Ticket sales for the Cincinnati Open have reached an unprecedented level as the tournament commenced yesterday. According to reports, approximately 12,000 Center Court seats have been sold for 10 of the 16 sessions at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, a feat not previously achieved in the tournament’s history since its inception in 1899. Additionally, four sessions on the 5,000-seat Grandstand Court have also sold out, a first for the event. Cincinnati Open spokesman Pete Holtermann noted that although Center Court is sold out for the first 10 sessions from August 11 through August 16, there are still about 3,000 general admission tickets available. Last year’s attendance for the nine-day tournament was 194,340, just short of the record of 199,217 set in 2015, and while this year’s total may not exceed last year’s, it is expected to be on par as the event nears capacity.
In other updates, Cincinnati Open Tournament Director Bob Moran highlighted the enhancements aimed at improving players’ experiences. This year marked the beginning of a $260 million campus renovation project focused on fan upgrades, which is only a small part of the overall improvements. Starting in 2025, the Cincinnati Open will be among six ATP Masters 1000 tournaments to extend to 12-day events, with an anticipated economic impact of $152 million. Additionally, the singles draws will expand from 56 to 96 players next year.
Looking ahead, the Lindner Family Tennis Center will feature 31 tennis courts and six pickleball courts once renovations are complete in 2025. Tennis courts can be adapted for pickleball, and Warren County Commissioner Dave Young envisions the center becoming the Midwest’s hub for pickleball. Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Moran expressed a goal for the venue to be the premier destination for racket sports in the state.