Miami Open Set To Move To Hard Rock Stadium Parking Lot In 2019

Once considered the 5th Grand Slam, the fledgling Miami Open will move to a parking lot in 2019 in Miami Gardens. After 2018, the IMG-owned event will be held in the parking lot of Hard Rock Stadium with a 14,000-seat center court inside the cavernous Maimi Dolphins football stadium.

“The Miami Open belongs in Miami,” said WME and IMG Co-President Mark Shapiro. “We’re grateful to have amazing partners in Stephen, the Miami Dolphins organization, Mayor Gimenez and above all the people of Miami who have been supporting the Miami Open for decades. While we’re looking forward to creating the new Miami Open experience at Hard Rock Stadium, our priority is to make the last edition of the Key Biscayne event the best it’s ever been.”

Serena Williams, who may never play at the new site, added her approval. “The Miami Open has been a part of Miami’s culture for as long as I can remember and it’s a tournament that is very special to me and my family,” said Serena. “I’ve enjoyed some of my best career moments in Miami thanks to the amazing tournament team and the supportive Miami fans. I am thrilled the Miami Open is staying in Miami, where it belongs.”

The new site will offer 30 show and practice courts (29 will be permanent), a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event, a sponsorship village with expanded and upgraded entertainment spaces, permanent retail facilities, improved Wi-Fi, media facilities, locker rooms and fitness space for players and tennis staff.

How will fans and players react to going from the lush, tropical landscape and beach vibe of Key Biscayne to an inland parking lot next to a highway?

2018 will end a 32-year run for the event in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. For many years, the event was considered the best outside of the Slams, but has since been passed by Indian Wells, and passed by a wide margin. However, upgrades to the tournament were denied by city. The last time the Miami Open won the ATP’s tournament of the year award was back in 2008.

Incredible things are in store for 2019. We’re excited to share them with you. https://t.co/6tKiORsY5q pic.twitter.com/i3Q3Ck9lZI

— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) December 20, 2017

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