TheSportsCampus

The Family Circle Cup will expand its singles qualifying tournament from its current 32-player draw to a 48-player draw during the 2012 tournament. Qualifying matches will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, throughout the Family Circle Tennis Center. Marking the tournament's 40th year, the Family Circle Cup will be held March 31 – April 8, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, S.C.

"Our opening weekend will be an unbelievable value for spectators looking to enjoy world class talent. Family Circle Cup fans are very knowledgeable and appreciate the high level of play on display during our opening weekend." said Bob Moran, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director.

The expanded qualifying draw will result in an increase of total qualifiers advancing to the main draw, from eight to twelve, as well as an increase in total tournament prize money, from $711,000 to $749,160. Two additional qualifying wild cards will also be generated by this expansion, which have traditionally been granted to young Americans who greatly benefit from participation in this WTA Premier Event.

The Family Circle Tennis Center, home of the Family Circle Cup and World TeamTennis Finals Weekend, is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that also hosts a variety of additional events including concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other activities throughout the year. The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, Pro Shop, and a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage. Charleston, South Carolina was named was named the "No. 1 tourist destination in America" in the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards, and Charleston was also voted the "Best Tennis Town in America" in a 2010 USTA contest.