Guide to: Cincinnati Open
Your fun, accessible, insider-backed guide to one of the most player-beloved and fan-friendly stops on the US Summer Swing.
Thinking about attending the Cincinnati Open? Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to see the brand-new grounds in 2025, this Ground Pass Tournament Guide has everything you need: ticket tips, food recs, practice court hacks, and more—plus personal insights from our visit last year. It’s your tennis trip starter pack.
This guide to the Cincinnati Open is going to be a little different—because the grounds have completely changed since I was there last year. Literally the moment the last ball was struck and the champions’ photos were taken in 2024, construction began on a major expansion. More practice courts, another show court, permanent fan areas, better food courts—it’s a whole new site this year. And I can’t wait to see it.
But before I get there, I wanted to share a snapshot of what the tournament felt like before the revamp. A time capsule, if you will. Something I can return to and update once I’ve walked the new grounds.
Surface: Outdoor hard Tour Level: ATP 1000 / WTA 1000 When: August 5–6, 2025 (Qualifying) | August 7–18, 2025 (Main Draw)
Where: Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Dr, Mason, OH 45040
🌿 THE VIBE (2024 EDITION)
First things first—spoiler alert—the Cincinnati Open is not in Cincinnati. It’s in Mason, Ohio. A little off the grid. The Lindner Family Tennis Center is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati (where I stayed), depending on traffic. You can Uber or taxi, but I rented a car for ease and would recommend it. Parking was free and easy, which is a rare treat at tennis tournaments.
The tournament knows it’s a bit remote and has a list of nearby hotels on its website—definitely worth checking if you’re coming from out of town. I personally stayed in an Airbnb (not sponsored, but maybe it should be) so I could cook and make coffee with my trusty Aeropress. Priorities.
Once you’re on site, the grounds are stunning. Outside of Indian Wells, they’re the most beautiful I’ve been to—filled with lush landscaping, floral beds, and greenery that makes you feel like you’re in a garden party with tennis as the entertainment. I honestly wanted to stop a groundskeeper and say: tell me everything.
The vibe? Think a small, better laid out, less chaotic version of the US Open. Sorry, US Open. It really felt like a “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” version of New York’s slam—in the best way. Just three main courts: Center Court, Grandstand, and Stadium 3. The Grandstand actually shared structure with Center Court, connected like a Venn diagram with a walkway linking them. You could hear the cheers from both at once.
Court 10 was my favorite. A sunken court that made matches feel cozy and cinematic—just you, the players, and nothing else.
Practice court access last year wasn’t great. The main ones were small, behind fencing, and often overcrowded—especially when someone like Alcaraz or Sabalenka was hitting. Fans would swarm the main gate looking for selfies and autographs, creating a bit of a bottleneck. But based on the renders I’ve seen for 2025, that’s all getting an upgrade. The new practice courts will have elevated seating à la US Open or Miami Open, which should massively improve the fan experience.
🎟️ TICKETS
🟢 Single-session tickets are available for both day and night sessions via SeatGeek (even when buying through the official site).
🟠 There are no ground passes—but lower-tier day tickets still allow access to outer courts and unreserved seating.
🔵 Ticket options include reserved seating and packages, including multi-day bundles if you’re planning a longer stay.
💡 Insider Tip: If you’re flexible, last-minute resale tickets can be significantly cheaper, especially for earlier rounds or if rain is forecast.
🏟️ SEATING & VENUE TIPS
The grounds have undergone major upgrades for 2025, including more shade, better food plazas, and new seating areas.
There are now seven match courts (up from four) and over 10 practice courts, some with elevated fan seating.
The new show court and updated layout aim to reduce congestion and improve viewing options.
Center Court and Grandstand remain closely linked—you can easily hop between them for back-to-back matches.
Court 10, a sunken side court, was a standout in 2024—intimate, immersive, and unforgettable. We’ll see if it survives the renovations!
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early if you want a good spot at the practice courts, especially on busy days. The new layout should improve crowd flow, but the stars still draw crowds.
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK
Expect local flavor with tournament pricing. Options include BBQ, pretzels, sandwiches, and beer gardens.
Graeter’s Ice Cream is a Cincinnati classic and absolutely worth it—even if the line is long.
New shaded seating areas near food courts will make snacking breaks more comfortable this year.
💡 You can bring one sealed water bottle and clear bags with snacks. Refill stations are available on site—bring your own bottle if you want to skip concessions.
🚍 GETTING THERE
Location: The tournament is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, OH, about 30–40 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati.
If you’re not staying near the grounds, renting a car is highly recommended. There’s free on-site parking and it’s way less hassle than relying on rideshare (especially for night sessions).
Nearby hotels: The tournament site lists partner hotels close to the venue, which may include shuttle service or discounts.
Anastasia’s note: I stayed downtown and commuted. It’s doable, but next time I’d stay closer. Airbnb worked well for me—especially for that morning Aeropress moment.
💬 FINAL THOUGHTS
To me, Cincinnati was a small, better-laid-out, and more intimate version of the US Open. Let’s see if the new renovations keep that magic—or manage to improve on it.
