Tips for Attending the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament

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 provides fans access to the world’s best tennis players.

The Cincinnati Open is also a great introduction to the exciting sport of tennis.

There’s a lot of freedom for guests to choose their own adventure during the Cincinnati tournament, ranging from watching tennis matches to interactive guest experiences.

When is The Cincinnati Open?

The Cincinnati Open is August 5-18, 2025.

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.
• There are 31 courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, 9 of those are match courts and 3 of those courts are televised.

Download the Cincinnati Open App

Stay connected to the tournament with the Cincinnati Open free mobile app. This app is where you’ll 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 tickets are digital, and they don’t 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 for fans with access to all 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 purchase tickets for a single session, a suite, a full series package, or a 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 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.

Years ago, we arrived at 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 on-site.

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 available for guests while they dine, in addition to 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 for a light snack 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 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 per person.

If the bottle is not see-through, it must 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 are located throughout the grounds, 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.

There are also plenty of areas where you can relax and watch a match on a big screen.

Shop Onsite at the Merchandise Tent

You can pick up tennis gear and attire at the Merchandise Tent.

The shop has been transformed to resemble a retail store for a better shopper experience.

Fun Photo Ops at the Cincinnati Open

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 at the US Open in New York.

There are areas where you can watch player interviews, get autographs signed, and watch as the players enter the venue.

Guests can bring one large tennis ball or one small can of three tennis balls per person.

Large tennis balls are also available for purchase in the shop.

Tennis Match Etiquette For Spectators at the Cincinnati Open

If you’re new to watching tennis, there are a few things you need to know.

• Spectators must be quiet during a point. Tennis is unlike other sports, and you don’t hear random cheers from the crowd mid-play. (Don’t forget to silence your cell phone)
• You can’t move around the stands whenever you like. If you see a chain across an entry, you must 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

Consider upgrading to the Diamond Lot, if you prefer a dedicated paved parking spot and plan on attending the entire tennis tournament,

Your dedicated parking spot is labeled with a plate sign with your name, 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 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 while 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.

Looking for More Things to Do Around Cincinnati?

• The Best Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do Around Cincinnati
• Fun Things to Do in Cincinnati on a Budget
• Fun Waterparks, Lakes, Splash Pads, and Pools Near Cincinnati