Increased Entertainment and Activities Await Fans at the 2023 Western & Southern Open
An elevated experience awaits fans at the 2023 Western & Southern Open, with new food and drink offerings, more entertainment, and a variety of activities around the grounds to complement the tournament’s world-class tennis action. The event runs Aug. 12-20, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, which has been beautified this year with one of the largest exhibitions of annual florals in the Midwest.
The Fan Zone
The tournament’s new Fan Zone will be the hub of activity for all visitors. They can collect autographs of WTA and ATP players at the Western & Southern Experience Booth and watch live performers and events every day on the new Fan Zone stage. Sunday through Thursday evenings fans can show off their dance moves at the silent disco, and Cincinnati DJs etrayn and JonJon will lead the fun on the second Friday and Saturday. Musical acts will take to the stage daily, headlined on Finals Sunday by Mason’s own star Michael Williams, who competed on The Voice and American Idol. Fans will get an inside look into players’ lives during Tennis Talks featuring today’s stars and Grand Slam legends Tracy Austin and Jim Courier. Tournament Director Todd Martin will also take to the stage to provide a unique perspective on the tournament’s match play. Click here for a full list of entertainment options throughout the tournament.
A new activity area in the Fan Zone will challenge families and tennis players alike with a serve speed challenge, virtual tennis game, and mini courts. Fans can lounge in Adirondack chairs while watching matches on the new 80-foot video wall, cool down with a drink at the Stella Artois Airstream, grab a bite from the We Do BBQ food truck or visit the Pepsi tent for Bubly tastings throughout the week. Also in the Fan Zone are several photo opportunities, including a large wall full of plush greenery with the “Cincy” moniker and Credit One Bank’s digital “Pose with the Pros” kiosk which gives fans the opportunity to get an up-close and personal selfie with their favorite stars.
Fans can also find the “Pose with the Pros” opportunity in the South Building breezeway alongside Credit One Bank’s Concierge Desk where attendees can upgrade their tickets to a more premium experience and begin planning their 2024 visit.
The Food Court
The fan-favorite motorola razr stage in the Food Court will feature live music each day of the tournament which fans can enjoy while having a drink at the Legends Bar. Nearby, visitors can watch live interviews with players at the Tennis Channel desk with hosts Prakash Amritraj and Dani Klupenger. Credit One Bank is the exclusive sponsor of Tennis Channel’s nationwide coverage of the Western & Southern Open from first ball to championship point.
Several Cincinnati favorites return to the Food Court and will be joined by new dining options. E+O Kitchen will serve up hand-rolled sushi and buddha bowls, fresh bakery items and handcrafted coffee will be available at Bru Brothers, and Graeter’s will be delivering refreshment one ice cream scoop at a time. Other dining options include Chick N’ Dippin’, Chicken Salad Chick, Flip Side, Jugo Juice, Kala Greek Grill, LaRosa’s Pizzeria, Mazunte, Philly Pretzel, Prime Cincinnati, Skyline Chili and Street City Pub. A list of all food and beverage options can be found here.
A number of bars throughout the tournament site will be serving up thirst-quenching drinks. At the Top Deck, fans can enjoy the signature tournament cocktail, the Ace Paloma, by Maestro Dobel Tequila, an Aperol Spritz paired with Italian charcuterie at the Veroni Lounge, or sip on a local craft beer from Sonder Brewing. There are multiple spots to toast to the summer fun with Moet & Chandon champagne, either at the Moet Champagne Deck or by upgrading your ticket to enjoy the new Sip & Serve Sundeck which overlooks the tennis action on Porsche Court. The Kim Crawford Wine Garden, which features occasional live acoustic performers, returns as a favorite spot to unwind and relax.
Tennis Action
Enhanced viewing experiences await attendees with expanded and improved seating on several courts. Court 4 seating has more than doubled to a capacity of 1,400, new seats replace the bleacher seating on Courts 5-9 and Court 11 boasts nearly 100 upgraded seats. These courts provide open seating for all fans. There is also a new way to watch practices, with a viewing platform nestled between Prasco Practice Courts 5 and 6 with a playlist of songs selected by the players on court accompanying their practice sessions.
The Western & Southern Open is not just for watching tennis, as it will include a number of events designed to encourage people to play the sport. Kicking things off on Aug. 12 is Kids Day presented by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which is open to all kids and their families. New this year are two Team USA camps for top 14 and under players from around the Midwest. The ACEing Autism and Buddy Up adaptive clinics return again this year on Finals Sunday.
Fans can shop on-site for branded clothes, accessories, and tennis gear to remember this year’s Western & Southern Open at the Merchandise Shop by Tennis Point featuring official apparel by Fila.
Fans should download the new W&S Open app prior to arrival to get their digital tickets for entry and to stay up to date on scores and entertainment. All transactions at the tournament will be cashless – reverse ATMs will be available on site to convert cash to cards, if needed.
