Chicago Ping Pong Festival

The sport of Table Tennis takes center stage in Chicago this summer through a seven-week festival, August 3 to September 24, sponsored by the City of Chicago, USA Table Tennis, and Escalade® Sports.

"The Ping Pong® Festival will be a community celebration, a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors with the goal of bringing people together for sport and fun," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

More than 200 businesses and organizations will participate in the Festival. Tables will be installed at indoor and outdoor locations throughout the city, including The Field Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Public Library, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, Daley Center, Chicago Water Works Visitor’s Center, plaza and hotels.

"Ping Pong® is a dearly loved sport that everyone can play recreationally," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg. "With the participation of USA Table Tennis, Escalade Sports, local businesses, hospitality community, cultural institutions and community organizations, we will bring this nostalgic sport to life in Chicago."

The Chicago Park District will add tables at its field houses and increase the number of tables at the Senior Games, a series of events for senior athletes scheduled for September 21, 2000.

"We’d like to encourage senior athletes to come out and participate in the fun at our annual Senior Games," said David Doig, General Superintendent & CEO of the Chicago Park District. "We will add tables this year so more people can play."

Chicago Water Tower Works Visitors Center, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave., will host a public art exhibition showcasing creative and functional uses of Table Tennis tables.

As part of the Ping Pong® festival, exhibitions are being planned by professional table tennis players, including Scott Preiss, a former U.S. National Touring coach.

Chicago Ping Pong® Festival 2000 is coordinated by the Chicago Office of Tourism and sponsored by the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. For more information, contact the Chicago Office of Tourism at 312-744-2400, 312-744-2947 (TYY) or www.chicago.org.tourism.