Rotterdam Open - Sports Tourist

The Rotterdam Open (officially known as the ABN AMRO Open for sponsorship reasons) is one of the most prestigious indoor tennis tournaments on the ATP calendar. As a premier ATP 500 event, it serves as a critical early-season stop for the world’s elite players, blending high-stakes professional sports with a vibrant, fan-focused festival atmosphere. Held annually since 1974, it is celebrated for its innovation, legacy, and the “Wall of Fame” that features some of the greatest names in tennis history.

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📅 When is the Rotterdam Open?

The tournament typically takes place over nine days in mid-February. This winter slot makes it the centerpiece of the European indoor season, often serving as the first major indoor test for players following the Australian Open.

📍 Where is the Rotterdam Open?

The event is held at the Netherlands’ premier multi-purpose indoor arena:

Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy

Location: Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, Netherlands

🏟️ About Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is a world-class complex designed to create an immersive “tennis village” experience. The venue is comprised of several distinct areas:

Centre Court (Ahoy Arena): The main stage where the top-seeded matches occur under spectacular lighting. It has a capacity of approximately 10,000 and is famous for its intimate, theatre-like atmosphere despite its size.
Court 1: A secondary match court that allows fans to get closer to the intensity of professional play in a more compact setting.
Shops & Bites: A dedicated hall featuring sports clinics, player meet-and-greets, luxury shopping, and high-end dining options. This area serves as the social heart of the tournament.

Rotterdam Ahoy

🎾 Tournament Format & Featured Events

The Rotterdam Open is unique because it integrates several world-class competitions into a single week:

ATP Singles: A 32-player draw featuring many of the world’s Top 10 stars.
ATP Doubles: A high-speed, 16-team knockout bracket.
Wheelchair Tennis: Under the direction of legend Esther Vergeer, the tournament hosts a major wheelchair event (singles and doubles) integrated into the main schedule—the largest indoor tournament of its kind in Europe.

Notable Past Champions

The tournament has a storied history of elite winners:

Legends: Arthur Ashe, Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker.
Modern Era: Roger Federer (record 3 titles), Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Gaël Monfils, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner.

🎟️ Tickets and Sessions to Rotterdam Open

Securing your spot at the ABN AMRO Open requires advance planning, as the final sessions typically sell out months in advance. Tickets generally go on sale in late summer or early autumn (September/October) for the following February.

Official Ticket Route: All official tickets are sold through the tournament’s official website via Ticketmaster. Fans are strongly advised to avoid unofficial resellers to ensure ticket validity.
Daily Session Breakdown:
- Day Sessions: Typically start at 11:00 AM (Monday–Friday) or 1:00 PM (Saturday). These are ideal for seeing the bulk of the field and enjoying the “Shops & Bites” atmosphere.
- Evening Sessions: Typically start at 7:30 PM. These “Prime Time” sessions often feature the tournament’s top-seeded marquee players under the lights of Centre Court.
- Finals Sunday: The schedule shifts for the championship, with the Doubles Final usually at 1:00 PM and the Singles Final at 3:30 PM.
Passe-Partout & Multi-Day Access: For the ultimate enthusiast, “Passe-Partout” passes provide access to every single session of the week. “Weekend Packages” are also available for those who only wish to see the Semi-Finals and Finals.
Theme Days: Each day offers a unique cultural or sporting focus:
- Sunday Funday: Kick off the tournament with an action-packed day! Watch the qualification finals, enjoy interactive games at the Sports Plaza, grab autographs at the Break Point Podium, and watch top players train on Centre Court from 12:00 to 16:00.
- Trendy Tuesday: Focused on fashion and food. Explore the PassaTennis Shopping Street and Fashion Show. The highlight is the Food Truck Safari, where you can use tokens for snacks like sushi, mini duck burgers, and frappuccinos at a reduced price.
- Kids Day (Wednesday): A highlight for young fans. Includes a kids-only press conference with players, tennis clinics, and autograph sessions. Children aged 12 and under enjoy a special discounted rate.
- #NextGen Day (Thursday): Designed specifically for students, offering a look behind the scenes of the event, inspiring presentations by sports experts, and sharp skills clinics.
Hospitality & VIP Packages: Premium options include “The Club” access, which offers three-course lunches or dinners, and “Sky Lounge” arrangements for groups of 30+, featuring private balconies and all-inclusive catering.

🚆 Travel & Transit to Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam’s infrastructure makes it one of the most accessible tournaments in Europe for international fans.

International Arrival

Air: Fans can fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) or Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). A high-speed train (Intercity Direct) connects Schiphol to Rotterdam Centraal in just 25 minutes.
Rail: The Eurostar provides direct high-speed connections to Rotterdam Centraal from London, Paris, and Brussels.

Local Transit

Metro: Take Line D or E toward Slinge/De Akkers and exit at Zuidplein. The venue is a 5-minute covered walk from the station.
Cycling: In true Dutch fashion, extensive bike paths lead to Ahoy, which offers free (unsupervised) bicycle parking.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt operate throughout Rotterdam, typically utilizing designated drop-off points at the venue entrance.

🏨 Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Choosing the right accommodation depends on whether you prefer to be steps away from the court or in the heart of the city’s architectural wonders.

Closest to Rotterdam Ahoy (Walking Distance)

ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy: The absolute closest option, located just 0.1 miles from the venue entrance. Perfect for fans who want to maximize their time at the tournament.
ART Hotel Rotterdam: A vibrant, fully renovated hotel located 1 mile from Ahoy. It offers spacious rooms with city or river views and is a favorite for tournament attendees.

Luxury & Boutique Picks (Kop van Zuid & Katendrecht)

Hotel New York: Housed in the former head office of the Holland-America Line, this historic landmark offers a nautical, upscale experience about 1.5 miles from the venue.
nhow Rotterdam: Located in the iconic ‘De Rotterdam’ building, offering ultra-modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Maas River and Erasmus Bridge.
Room Mate Bruno: A design-led boutique hotel in a former warehouse, featuring a fun, colorful aesthetic and its own food hall (Foodhallen) downstairs.

City Center & Social Hubs

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel: Situated directly opposite Rotterdam Centraal, this is the premier choice for international travelers arriving by high-speed rail.
citizenM Rotterdam: Located near the Blaak station and the Cube Houses, offering high-tech, affordable luxury and a social “living room” atmosphere.
The James Rotterdam: A stylish, boutique-style hotel in the heart of the shopping district, offering excellent value and modern amenities.

Budget-Friendly Options

Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid: Located about 1.8 miles from Ahoy, this hotel offers free parking and direct bus links to the stadium, making it ideal for those driving into the city.
Sparks Hostel / King Kong Hostel: Highly-rated social accommodations in the city center for fans looking for a more communal, budget-conscious experience.

💡 Know Before You Go

ETIAS / Visas: International fans from non-EU countries (such as the UK, US, or South Africa) should check the latest ETIAS requirements or Schengen visa regulations well in advance of travel.
Winter Weather: February in Rotterdam is cold and often wind. While the tournament itself is indoors and climate-controlled, you will want warm layers and a windproof jacket for the commute between the Metro and the venue.
Cashless Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy is a primarily cashless venue. Ensure you have a debit or credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) for food, drinks, and merchandise.