Lindner Family Tennis Center (Mason, Ohio)

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

The Lindner Family Tennis Center, located in Mason, Ohio, USA, is a premier tennis facility renowned as the home of the Western & Southern Open. This prestigious annual tournament is one of only nine events in the world to host both ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournaments, making it a crucial stop on the professional tennis calendar and a key lead-up to the US Open.

Each August, the Lindner Family Tennis Center transforms into a vibrant hub of world-class tennis, attracting top players and passionate fans from around the globe. This guide provides essential information for visiting the Lindner Family Tennis Center, understanding its unique features, and navigating the experience of attending the Western & Southern Open.

History of the Lindner Family Tennis Center

The history of the Lindner Family Tennis Center is closely tied to the evolution of the Cincinnati Open (formerly known by various names, including the Tri-State Tennis Tournament and Cincinnati Masters). The tournament itself dates back to 1899, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the United States still played in its original city.

The tournament moved to its current location in Mason, Ohio, in 1979. This move was prompted by organizers seeking a more suitable and permanent home after growing weary of perennial Ohio River flooding at its previous venue at Coney Island amusement park. The site was chosen due to its ownership by one of the tournament’s sponsors, Taft Broadcasting, which also owned the nearby Kings Island Amusement Park.

Initial construction in 1979 involved installing four DecoTurf II courts and relocating bleachers from Coney Island to form the first Center Court. Since then, the facility has undergone continuous expansion and significant upgrades:

  • 1981: The first permanent phase of Center Court construction began.
  • 1987: The original West Building was added, providing player and media facilities, along with luxury suites.
  • 1990: Further expansion increased Center Court capacity to 10,000.
  • 1995: Grandstand Court (Court 2) was built with a 5,000-seat capacity.
  • 1997: Court 10 (originally named Court 3) was added with a 2,000-seat capacity.
  • 2010: A new, state-of-the-art “Paul M. Flory Player Center” (West Building) was completed, significantly enhancing player, media, and fan amenities. A new Court 3 (4,000 seats) was also constructed, making the Lindner Family Tennis Center unique outside of the Grand Slams for having four permanent stadium courts.
  • Ongoing Developments: The center continues to see investments, with plans for further expansion and year-round activation, including a concert venue, reflecting its growing importance.

The Lindner Family Tennis Center is named in tribute to the family of the late Cincinnati financier and former tournament sponsor, Carl Lindner, Jr.

Venue Highlights: The Courts and Facilities

The Lindner Family Tennis Center boasts a world-class setup designed to enhance the experience for both players and fans:

  • Center Court: The main stadium, with a capacity of 11,614, hosts the biggest matches, including the men’s and women’s singles finals. Its design offers excellent sightlines.
  • Grandstand Court (Court 2): Seating 5,000, this is the second-largest stadium and often features high-profile matches, providing an intimate atmosphere.
  • Court 3: With a capacity of 4,000, this stadium court offers another fantastic viewing option for top-tier matches.
  • Court 10: Seating 2,000, this court provides a closer-up experience for fans to watch competitive matches.
  • Outside Courts: The facility features 27 additional courts, many with spectator seating, allowing ground pass holders to catch a wide array of matches throughout the day.
  • Practice Courts: Numerous practice courts offer fans the opportunity to watch their favorite players warm up and train in a relaxed setting.
  • Paul M. Flory Player Center (West Building): A modern facility providing extensive amenities for players, media, and fans, including dining areas and luxury suites.
  • Fan Zones & Amenities: The grounds offer a wide variety of food and beverage options, official merchandise shops, interactive fan experiences, and shaded areas to ensure comfort during the August heat.
  • Accessibility: The venue is committed to providing accessibility services for all visitors.

Key Information

Official Name: Lindner Family Tennis Center
Location: 5460 Courseview Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA
Established: 1979 (became home of the Cincinnati Open)
Primary Event: Western & Southern Open (ATP Masters 1000 & WTA 1000)
Playing Surface: Outdoor Hard Courts (DecoTurf)
Center Court Capacity: 11,614
Grandstand Court Capacity: 5,000
Court 3 Capacity: 4,000
Court 10 Capacity: 2,000
Total Courts: 31 (including 9 match courts)

Ticketing Information for the Western & Southern Open

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

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. These provide a reserved seat for the designated session.
    • Grounds Passes: These popular tickets provide access to all outside courts (excluding reserved seating in the main stadiums), practice courts, and all general admission areas, including dining and fan zones. They are excellent value for experiencing the tournament atmosphere.
  • 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 Lindner Family Tennis Center

The Lindner Family Tennis Center is located in Mason, Ohio, a suburb north of Cincinnati. While 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, 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 Near the Lindner Family Tennis Center

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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Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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