By Andrea Nay
If Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali were playing at their prime in your backyard, would you go out to watch? Of course.
If you tuned in for this morning’s French Open final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and wished you could see them live, I have good news: you can. Southwestern Ohio residents may have the opportunity to see Federer (arguably the best in history), Nadal (top-ranked today), and the rest of the world’s most elite tennis players when they descend on suburban Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open August 13-21. This year, for the first time, the men’s and women’s events will be contested concurrently, just like a Grand Slam format. The event is as spectator friendly as it gets.
The Venue
The Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason was already one of the prime tennis venues in the world, but it took another step toward major status in 2010 with $10 million in facility improvements. After adding seating and upgrading hospitality boxes, Cincy Tennis built a shiny new media center, improved its player dining facility, and expanded locker rooms. Six new outer courts and a 10,000 square-foot entry plaza will be ready when the 2011 event kicks off.
On-court temperatures often top 110 degrees, but fans find spots to chill around the venue. Park benches in shady areas, grandstand seats under awnings, and an air-conditioned merchandise shop are all popular choices. The international food court also draws a crowd with its tents, full bar, and televisions. Cincinnati’s infamous Skyline Chili serves up its trademark 5-Way, but my Best Dining Option award goes to Mason-based Relish Modern Tapasfor their filet mignon wrap with goat cheese and wasabi sour cream accompanied by homemade sweet potato chips. Not your average ballpark fare.
The Players
The fusion food, mixed drinks, and improvements to the grounds are enticing, but as most fans can attest, the on-court action is most impressive. Kim Clijsters, Roger Federer, and the Bryan Brothers took home the 2010 titles. Fans attending in 2011 may see the men’s second-ranked Novak Djokovic, fresh off a 41-match winning streak, or 2011 French Open Women’s Champion Na Li, the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam. If you’re looking for the most photogenic players, don’t miss Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez, Maria Sharapova, and Maria Kirilenko. Tennis is beautiful, no?
Top Tip
Pay attention to the practice courts surrounding the venue. Most players practice at least once if not twice per day, including days they’re scheduled for matches, and the practice sessions are free with first-come, first-served seating for all ticketholders. Check with the information booth for times and court assignments, and be sure to find a seat well before the household names are slated to arrive. Side courts offer a more intimate experience than the larger show courts, meaning fans have an opportunity to get within feet of their favorite players. Most of the athletes are willing to sign autographs after they practice.
Ticket Options
Single Session ticket options range from $10 for qualifying rounds to $75 for a combined ticket to the men’s and women’s finals on August 21. Mini-plans, full series plans, and hospitality packages are also available. All tickets include free on-site parking.
Get Involved
Another way to get up close and personal with the event is to participate as a National Anthem singer, ball kid, or volunteer. Skyline Chili will present a Casting Call on June 24 with singing auditions for kids age 7-12. Children ages 12 and over may apply for ballperson roles by attending try out sessions on June 11 and 12. Volunteer Registration for adults is also open.
As you make your way to the courts, don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face at a traffic light in Mason. Federer says coming to Cincinnati “kind of relaxes you. It’s less stressful. I drive my own car here, go to coffee shops, go hang out, read some books, spend time with friends, go to the movies. You know, it’s just a bit of a different, how do you say, feeling here.”
