Watch Grand Central turned into a sports stadium: Stunning timelapse reveals hi-tech squash court constructed in iconic station
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It is usually packed with hurried commuters - but this amazing timelapse shows New York's Grand Central Station being transformed into a sporting arena.
It will this week host the world's best squash player, competing in the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions - held under the chandeliers of Vanderbilt Hall.
The hi-tech court even includes built in TV screens, and is free for visitors to watch as they pass by.
Scroll down for video of the court being built
The hi-tech court includes built in TV screens, and is free for visitors to watch as they pass by.
The J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions is held under the chandeliers of Vanderbilt Hall.
'We are looking forward to an exhilarating and intense week of competition here in New York,' said Tournament Chairman John Nimick.
'There is no venue better suited than the spectacular Grand Central Terminal to showcase that competition.'
Egyptian Mens World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy and Malaysia's Nicol David, the defending Women's champion who has been world #1 for eight consecutive years, lead the draw.
The Tournament of Champions has been a staple on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit since 1993 and is regularly watched by more than 200,000 spectators during its week-long occupancy of Grand Central's stunning Vanderbilt Hall.
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However, this year the court, sponsored by tech firm NetSuite, has received a hi-tech overhaul.
It now includes two 55' LED video monitors in the front wall and a 10' LED strip behind the tin.
The front wall monitors display revolving branding to cameras and the audience, and replays and Video Review to the players.
The LED tin displays moving images, daily match and lifestyle information and the event's corporate ID and details.
Now branded the NetSuite Challenge Court, the new portable all-glass court built by McWIL Squash will be used for the next five years at top level events including the NetSuite Open, the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York's Grand Central Terminal, Showdown in Boston and the KPMG Grand Slam Cup in Frankfurt.
Fans watch as Britain's Chris Simpson, left, play Cesar Salazar, of Mexico, during the Tournament of Champions squash tournament at Grand Central
This year to Grand Central tournament also doubled the prize money for women at the event to $118,000 to ensure prize money parity for participants in the male and female contests.
'Thanks to JP Morgan and their commitment to make the Tournament of Champions a worldwide leader in squash, we are thrilled to make this added commitment to the women's division for 2015 and to plan for prize money parity and draw size equality in 2016 and beyond,' said Nimick
The 2015 Men's purse will pay $150,000 to 32 main draw players, while the newly increased Women's purse will pay out to 20 players, ensuring parity on a round by round basis.
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