Memphis, TN – The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup announced today that Memphis has been awarded one of the ten spots in a new Tier of “500” events. Other cities among the winners are Dubai, Barcelona, Beijing, Tokyo and Washington, DC.

Beginning in 2009, the ATP, governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, will begin a new, global standard tier of premium tournaments. Memphis was in competition with international cities such as Moscow, Venice, Stuttgart, Munich and Los Angeles, none of which were granted a sanction. The “500” tournaments are designed to complement the nine “1000” events and the ATP World Tour Finals in London. In elevating Memphis (only 1 of 2 in the United States) to a “500” level, the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup will now be assured great players for many years to come.

The Honorable W. W. Herenton, Mayor, City of Memphis, stated that this is a “coup for Regions Morgan Keegan, The Racquet Club of Memphis, and the City of Memphis.”

Mac Winker, Owner and CEO of The Racquet Club of Memphis and the tennis tournaments, stated that Memphis is emerging as a critical global market, verified by the fact that there were 77 million media impressions in the two weeks following the finals of last February’s tournament. Mac Winker stated further that the ace in the hole to securing one of the highly coveted ten “500” spots was Allen Morgan, Chairman of Morgan Keegan Company, and Vice Chairman of Regions Financial Corporation. Allen Morgan and Regions Morgan Keegan “stepped up to the plate, believed in the upgrade, and pledged considerable, additional title sponsor financial support if Memphis was awarded the sanction.”

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is a great tournament affiliated with a wonderful cause, in the setting of The Racquet Club of Memphis. The dates for next year’s event are February 22 – March 2, 2008.

Tickets to the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup are on sale now by calling 901-765-4401. Order your tickets today to insure the best available seating.