Cincinnati Open raises the bar for fan experience  

The Cincinnati Open is introducing new ways for fans to experience the tournament in 2026 with additional tournament days, enhanced on-site experiences and the debut of the Kroger Indoor Fan Zone.

From Aug. 8-23, fans can pair world-class tennis with exclusive player access, family activities, shopping, dining and more than 80 live musical performances, creating an all-day destination alongside one of the sport’s premier events.

Bob Moran, Tournament Director at the Cincinnati Open, said:

“The Cincinnati Open continues to evolve, and so do the expectations of our fans. We’re always looking for thoughtful ways to enhance the tournament, whether that’s creating new spaces to gather, offering more opportunities to interact with the players or making it easier for fans to enjoy everything happening across the campus.”

To make the time on campus easier to navigate, the upgraded Cincinnati Open Mobile App will help fans plan their on-site experience at the 40-acre Lindner Family Tennis Center.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – focused on elevating the live experience across sports and entertainment – is being hosted at Everton FC’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Oct 1st and 2nd, with an Opening Night Icebreaker at Liverpool FC’s iconic Anfield Stadium on Sept 30th.

The “Happening Now” feature provides a real-time look at practices, matches, entertainment and programming across the grounds, while a new interactive map allows fans to track their location to help navigate throughout the campus.

For those looking to network, entertain clients, and make deals, they’ll find:

• 15 premium hospitality options including 5 exclusive private clubs, climate-controlled courtside seats, and premier packages
• Menus curated by celebrity chef Jet Tila and executive chef Andrew Alcid, paired with elevated cocktails and wine service
• Indoor-outdoor settings that feel more like a private members club than a sporting venue
• More events than ever with Community Weekend on Aug. 8-9 including Red Bull BassLine, an innovative exhibition with a live DJ

Official partners include Rolex, Cadillac and Emirates alongside cornerstone sponsors like P&G.

New in 2026, the Kroger Indoor Fan Zone is an air-conditioned entertainment and gathering space featuring a stage programmed with live Q&As with players and special guests, musical acts, draw ceremonies and more.

Across the campus, which debuted a $260 million transformation in 2025, fans can follow the action on the Pavilion’s 28-foot video screen, take part in all-day activities at the Prasco Kids Zone or relax in the Commons, a landscaped and shaded gathering space featuring live music and 13 local restaurant storefronts.

The expanded, 18,000-square-foot Cincinnati Open Shop will feature tournament merchandise and premium brands including Peter Millar and lululemon. Fans can also shop tournament merchandise through the new online store.

Must-attend weekends

This year, the experience begins before the first official match is played. Community Weekend, Aug. 8-9, offers an accessible opportunity for fans to experience the tournament in a new way with tickets starting at just $17.

Saturday, Aug. 8 features Kids Day, with on-court experiences and family-friendly activities, followed by Red Bull BassLine, a tiebreak, knockout exhibition on Grandstand Court set to the beat of an on-court DJ and other live experiences.

Sunday, Aug. 9, dubbed All-Access Sunday, opens with the inaugural Cincinnati Open 5K fun run throughout the transformed campus and is highlighted by player appearances and autograph sessions throughout the venue.

Sunday also brings more kids’ activities, a wheelchair tennis tournament, adaptive tennis clinics and a Center Court experience to remember.

Throughout the weekend, open player practices give fans an up-close look at the world’s top players, creating even more opportunities to experience professional tennis beyond match play.

Finals Weekend, presented by Credit One Bank, closes out the tournament, Aug. 22-23, with an elevated fan experience throughout the site.

The final 10 matches of the tournament will be played across two days, including all singles semifinals and four championship matches. Both men’s and women’s singles

championship matches are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23.

Special performances throughout the weekend include Season 1 winner of The Voice, Javier Colon, and Mason native and American Idol contestant Michael Williams. Exclusive Finals Weekend merchandise and additional entertainment throughout the campus will round out the championship weekend experience.

Source and images courtesy Cincinnati Open

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