Sports

With 2013 U.S. Open Coming, Ardmore Initiative Takes the Initiative

The organization plans to take the fullest advantage of the exposure that comes with the Merion Golf Club tournament.

With the 2013 U.S. Open, and the media hordes and general brouhaha that come with it, set to descend on Ardmore in June 10, the Ardmore Initiative is poised to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities the event presents.

“Our businesses are really looking forward to the arrival of the players, workers, volunteers and visitors to the 2013 U.S. Open championship,” Ardmore Initiative executive director Christine Vilardo said.

Vilardo added that many local businesses are preparing for the surge. Restaurants are creating happy hour menu specials, while merchants have fashioned golf-themed window displays. In addition, the Ardmore Initiative has worked with the township to get the area ready to make its best impression.

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“New banners were installed, flowers planted, and general clean-ups have been organized to get our town show-ready,” said Vilardo, adding that her organization and the Ardmore Business Association have created promotional materials that will be distributed during the Open, and have also commissioned "Ardmore Ambassador" street teams to greet guests and alert them to all the area has to offer.

The Ardmore Initiative has also, with the assistance of Infiniti of Ardmore, established shuttle routes to funnel guests into downtown Ardmore. 

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“We took matters into our own hands and organized shuttles that will transport visitors, from approved drop-off and pick-up locations, to and from downtown Ardmore," Vilardo said. This is an important time for our community and we want our businesses to benefit, especially since the downtown district is located less than one mile away,” said Vilardo.


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