NYC to Transform into Paris for ROLAND-GARROS IN THE CITY This June

The Big Apple will become the City of Light this June when "Roland-Garros in the City" arrives in time for the famEd French Open finals, June 9 - 11.

Created by the French Tennis Federation (Federation Française de Tennis - FFT), organizers of the world's premier clay court event, Roland-Garros (known as The French Open), in partnership with the Swiss watch brand, Longines, and Lacoste, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to experience the feel of Paris at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza in Lower Manhattan's Battery Park City.

"Roland-Garros in the City" will capture the excitement and magic of the French Open with the live transmission of the matches of the men and women semi-finals and finals on a big screen in the Plaza, free for all to watch. A real, full size red clay court in the tradition of Roland-Garros will be the focal point, providing free classes and recreation for the general public.

Event hours are Friday, June 9th 11am - 7pm (semi-finals); Saturday, June 10th: 9am - 6pm (Women's Finals); Sunday, June 11th: 9am - 5pm (Men's Finals). Roland-Garros matches will be shown on the giant screen at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza daily from 9am-6pm, starting on Monday, June 5th. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/roland-garros-in-the-city-registration-34240966653.

In the lead-up to "Roland-Garros in the City," two French food trucks will travel around the city from June 3 - 8, offering delicious, free ice cream, information about the event and an opportunity to watch the matches. The waterfront space will feature an historic gallery depicting images and the stories behind the classic Roland-Garros posters - created by some of the world's most famous artists including Joan Miro and New York-based artist Viz Muniz, 2017 Roland Garros poster artist - and an interactive replica of the famous Bridge of Locks along the Seine will encourage lovers to lock their love in metal throughout the event.

Other activities include Longines' "Smash Corner" at which you can test the speed of your serve, Lacoste Boutique, photo activation and a Kid Zone, among other activities. A complete list of activities will be available soon.

Both committed sports fans and the general public alike have come to love Roland-Garros. Some 455 621 spectators flocked to the highly prestigious French Open in 2016, and the tournament was also broadcast on over 220 territories across the world, making it an event of truly global significance. Roland-Garros is run by the French Tennis Federation and held every year at the Porte d'Auteuil in Paris. It is the only Grand Slam to be played on clay - one of the oldest and most noble surfaces in the history of tennis.

Based in St. Imier, Switzerland, since 1832, the watch producer Longines boasts a know-how forged out of tradition, elegance and performance. With its long experience as a timekeeper for world championships and the partner of various international sports federations, Longines has, over the years, established close and lasting links with the world of sport. Renowned for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of horological products. With its famous winged hourglass logo, Longines has outlets in over 150 countries.

For LACOSTE, Life is a Beautiful Sport! Since the very first polo was created in 1933, LACOSTE relies on its authentic sportive roots to spring optimism and elegance on the world thanks to a unique and original lifestyle for women, men and children. With a vision to be the leading player in the premium casual wear market, the Crocodile brand is today present in 120 countries through a selective distribution network. Two LACOSTE items are sold every second in the world. As an international group gathering 10,000 women and men, LACOSTE offers a complete range of products: apparel, leather goods, fragrances, footwear, eyewear, home wear, watches and underwear, all of them being elaborated in the most qualitative, responsible and ethical way. In 2016, the brand garnered a turnover of more than 2 billion euros. For more information: Visit www.lacoste.com.