The kind folks at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic have been kind enough to give out four VIP tickets to the finals of this year’s tournament on Sun. Aug. 7th. I’ll pick two winner (2 tickets each) on Monday. Just let me know why you want to go in the comments.

Ed. Note: You still have time to enter to win Two Ticket to Jason Mraz and His Super Band w/ Colbie Caillat 9/24 at Merriweather.



Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if anyone knows when the tennis courts at UDC were closed to the public. I’ve taken a long break from tennis but went to play at the courts at UDC, which in the past were open to the public, on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and all of the other courts around there were full. The courts at UDC were empty and the sign said they were reserved for UDC faculty, students, employees and a tennis team. But there was no one on them. It seems like kind of a waste for a beautiful Sunday afternoon.”

Anyone know if the UDC courts are permanently closed to the public? I know there are some relatively nearby courts at 32nd St NW & Brandywine St NW that you can check out as well.
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Photo by flickr user love40mp

From a press release:

Tournament officials today announced a first-class player field  featuring several former champions and runners-up, with the release of the entry list for the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an ATP World Tour 500 event, including ten Top 30 players. The field is led by top-ranked American Mardy Fish, currently No.9 in the world, three-time Legg Mason Tennis Classic Champion Andy Roddick (2001, 2005 and 2007), No. 10 in the world,  Austria’s Jürgen  Melzer, No. 11 – making his first DC appearance – and world No. 12 Viktor Troicki, 2008 runner-up. David Nalbandian, who made a spectacular Legg Mason Tennis Classic debut last year, coming in as a Wild Card and leaving with the trophy, will return to defend his title, while Americans John Isner, 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic finalist and, James Blake, 2002 Champion and 2005 runner-up, Marcos Baghdatis, 2010 finalist and Lleyton Hewitt, 2004 Champion are also slated to return.

The annual tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th and Kennedy Streets, NW) in Rock Creek Park takes place July 30 through August 7, and marks the 18th straight year that Baltimore-based global asset management firm Legg Mason has been the title sponsor, the longest running tennis sponsorship in North America.



Photo by Flickr User Keith Allison

After winning 11 of 12 games and bringing the Nats to above .500, Manager Jim Riggleman abruptly resigns after a 24 ultimatum to take his option year passes. Just insane.

From MASN News:

General manager Mike Rizzo said that Riggleman was unhappy with the pace of his contract extension negotiations and told him that unless a deal was reached, he would resign after today’s game. The Nats beat the Mariners 1-0 to sweep their series, but Riggleman held fast to his ultimatum and Rizzo accepted his resignation postgame.



Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

“Dear PoPville,

I’m going to be participating in my first triathlon on June 19th. The swimming leg of the race is in the Potomac and I’ve heard that many participants buy or rent a wetsuit because the water is sort of cold and it also increases your buoyancy. I’m not a terrible swimmer, but I’m not amazing by any means. I’m reluctant to rent one because I don’t know if it’ll fit properly on the day of the race and I’ve already spent so much damn money on this race. So my question for your readers is: Do you think I’ll need a wetsuit for the Potomac in late June? And then beyond the wetsuit question: has anyone ever done the DC Tri before? Any tips to share with a first-timer?”


From an email:

I just wanted to give you a head’s up for this weekend’s big Champions League Final, featuring two of the most decorated franchises in European club football history! The final will be held live from Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 28 at 2:45 p.m. We’ve ( Touchdown DC 1334 U St, NW) decided to split our bar to accommodate both fan bases, with Manchester fans on the second floor and Barca supporters on the first floor! Should provide for a great atmosphere! $3 Bud, Bud Light, and Modelo Especial, along with a constant stream of pitchers and cheap eats!



Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

“Dear PoP,

DC was voted one of the top 10 friendliest cities for Runners. Now that the weather is nice the runners are out in full force! If you’re looking to get into shape this summer or want to find fellow runners there are some awesome local groups to help keep you motivated:

DC Road Runners Club, Georgetown Running Company:

The DC Road Runners Club’s training programs are your opportunity to successfully prepare for the fall distance race of your choice. Discover the motivation and camaraderie that can only be found in a training group while reaching your distance running goals! The Fall Ten-Miler & Half-Marathon Program starts on Saturday, July 9 at Georgetown Running Company, with an optional Jump Start program beginning Saturday, June 11. A full marathon program is also being offered. Click here for more info

Fleet Feet Running Store, Adams Morgan:

FLEET FEET Ladies Night Fun Run! Ladies will begin to gather at FLEET FEET at 6pm on Wednesdays and head out to run at 6:30 on a 3 – 5 miles course we will provide.

Fleet Feet also offers a variety of training programs- Click here for more info

Pacers Logan Circle:

Designed for runners seeking a supportive group atmosphere with scheduled meet ups, access to a cadre of coaches, and who want to have a little fun too, the Pacers Distance Training Program is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, or make a commitment to a goal event. Click here for More info

Potomac Runners (PR):

PR meets every Tuesday and Thursday night for a 5– 8 mile training run near the US Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, beginning at 6:30 PM. PR also offers a variety of training programs- Click here for more info”



Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

“Dear PoP,

Do you know of anywhere that will be showing the NFL Draft (preferably with sound) on Thursday night? I tried to do a little bit of online research, but to no avail. Thanks for any help you can give!”

Hmm, I’d guess every sportsbar in town. Lou’s in Columbia Heights, Touchdown on U Street, Ugly Mug on Barracks Row, Maddy’s in Dupont.

Are you guys gonna watch the NFL Draft? If you go out – where will you watch?


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