A wide assortment of squash enthusiasts from all over the world will converge on Bellevue for the 2015 Professional Squash Association Men’s World Championships.
The tournament, which will take place from Nov. 13 through Nov. 22 at the Bellevue Pro Sports Club and The Meydenbauer Convention Center, will have 112 competitors in attendance. Tournament director Shabana Khan said the qualifying rounds of the tournament will take place at the Bellevue Pro Sports Club and the main draw will be held at the Meydenbauer Center. Khan said she expects close to 1,000 spectators a day to be in attendance for the festivities.
“Over the eight-day period we expected anywhere between 7,000 to 8,000 fans. I’m really excited that people in this area are finally getting to see the sport. We are thankful to have this opportunity to showcase it,” Khan said. “Our biggest fan base right now is from Vancouver, Canada. They are great fans. This sport has a lot to offer and we’re hoping there is increased interest and hope it becomes more mainstream after this event and hope we get more people playing Squash.”
Khan said tickets are $500 for a weekly pass, $1500 for a VIP pass and daily tickets are $100 per person until the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals take place. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.worldsquashchamps2015.com. Although the price may sound expensive, Khan believes fans will get their money’s worth.
“If you think about it $100 for the day, but you’re getting to see 10 matches per day, which is a lot of squash,” Khan said.
Shabana’s brother Murad Khan, who is helping his sister with the event, said there will be an expo hall committed to helping attendees learn more about the sport of Squash throughout the tourney.
“We’re going to open up an expo hall to the public where there will be squash vendors and a live feed of the matches so people can get an idea for the sport. We’re trying to get as much interaction as we can,” he said.
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
