Tips for Attending the Western and Southern Open In Cincinnati

You don’t have to be a big tennis fan to enjoy a day at the Western and Southern Open.

I’m sharing more about what to expect and tips for how to make the most of your first time at the tennis tournament.

The Western & Southern Open is an annual event in the Midwest near Cincinnati, Ohio that gives you access to the world’s best tennis players.

The Western & Southern Open is also a great introduction to the 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 Western & Southern Open?

The Western & Southern Open is August 12-20, 2023

Fun Facts About The Western & Southern Open:

• The Western & Southern Open is the nation’s oldest professional tennis tournament played in its original city of origin.
• The W&S 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 Western & Southern Open App

Stay connected to the tournament with the Western & Southern 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 Western and Southern Tennis Tournament

The tournament has gone digital this year and will not be using paper tickets.

*Please note that screenshots of the ticket will NOT work.

The gates open at least one hour before the first match is scheduled to begin.

*Children over the age of 12 months require a ticket.

Ticket For the Western and Southern 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.

If you have 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.

*Save on money tickets to the Western and Southern Open with my reader discount here.

Plan Your Day Around the Tournament Schedule at the Western & Southern Open

There is a lot of activity going on during the tournament.

I would recommend looking over the schedule ahead of time so that you can allow enough time to transition to different courts and 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. What I really enjoy about the tournament is that you can bounce around and watch several matches on different size courts throughout your time there.

The venue site has a total of 16 courts. The matches may be played on up to eight of those courts depending on the day.

Watch the Serve Speeds

One of the things that make you appreciate the level of athletism, even more, is the serve speed clock. Be on the lookout for the speed clock in the courts with more seating.

Courtside Cafe Food Vendors at the Tennis Tournament

• Bro Brothers Coffee
• Chick N’ Dippin’
• Chicken Salad Chick
• E + O Kitchen
• Flipside
• Graeter’s
• Jugo Juice
• Kala Greek Grill
• Kim Crawford Wine Garden
• LaRosa’s Pizzeria
• Maestro Dobel Tequila
• Mazunte
• Moet Champagne Bar
• Philly Pretzel Company
• Prime Cincinnati
• Skyline Chili
• Sonder Brewing
• Street City Pub
• Veroni
• We Do BBQ

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 Top Deck has additional seating and bars for guests to enjoy.

An Aperol spritz with an Italian charcuterie by Veroni (on the Top Deck) is a great option if you want something light to snack on before or after a match.

The Top Deck is also a nice area to observe the activity on the grounds below.

Make sure that you stop by Graeter’s booth for incredible ice cream.

If you order any of the 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

There are several areas where you can relax and enjoy a drink at the venue.

You can bring your drink with you or relax at one of the bar areas.

• Kim Crawford Wine Garden – Wind down in the Wine Garden where you can try the very best from the vineyard of Kim Crawford surrounded by award-winning landscaping by LaMond Design. 
• Maestro Dobel Tequila – Located in the Top Deck, the official cocktail of the Western & Southern Open. 
• Moet Champagne Bar – Take time to treat yourself to the luxurious taste of Moet, the official Champagne of the Western & Southern Open. 
• Sonder Brewing – Located at the Top Deck, local brewery Sonder will serve up crisp and refreshing brews throughout the tournament.

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’re required to remove the label before entering the tournament due to sponsorship exclusivity.

You Can Refill Your Water Bottle

It’s really important to stay hydrated, especially on a hot and humid day. There are several water fountains with water bottle refill stations located throughout the complex, typically near the restrooms.

Test Your Skills at One of the Interactive Booths

There are several 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 to use.

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 that are 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 Western & Southern 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 or 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 are newer to the sport of tennis, these 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.

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 whole tournament you might want to 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.

The cost is $1,500 per parking space for the entire 9 days of the tournament. This includes all 16 sessions and all special events.

Unfortunately, Diamond lot passes for single sessions are currently not available.

What to Wear to the Western & Southern 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 if you want to keep your face out of the sun too. It can get really HOT in full sun while watching the matches.

If you are wearing a shorter dress be mindful that you will 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 Western & Southern 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 be able to 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 Western & Southern Open Located?

The Western & Southern Open is located at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason, OH 45040.

The venue is only 35 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.

Where to Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Western & Southern Open

I’ve been given a special discount for my readers to purchase tickets to the Western and Southern Open.

My readers can use my special promo link can be used to purchase discounted tickets to sessions 1-3, 5, and 11 at this year’s tournament.

Enter to Win 2 Tickets to the Western and Southern Open

Enter the giveaway below for two 2 tickets for Session 11 on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 7pm at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.

Looking for a Family-friendly Place to Stay Near the Western and Southern 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 Western and Southern Open

In the United States, the Western & Southern Open will be broadcast on the Tennis Channel.

Thanks again to Western & Southern Open for hosting our visit and providing giveaway tickets.