2004 Killerspin US Open, 
  an ITTF Pro Tour Event
Chicago, IL • June 30 - July 4, 2004

Welcome to the 2004 Killerspin U.S. Open, which includes the ITTF Pro Tour. With $90,000 in prize money, many or most of the best players in the world are competing. USATT and Killerspin are working together to create a number of promotions and activities to enhance your experience.  We’ll publicize all of the opportunities. 

There are 56 events in this year’s U.S. Open, so there are events for everyone. This will give you a weekend of playing, spectating – and don’t forget, shopping at the equipment booths and nearby Navy Pier stores!

Navy Pier is one of the most beautiful locations ever for a major tournament. There are endless activities here, from a Ferris wheel and other rides to boat cruises and miniature golf. And don’t miss the fireworks displays scheduled at 9:30 PM on June 30, and July 3 and 4 (Wed, Sat & Sun)! There are also numerous places to dine – one of the best selections ever at a major USA tournament. For more info on Navy Pier activities, see www.navypier.com, or call them at (800) 595-PIER (7437).

Some players wonder what exactly is the relationship between USATT, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Killerspin, North American Table Tennis (NATT), and the sponsors. USATT is the organizing body for table tennis in the U.S., and is ultimately in charge of the Open. The ITTF Pro Tour is part of the ITTF’s professional circuit. NATT was hired by USATT to help run the U.S. Open. Killerspin is the title sponsor, and has a licensing and marketing agreement with USATT. Other sponsors include Butterfly/Martin-Kilpatrick, the official table sponsor; Nittaku/Paddle Palace, the official ball sponsor; and Table Tennis Pioneers, the official USATT Team clothing sponsor. A big thank you goes out to these sponsors for your generosity!  Thank you also to the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Downtown Marriott.

Special thanks goes to the volunteers and staff who work so hard to run the tournament. It takes a huge number of people and endless hours to put such an event together. Please take the time to browse the Staff & Sponsor listing elsewhere in this program and to thank the many volunteers for their contributions.

When the tournament’s over, or during the tournament if you have Internet access, you can browse the results and see the write-ups and photos that go online daily at the U.S. Open website, www.usatt.org/events/2004usopen.

We hope you have an enjoyable stay here in Chicago. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the USATT table (at registration) to talk to us or other USATT representatives. As always, we appreciate receiving any feedback that will help us to improve this event.