Cincinnati Open

Center Court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, host of the Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Open, officially known as the Western & Southern Open, is one of the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams. Held annually at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, USA, it is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, making it a crucial stop for the world’s top players in the lead-up to the US Open.

Each August, this tournament draws elite talent and passionate fans to the greater Cincinnati area, offering a week of intense competition, thrilling matches, and a vibrant atmosphere. This guide provides essential information for understanding the Cincinnati Open, how to experience its unique spectacle, and tips for planning your visit.

History of the Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Open holds a unique place in tennis history as the oldest professional tennis tournament in the United States still played in its original city, dating back to 1899. Initially known as the Cincinnati Open and later the Tri-State Tennis Tournament, it has evolved significantly over more than a century.

The tournament moved to its current, purpose-built home at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, in 1979. This relocation was a pivotal moment, as organizers sought a permanent venue free from the perennial Ohio River flooding that affected previous sites. The move also coincided with a change from clay to hard courts, aligning it with the US Open and cementing its role as a key preparation event.

Since 1979, the Lindner Family Tennis Center has undergone continuous expansion and modernization, transforming into a state-of-the-art facility. It is notably one of only a few tennis venues globally (outside of the four Grand Slams) to feature four permanent stadium courts, allowing for multiple high-profile matches to be played simultaneously. This commitment to infrastructure has been key to the tournament’s growth and its ability to consistently attract the world’s top players. The center is named in tribute to the family of the late Cincinnati financier and former tournament sponsor, Carl Lindner, Jr.

Venue Highlights: Lindner Family Tennis Center

The Lindner Family Tennis Center is designed to provide an exceptional experience for both players and fans, featuring world-class courts and amenities:

  • Center Court: The main stadium, with a seating capacity of 11,614, is the heart of the action. It hosts the most anticipated matches, including the men’s and women’s singles finals, offering excellent sightlines.
  • Grandstand Court (Court 2): The second-largest stadium, seating 5,000, provides an intimate atmosphere for high-profile matches.
  • Court 3: With a capacity of 4,000, this stadium court offers another fantastic opportunity to watch top-tier competition.
  • Court 10: Seating 2,000, this court allows fans to get closer to the action and witness competitive matches.
  • Outside Courts: The facility boasts 27 additional courts, many with spectator seating, providing ample opportunities for ground pass holders to catch a wide array of matches throughout the day.
  • Practice Courts: Numerous practice courts allow fans to observe their favorite players warming up and training in a more relaxed setting.
  • Paul M. Flory Player Center (West Building): A modern, expansive facility offering extensive amenities for players, media, and fans, including dining areas and luxury suites.
  • Fan Zones & Amenities: The grounds feature diverse food and beverage options, official merchandise shops, interactive fan experiences, and shaded areas, ensuring comfort during the August summer.
  • Accessibility: The venue is committed to providing comprehensive accessibility services for all visitors.

Key Information

Official Name: Western & Southern Open (commonly known as the Cincinnati Open)
Location: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio, USA
Dates: Annually in August (typically the week before the US Open, exact dates confirmed closer to the event)
Tournament Level: ATP Masters 1000 (Men’s Tour) and WTA 1000 (Women’s Tour)
Playing Surface: Outdoor Hard Courts (DecoTurf)
Draw Size: 56 (Men’s & Women’s Singles), 28 (Men’s & Women’s Doubles)
Prize Money: In 2024, the total prize money for the ATP tournament was over $6.79 million, with the men’s singles winner receiving $1,049,460. The WTA tournament offered over $3.21 million in total prize money, with the women’s singles champion earning $523,485.

How to Experience the Cincinnati Open

Attending the Cincinnati Open offers a fantastic opportunity to see world-class tennis up close in a vibrant setting.

  • Attending Matches:
    • Reserved Seating: Tickets for Center Court, Grandstand Court, and Court 3 provide reserved seats for specific day or night sessions.
    • Grounds Passes: These are highly popular, offering access to all outside courts (where many exciting matches take place), practice courts, and all general admission areas, including the fan zones, food courts, and entertainment stages. They provide excellent value for a full day of tennis immersion.
    • Day vs. Night Sessions: The tournament offers distinct day and night sessions, each with its own atmosphere. Night sessions often feature prime matches under the lights.
  • Watching Practice Sessions: Take advantage of the numerous practice courts to see players up close as they prepare for their matches. This is a unique opportunity often missed by those who only focus on stadium matches.
  • Fan Activities & Entertainment: Beyond the courts, the Cincinnati Open offers a lively off-court experience. Explore the various fan zones with giant screens showing live matches, enjoy diverse culinary offerings, browse official merchandise, and participate in sponsor activations and interactive games. Live music and entertainment often add to the festival-like atmosphere.
  • Explore the Grounds: The Lindner Family Tennis Center is a beautifully maintained facility. Take time to walk around, discover different viewing spots, and soak in the energy of the tournament.

Ticketing Information for the Cincinnati Open

Securing tickets for the Western & Southern Open can be competitive, especially for the later stages and popular sessions. Tickets are typically sold in various formats to cater to different preferences.

How to Purchase Tickets:

  • Official Tournament Website (Ticketmaster): The primary and most recommended way to purchase tickets is directly through the official Western & Southern Open website, which utilizes Ticketmaster as its official ticketing platform.
    • Full Series Packages: Offer access to all sessions of the tournament.
    • Mini-Plans: Provide access to a selection of sessions (e.g., specific days or combinations of day/night sessions).
    • Single Session Tickets: Available for individual day or night sessions on Center Court, Grandstand Court, and Court 3.
    • Grounds Passes: Provide access to all outside courts and general admission areas.
  • Premium Seating & Hospitality: Various premium seating options and hospitality packages are available for an elevated experience, including luxury suites, club access, and exclusive dining. These can be purchased directly through the tournament’s premium sales team or official partners.
  • Authorized Resale Platforms: If official tickets are sold out, check authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan Resale or reputable secondary market sites. Be cautious of unofficial sellers.

Important Ticketing Considerations:

  • Sales Timeline: Tickets typically go on sale in stages, often starting with full series packages and mini-plans in the fall/winter, followed by single-session tickets in the spring. Register for email alerts on the official tournament website for timely notifications.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Ticket prices can vary based on the session (day/night), day of the tournament, court, and demand. Finals weekend and evening sessions tend to be the most expensive.
  • Children’s Tickets: Check the official website for specific policies regarding children’s tickets and entry.
  • Mobile Tickets: The tournament primarily uses mobile ticketing for entry. Ensure you have your tickets loaded onto your mobile device before arriving.

Getting to the Cincinnati Open

The Lindner Family Tennis Center is located in Mason, Ohio, a suburb north of Cincinnati. While limited public transport options from downtown Cincinnati exist, driving is the most common way to reach the venue.

1. By Air:

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): This is the closest major airport, located approximately 40-50 minutes south of Mason.
    • Ground Transportation: Taxis, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), and rental cars are readily available at CVG.
  • Dayton International Airport (DAY): Located approximately 45-55 minutes north of Mason, serving fewer airlines but can be an alternative.

2. By Public Transport (from Cincinnati):

While Mason itself has limited public transport, there is a bus service connecting from downtown Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati Metro (SORTA): The 71X Kings Island Express bus route runs from downtown Cincinnati (e.g., 4th St & Walnut St) to the Kings Island Park & Ride, which is approximately a 25-30 minute walk (1.35 miles) from the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The bus ride takes approximately 60 minutes.
    • Note: This bus service is primarily designed for Kings Island Amusement Park visitors and may have limited frequency, especially outside peak amusement park season or during the tournament. Always check the latest schedules on the Public Transit Cincinnati (Moovit) app or SORTA website.

3. By Car & Parking:

Driving is the most common method of transport for attendees.

  • Address: Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason, OH 45040.
  • Directions:
    • From I-71 North: Take Exit 24 (Western Row Rd.). Turn left onto Western Row Rd., then right onto Tournament Rd.
    • From I-71 South: Take Exit 25 (S.R. 741). Turn right onto S.R. 741, then left onto Courseview Dr., and left onto Paul Flory Way.
    • From I-75 North: Take Exit 22 (Tylersville Rd.). Turn right onto Tylersville Rd., which becomes Western Row Rd., then left onto Tournament Rd.
    • From I-75 South: Take Exit 29 (OH-63 East). Turn right onto S.R. 741, continue left onto S.R. 741, then right onto Courseview Dr., and left onto Paul Flory Way.
  • Parking: The tournament offers various parking lots (e.g., East Lot, North Lot, Diamond Lot). Parking passes are often available for daily purchase or as part of multi-day/full series packages. It is highly recommended to pre-purchase parking passes online through the official tournament website’s parking page, as on-site parking can be limited and more expensive. Follow signage and attendant directions upon arrival.

Important Travel Notes:

  • Traffic: Expect significant traffic delays, especially during peak arrival and departure times around the tournament.
  • Rideshare/Taxi: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are available for rideshare services and taxis.
  • Walking: Be prepared for walking, as some parking lots may require a walk to the entry gates.

Where to Stay for the Cincinnati Open

Mason and the greater Cincinnati area offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets.

1. Hotels in Mason/Kings Island Area (Closest & Most Convenient):

Staying in Mason provides the most convenient access to the Lindner Family Tennis Center, often within a short drive. This area also offers proximity to Kings Island Amusement Park.

2. Hotels in Northern Cincinnati Suburbs (e.g., West Chester, Blue Ash, Sharonville):

These areas are a short drive (15-25 minutes) from Mason and offer more extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

3. Hotels in Downtown Cincinnati:

For those who wish to combine the tennis with urban exploration, staying in downtown Cincinnati offers a vibrant city experience, though it requires a longer commute (approx. 40-50 minutes) to the venue.

  • Pros: Access to major attractions, diverse culinary scene, nightlife, and cultural institutions.
  • Examples: Numerous upscale and boutique hotels, including The Cincinnatian Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, and various Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt properties.

Booking Tips:

  • Book Well in Advance: Accommodation in the Mason/Cincinnati area, especially during the Western & Southern Open, can book up quickly and prices may increase significantly.
  • Consider Location vs. Price: Decide whether proximity to the venue is your top priority or if you prefer a wider range of amenities and are willing to commute.
  • Check Reviews: Use reputable booking sites to compare options and read recent guest reviews before booking.
  • Flexibility: Look for hotels with flexible cancellation policies if your plans are not yet firm.
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Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the Cincinnati Open

Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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