Madrid, 14 May 2009 – Madrid’s new world-class tennis venue, the Magic Box, has this week opened its doors to the world’s leading tennis stars and crowds of fans as it hosts the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open.

The Magic Box has been described as one of the most significant buildings in worldwide sports architecture and is a shining example of Madrid’s Olympic project and bid to host the Games in 2016.

Madrid has invested significantly in the state-of-the-art complex which comprises of three main courts with retractable roofs and combined seating capacity for 20,000 spectators. In addition the Magic Box is made up of 16 outdoor courts, five indoor courts, six training courts, indoor pool and Club House.

Commenting on the success of the Magic Box and its importance to the 2016 Olympic bid, Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón said: “As part of Madrid’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2016, the Magic Box is one of the best examples of the social inheritance and legacy that the Games will bring to the capital.”

The venue is also an example of Madrid’s commitment to hosting a ‘Green Games’, using a renewable solar energy system with the lake and gardens supplied with recycled water. 12,000 trees will also be planted to complete the complex.

Last week, during the IOC Evaluation Commission visit to Madrid, the 2016 bid team highlighted the city’s wealth of experience in hosting international events as well as its advantage of having 77% of necessary sport facilities already completed. This week, the Madrid Open at the Magic Box demonstrates both these strengths.

Following a visit to this and other proposed Olympic venues last week, Nawal El Moutawakel, chair of the Evaluation Commission commented on the “magnificent” venues Madrid has to offer.

Currently competing in the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open, World Number One Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal showed his support for the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid when he met with members of the Commission at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

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For further information please call Malcolm Munro on + 44 7795013006

www.madrid2016.es