charleston Open is the tournament’s most tech-forward event yet, with a new level of fan engagement, courtesy of SMT’s comprehensive suite of services. Beginning on March 30 and concluding April 7, an array of SMT products and services will keep spectators, sponsors, media and players fully immersed in the festivities, which reach beyond world-class tennis to extend to elevated on-site entertainment, upscale food and beverage options and interactive activations.

SMT’s dedication to quality is apparent in its range of offerings, from the tournament-focused graphic design to scoring and admin services, selfie kiosks, LED displays and production, Serve Speed and Serve Clock systems, and more.

“We are honored to extend our partnership with the Credit One Charleston Open, leveraging our bespoke technology and services to elevate every facet of the tournament,” says Angela Garcia, SMT Business Development Manager. “At SMT, our team is dedicated to crafting an immersive and engaging experience for fans, players and sponsors alike, ensuring the Credit One Charleston Open remains a pinnacle event in the professional tennis calendar.”

Among the innovations for 2024 are fan-oriented solutions, including:

THE CIRCLE LED DISPLAY: Positioned on the Grand Lawn, the Circle offers patrons live tournament video, promotional opportunities, sponsor images and animations via live feeds and ticker halo features. Spanning 14.5 feet in diameter, this seamless 360-degree display offers ample viewing space for fans relaxing with refreshments.

THE DECK LED DISPLAY: Nestled in The Oaks, this 11.5-by-6.5-foot display showcases live tournament action, entertainment introductions, interview sessions, and sponsor images, enhancing the upscale dining and lounging experience.

INFORMATION TOWERS: Strategically located at Althea Gibson Club Court, COCO Row and Entrance Plaza, these 8-foot tall, tri-panel towers keep fans abreast of scheduling, matches in progress, results and real-time scores.

INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS: Housed at The Charleston Place, these interactive kiosks provide fans with scores, player stats, schedules, event maps and more, ensuring an immersive and informative experience. 

Complementing these advancements are SMT’s regular offerings, including video display services; scoring services; data distribution; scheduling and draw services; and CCTV services with various channels such as Match Information System, Live Tournament View, Draw Background and Practice Courts.

A standout feature of this year’s tournament is the Selfie with the Stars experience, sponsored by Credit One Bank. Fans can interact with digital images of their favorite players and capture memorable moments at selfie kiosks throughout the venue.

“SMT is continually setting new benchmarks in technology for the Credit One Charleston Open,” says Bob Moran, Tournament Director at Credit One Charleston Open. “With SMT’s cutting-edge solutions, we’re delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike, spotlighting the pinnacle of women’s tennis on a global platform. SMT’s steadfast dedication to excellence perfectly resonates with our mission of ensuring our 90,000 fans remain engaged and entertained throughout the entire week.”

This week’s Credit One Charleston Open is its most prestigious tournament yet, featuring five top 10 players, six past champions and four Grand Slam singles winners, with names like No.2 seed and defending champion Ons Jabeur, Miami Open champion Danielle Collins, No.3 seed Maria Sakkari, and former world No.1 and 2018 Australian Open champion, Caroline Wozniacki.