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The new movie, Battle of the Sexes, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell, tells the story of the infamous tennis match of the same name between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King.
Now, if you're not a big sports fan – or weren't around here back in 1973 – maybe you're unaware the match took place right here in Houston at the Astrodome.
It was significant because it pitted a man – the 55-year-old aging pro tennis player in Riggs – against a woman – the 29-year-old rising star in King. Winner of the match would take home $100,000, which King claimed with a victory in three sets.
It was a huge moment for women's equality, women in sport, women’s tennis, and for tennis in general. Millions watched it on ABC at a time when tennis matches weren't televised very often.
At the time, Dan Lovett was a sportscaster for KTRK Channel 13 here in Houston, and he was sent to cover the match. He was stationed on press row, right next to Frank Gifford and Howard Cosell, who were broadcasting the game nationally.
These days, Lovett is retired and living in Cypress. He shared a few of his memories of the event with Houston Matters producer Michael Hagerty. Lovett said the match at times seemed like more of a television spectacle than real sporting event.
