The Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center treks to The Miami Open

RICHARD CAVALLERI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

One of Naples more unique tennis benefits is being located so close to what many consider a 5th major, The Miami Open.

This event started back in 1985 and was known as The Lipton. Several years and major sponsors later, the world’s top player’s
return to Miami each spring for this annual competition. With draws worthy of a world class event, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams will look to return to defend their singles titles. Also returning to defend their doubles title will be the American duo of Bob and Mike Bryan.

With the island of Key Biscayne, just South of Miami, being the annual host for this extravaganza, it was once stated by tournament creator, Butch Buchholtz, “You go over that bridge, and it’s like leaving a city and entering tropical paradise. It had that postcard feeling.” The site at Crandon Park features a 14,000 seat stadium court and uses 12 hard courts for competition play. There are six additional courts set aside for player practice and training. When attending a day session in early round competition, spectators have a tremendous opportunity to get very close to the big name players on the practice courts as well as the smaller side courts next to the grand stadium court.

This is where you are able to get a true feeling of how quick and powerful these players really are.

The Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center, as well as several area clubs, offers an annual one day bus trip to the Miami Open. These day trips will vary from facility to facility, but offered at the Allen Tennis Center this year is a one day trip departing on Thursday, March 24th from downtown Naples at 7:45 a.m. and arriving back in Naples at 8:30 p.m.

The cost of the trip is $85.00 which includes round trip transportation, parking and ticket into event which includes a reserved seat in the stadium court.

Seats go fast, so please reserve your spot ASAP. For further questions or sign up, please call the Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center Staff at 239.213.3060.