You don’t have to be a big tennis fan to enjoy a day at the Cincinnati Open, formerly named the Western and Southern Open.
I’m sharing more about what to expect and tips for making the most of your first time at the tennis tournament.
The Cincinnati Open is an annual event in the Midwest near Cincinnati, Ohio that gives you access to the world’s best tennis players.
The Cincinnati Open is also a great introduction for fans to the exciting sport of tennis.
During the Cincinnati tournament, there is a lot of freedom for guests to choose their own adventure ranging from watching tennis matches to guest experiences.
When is The Cincinnati Open?
The Cincinnati Open is August 11-19, 2024.
Fun Facts About The Cincinnati Open:
- The Cincinnati Open is the nation’s oldest professional tennis tournament, played in its original city of origin.
- The Cincinnati Open is one of five premier events in the world, outside Grand Slams where top ATP World Tour and WTA players compete during the same week at the same venue.
Download the Cincinnati Open App
Stay connected to the tournament with the Cincinnati Open free mobile app. This app is the place to find the latest news, draws, scores, and tournament info.
You can also access your tickets and find venue info from your phone.
Digital Tickets for the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament
The tournament has gone digital this year and does not use paper tickets.
*Please note that screenshots of the ticket will NOT work.
The gates open at least one hour before the first match starts.
*Children over the age of 12 months require a ticket.
The Tickets For the Cincinnati Open Are Separate Sessions (Daytime Or Evening)
No Day Session tickets AFTER 5pm, No Night Session tickets BEFORE 5pm
Grounds Passes are a great ticket option that gives you access to all of the public areas of the grounds except for the Center Court.
The other courts have open/non-assigned seating.
With a Center Court ticket, you automatically have access to the grounds.
You can choose from a single session, all-inclusive level, full series package, and mini package.
Plan Your Day Around the Tournament Schedule at the Cincinnati Open
There is a lot of activity going on during the tournament.
Check the schedule in advance to allow enough time to visit different courts and have time to grab a bite to eat.
Visit the Practice Courts
Make sure that you check the practice court schedule during your visit.
The practice courts are a great way to see your favorite players and big-name stars within close proximity.
One year we got to the practice court just as Serena Williams was finishing her warm-up, so pay attention to the schedules.
Visit Different Tennis Courts
There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of watching several tennis matches on different-sized courts during our session time.
The venue site has a total of 16 courts. Depending on the day, the matches may be played on up to eight courts.
Watch the Serve Speeds
The serve speed clock will remind you of the incredible athleticism you’re witnessing.
Look for the speed clock in the courts with larger seating.
Courtside Cafe Food Vendors at the Tennis Tournament
There are a variety of food vendors for tournament guests to choose from.
Check out the full dining list here.
The tournament is cashless but there are ATMs onsite.
We’ve previously enjoyed the loaded fries and classic gyros from Kala Greek Grill.
The Jack sliders and crab cake sliders from Prime Cincinnati were also REALLY good!
There is plenty of seating in the shade for guests while they dine with live music throughout the tournament.
The tent area at the Fan Zone is another great option for guests to take a break from the sun and enjoy a drink and a snack.
An Aperol spritz with an Italian charcuterie by Veroni is a great option if you want something light to snack on before or after a match from the Veroni Area of the Fan Zone.
Check the daily schedule for live music on the Fan Zone stage during the tournament.
Make sure that you stop by Graeter’s booth for incredible ice cream.
If you order any Graeter’s ice cream flavors with a “chip” in the name be prepared for GIANT chunks of chocolate.
Where to Enjoy a Drink at the Tennis Tournament
Most of the bars are within steps of the food court area and on the second floor of the stadium.
You can find the full list and locations here.
Enjoy your drink while watching a tennis match or relax at one of the bar areas while listening to live music.
Check the schedule for live entertainment for the full list while you drink and dine.
Can You Bring Water Into the Tournament?
Tournament spectators are allowed to bring 1 unopened see-through plastic bottle of water up to 33.5 ounces/ 1 liter.
If the bottle is not see-through it needs to be an EMPTY container that can hold up to 1 liter.
If your water bottle has a label other than the tournament sponsor brand, you must remove the label before entering the tournament due to sponsorship exclusivity.
You Can Refill Your Water Bottle
You’ll want to stay hydrated at the tournament, especially during a hot and humid day.
Water fountains with water bottle refill stations are located throughout the complex, typically near the restrooms.
Test Your Skills at One of the Interactive Booths
Interactive booths and guest experiences located throughout the grounds that are fun for all ages.
Many of the booths have games that are fun for kids.
We also noticed several areas to play table tennis and a mini tennis court for guests.
Shop Onsite at the Merchandise Tent
You can pick up tennis gear and attire at the Merchandise Tent by Tennis Point.
Fun Photo Ops
The venue has several areas great for selfies or taking a memorable picture.
You can share your photos on social media and tag @cincytennis.
Access to Your Favorite Tennis Players
One of the things that fans appreciate the most about the venue at the Cincinnati Open is that they get access to the players in closer proximity than the US Open in New York.
There are areas where you can watch player interviews, get autographs signed, and watch the players enter the venue.
Guests can bring one large tennis ball or one small can of three tennis balls per person.
Tennis Match Etiquette For Spectators at the Western & Southern Open
If you’re new to watching tennis, there are a few things you need to know.
- Spectators need to be quiet during a point. Tennis is unlike other sports and you don’t hear random cheers from the crowd mid-play.
- You can’t move around the stands whenever you feel like it. If you see a chain across an entry you need to wait until the attendant allows you to enter the venue. This is to help reduce distractions for the players on the court.
- Umbrellas are not permitted to be opened in the stands or viewing areas of any match or practice court, under any circumstances, except during a stoppage in play due to rain.
New Fan Movement This Year
Fans other than those directly behind the players can move to and from their seats during match play in the first five games of a set.
After the fifth game, fans in upper-level seats will continue to be able to move freely throughout the match.
Parking at the Linder Family Tennis Center
General parking is free and included in your ticket. Be prepared to park in the grass and walk if you arrive at a popular time.
Upgrade to Premium Parking
If you prefer a dedicated paved parking spot and plan on attending the entire tennis tournament, consider upgrading to the Diamond Lot.
Your dedicated parking spot is labeled with a plate sign with your name on it and it’s a short walk to the West or South Entrances.
What to Wear to the Cincinnati Open
You’ll see an assortment of styles throughout the tournament. If you are attending a day session it can get HOT.
Golf shirts, dri-fit/athletic-style clothing, shorts, and dresses all work.
Don’t forget a hat to keep your face out of the sun, too. It can get really HOT in full sun while watching the matches.
If you’re wearing a shorter dress be mindful that you’ll be traveling up and down bleachers.
I’ve previously worn a casual sleeveless dress with biker/boy shorts underneath to make the stairs less revealing when I walked up and down them.
My husband wore khaki shorts and a short-sleeve collared shirt. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and wear sunscreen too.
Bag Policy at the Cincinnati Open
Spectators are allowed to have tote bags, cinch bags, purses, and other single-compartment bags (12″ x 18″ x 15″) or smaller. The bag must fit on your lap or under your seat occupied.
Single-strap diaper bags are allowed if accompanied by a child.
No backpacks allowed – (multi-compartment bag with multiple shoulder straps)
Where is the Cincinnati Open Located?
The Cincinnati Open is at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason, OH 45040.
The venue is only 35 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
Looking for a Family-friendly Place to Stay Near the Cincinnati Open Venue?
Both of these lodging options are within 5 minutes of the venue.
- Great Wolf Lodge – 2501 Great Wolf Dr, Mason, OH
- Kings Island Camp Cedar – 5158 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH
Watch the Cincinnati Open
The Cincinnati Open will be broadcast on the Tennis Channel in the United States.
I hope it stays here too. It’s such a great local event.
My wife and I went the last two years and it was a blast! We love the freedom of being able to watch whatever we want once inside the grounds. Hoping it stays in Cinci next year!
Would love to take my wife to the tournament this week!!!!
Great post, very informative! Thank you for putting it together!
Would love to see tennis live—never have, and I’ve been watching since the ‘70s!
I love this event- it’s so great for the city and I like going to see this great players in action!
This tournament is such a great day date!
Love this event! My family and I love going to the kids day! The girls have so much fun on the court! My husband and I love going during the week for date night too!
So many great tips! Love this tennis tournament!
I have never been but have always wanted to check it out! So close to my house too.
I would love to go and take my Mom who absolutely loves tennis and knows all the players! Thanks for the chance!
I am so sad to see this Tennis Tournament leave Cincinnati. My husband and I go every year for our anniversary. Unfortunately, we didn’t get tickets this year. But the real reason? TIAFOE!!!!! VENUS!!!! So much too watch!!! Thank you!!! This was a great and super informative article!!!
I haven’t been to this tournament in years and my husband and I could really use a date night?
Tried calling the ticket phone number and got no answer. ” Call back later “. Called again and still no answer. Figured they must be sold out. Then in watching all the matches on tv I observe literally hundreds of empty seats. The only tickets I could find were on line at ticket master where resellers were asking absorbitant prices. W & S should find a better way of running their tournament. Staying at home and watching on my big screen.
One of my favorite events all year. Thanks for the wonderful post!!!