August 6, 2012

Rafael Nadal playing doubles with his partner Marc Lopez in 2011

The Western & Southern Open takes the court August 11-19th, and on the heels of the Olympics, Cincinnati sports fans are as eager as ever to have the world’s best in their backyard.

Capping off a three year renovation to the Mason tennis facility which has included more than $22 million spent on updates, the 2012 tourney is set to unveil a new food court offering 14 food vendors, twice the amount of shaded seating and 20,000 square feet of field turf. “We’ve had the sports and we’ve always done them well but now we are focused on all the other things that turn the W&S Open from a tournament to an event,” said Will Sikes, Marketing Director. “The food court is the culmination of that.”

Aerial view of the foodcourt (photo credit: W&S fb page)

EATS

Cincinnati has a dynamic food scene and this year’s list of vendors is sure to capture every taste bud on the spectrum. Of course the traditional favorites of LaRosa’s, Skyline, and Subway will remain, but new to the mix fans can enjoy Fusian (easy.casual.sushi), Tony’s Steaks & Seafood, and Taste of Belgium (waffles) among others.

break out the blankets for the new turf (photo credit: W&S fb page)

For a complete list of food vendors click HERE.

DRINKS

In addition to the food, drinks are equally as important to the success of a great event. Good thing the popular Svedka Vodka Lounge will be back in full force along with the Corona Beach House. Better yet, this year the VLiNG Hydration Station will set up shop at the deck by the practice court next to the Grandstand stadium.

“VLiNG is a perfect marriage with the tournament in the sense that it ups the entertainment — the eat, drink, listen elements of the event,” said Sikes. “If you know court 15, then you know there is no better place to sit and watch practice. That’s why having VLiNG set up there is ideal.”

assortment of VLiNG flavors

Get your VLiNG on: Because it contains electrolytes and delivers the function of hydration while you consume spirits, VLiNG is the best option to enjoy in your next cocktail.

Consider the 2012 specialty cocktail of the tournament:

VLiNG Volley 

In a glass with ice, pour…
3 parts citrus VLiNG
1 part Svedka Vodka
splash of Triple Sec
squeeze of fresh lime/drop lime wedge in glass
Enjoy! 

As the official hydration mixer of the W&S Open, VLiNG will be served at all bars during the event. “VLiNG is about lifestyle — one that includes balance, fun, and healthy choices,” said Fritz Berghausen, CEO VLiNG, LLC.

If VLiNG isn’t your thing, that’s ok. Break out the bubbly folks because this year the ATP is introducing Moet Champagne in the food court featuring custom tournament flutes. Can’t wait!

ENTERTAINMENT

Live music is back and better than before. There will be a new music stage in the expanded food court along with a small stage by the North Gate. While I haven’t heard of the bands, name recognition isn’t necessary. “We are focused on creating a great fan experience. We’ve done that inside center court, but we also want to ensure, even those who could care less about tennis, are having a good time,” Sikes said. With the new entertainment village fans can enjoy great people watching, local bands, a signature drink and, when they’re in the mood, some unbelievable tennis.

For the complete schedule of musical acts click HERE.

TENNIS

Ok, so you are probably wondering, what about the tennis? That is the reason we are here. Well, it promises to be as good as ever with the Top 20 men and 19 0f the Top 20 women in the draw. Rafael Nadal is set to make his summer hard court debut in Cincy. The usual suspects of Federer, Djokovic, and Murray will also be in the mix. On the ladies side, Serena Williams straight from her gold medal run at the Olympics will (if we are lucky) put her best effort forward alongside the likes of Sharapova, Azarenka, and Stosur, among others.

If last year was any indication that having a combined event merely adds to the electricity of each day and night session, then surely this year will be full of more drama, droppers, and highlight reels.

Serve it up!

*If you are interested in earning a chance to win two tickets to Saturday’s qualifying session on August 11th, we’ve got a great contest running that just might be up your alley.

Click here for contest details: http://www.ispycincy.com/win-two-tickets-to-the-atp/

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