This March marks another edition of one of the most popular sporting events in the world: the Miami Open. Between the new Hard Rock Stadium location, the adrenaline-pumping matches, the multifaceted spectator campus and the uber-luxurious add-ons, we have no doubt this year’s event (March 18 to 31) will be one to remember. Sports fan or not, here’s everything you need to know to have the experience of a lifetime at the 2019 Miami Open.
Miami Open
There’s a New Location (and It’s Awesome)
If you haven’t heard, the tournament has a new home this year: the state-of-the-art Hard Rock Stadium. While this may come as a surprise to longtime attendees, we couldn’t be more thrilled about the event’s new digs. The stadium is less than a half hour from Miami’s downtown, meaning you’ll experience far less traffic and gridlock compared with previous years. And the grounds have been completely transformed for the event, with 29 new permanent courts, a rooftop deck and beer garden, and a 14,000-seat center court equipped with a shaded canopy and luxury seating. Yeah, we’re in business.
Where to Eat and Lounge
The Miami Open takes eating and drinking almost as seriously as it takes tennis, which is why there’s an entire spectator campus with enough culture, food, art and entertainment to keep you busy all day long. Worried about missing a game? Don’t be. Snag a table near the massive video board (it’s the largest of any tennis event), which will screen all the action. This year, the Miami Open will also offer numerous luxury tennis-watching experiences, from private clubs and exclusive seating to courtside living-room boxes and cabana suites. Sure, it’s a splurge, but there’s nothing like watching a face-off between your two favorite tennis pros as you sip Champagne.
The Games
Did you really attend the Miami Open if you didn’t catch a glimpse of your favorite tennis star in person? (Serena, we’re coming for you.) Since the event’s debut more than 20 years ago, some of the biggest names in the game have competed against each other. (Andy Roddick! Naomi Osaka! Roger Federer! Caroline Wozniacki! Venus Williams!) The official 2019 lineup has just been announced and let’s just say you’re guaranteed to catch some heavyweights at the always-exciting conclusion of the women’s and men’s singles or doubles finals. In addition to the aforementioned Federer and Serena Williams, you’ll also get to watch Sloane Stephens, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Yeah, it’s going to be that good.
The Logistics
One reason we’re all about the Miami Open’s new location is that getting there is a breeze. With easy-access parking adjacent to the new tennis complex, you’ll be able to come and go as you please. With that out of the way, you can figure out just how much time you’ll spend at the event. Whether you want to attend every match or catch a few sessions, the Miami Open has a ticket package that’ll suit your plan. From single-session tickets to full-tournament or Final Four packages, choose the option that works best for you. If it were up to us, we’d ask for two weeks off work and attend the whole thing. But, you know, the Final Four (which includes men’s semifinals, women’s final and men’s final) works too.
Why You Have to Go (Even If You Know Nothing About Sports)
We’re going to let you in on a little secret: We’re not exactly hard-core sports fiends. But the Miami Open isn’t just a regular sporting event. It’s two jam-packed weeks when some of the most inspiring athletes come together to play in one of the most beautiful locations in the world (this is Miami, after all). And unlike other games and tournaments, the Miami Open knows not everyone is a die-hard tennis fan, which is why you’ll catch us sipping a mimosa, nibbling on a Cubano and exploring the outdoor art and entertainment hub between catching a game or two. Forget loud, sweaty football games—this is our kind of sporting event.
