Suggestions for Cincy?

Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
I'm thinking about going to Cincy this year and was looking for some advice.

I plan on getting a ticket package that has parking in the closer lot. Is traffic in and out of the lot a big deal? Like, is it worth getting a hotel within walking distance to avoid traffic or should I just stay wherever I like and don't worry about it?

Anyone know which section the player's exit is near?

Terrace vs pavilion vs box seats? Worth paying extra for better seats?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Arthuro

Arthuro

Semi-Pro
It gets hot, so I would recommend getting box seats in the shade, but last I checked those were all gone.

You will end up parking by the south entrance next to the Grandstand Court. This is the best way to get to Centre Court by just walking through. I made the mistake of walking around.
 
seleswannabe

seleswannabe

Rookie
I've been 5 times and it's really nice tourney. I usually try to go Wed thru Fri - we've never had a bad trip!
I bought box seats thru a ticket broker out of Carmel IN ;) last year and they threw in a couple of parking passes for the lot mentioned above. Not sure if I can post their name on here?
We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge for the first time last year. It is the nicest hotel that is really close to the site. All the Chair Umps, lines people and Commentators were there. We saw Pam Shriver at the water park with her son and met a few of the umpires in the hotel bar.
You'll have a blast! I usually go with a group of girlfriends but I am dragging my husband to the USOpen this summer. Wish I could do both!
 
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CourtlyLove

Rookie
I'm going this year--my first ever pro tournament! (though I guess I am also going to check out the Challenger in Winnetka in early July)

I'm going Monday night and Tuesday and Wednesday day/night. Staying at a Best Western in Monroe, which is about twenty minutes away from the site--I'm a single teacher travelling alone so I went for price first.

I'm in the terrace sections basically in the corner...I seriously can't wait.

I'll basically be driving right to the site from Illinois on Monday, hoping to be there by the time the gates open for night ticket holders at 5pm--hopefully get to catch the tail ends of some day session matches that way, and get accustomed with the grounds before the glorious onslaught of top players on Tuesday and Wednesday. :D
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
This would be my first pro tournament. I've been dying to go to one, but there are none I can drive to where I live. Airfare is a thousand bucks a piece! Start adding rental car, hotel, tickets and yikes! On the other hand, if I'm gonna do it, do it right! If I go, I'm going for the whole thing since the trip to get there is such a big expense.

I thought about going to USO instead (because airfare is cheaper and it's the USO), but then I could only afford to go the first few days. Any opinions on which is better: first couple rounds of USO or all the way through the finals at Cincy?

So I'm gathering that it's not really that big a deal to have a hotel within walking distance.
 
C

CourtlyLove

Rookie
Vanhool said:
This would be my first pro tournament. I've been dying to go to one, but there are none I can drive to where I live. Airfare is a thousand bucks a piece! Start adding rental car, hotel, tickets and yikes! On the other hand, if I'm gonna do it, do it right! If I go, I'm going for the whole thing since the trip to get there is such a big expense.

I thought about going to USO instead (because airfare is cheaper and it's the USO), but then I could only afford to go the first few days. Any opinions on which is better: first couple rounds of USO or all the way through the finals at Cincy?

So I'm gathering that it's not really that big a deal to have a hotel within walking distance.
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I haven't been yet, but it seems to me that parking isn't a hassle to worry about.

I'd pick this over USO, especially if you're going all week. You'll be able to see everyone and check off your bucket list of players to see live. Then when you go to New York you can just soak up the grand slam experience without worrying about seeing this or that player from the nosebleeds at Ashe.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
CourtlyLove said:
I'm going this year--my first ever pro tournament! (though I guess I am also going to check out the Challenger in Winnetka in early July)

I'm going Monday night and Tuesday and Wednesday day/night. Staying at a Best Western in Monroe, which is about twenty minutes away from the site--I'm a single teacher travelling alone so I went for price first.

I'm in the terrace sections basically in the corner...I seriously can't wait.

I'll basically be driving right to the site from Illinois on Monday, hoping to be there by the time the gates open for night ticket holders at 5pm--hopefully get to catch the tail ends of some day session matches that way, and get accustomed with the grounds before the glorious onslaught of top players on Tuesday and Wednesday. :D
Click to expand...

Hey! Also going for the first time from Normal, Il! It's going to be the first solo trip for me and the husband since we became parents 8 years ago so we are beyond excited. We're also staying at the Best Western. From what I was reading, the Marriott across the street is (or at least was a couple of years ago) the official player hotel so I'm hoping to see some of the comings and goings there too. We're just going for Tuesday evening and day and evening Wednesday.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
CourtlyLove said:
I'd pick this over USO, especially if you're going all week. You'll be able to see everyone and check off your bucket list of players to see live. Then when you go to New York you can just soak up the grand slam experience without worrying about seeing this or that player from the nosebleeds at Ashe.
Click to expand...

Great advice! That bucket list is driving me (not my bucket, theirs - my faves aren't getting any younger!).
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
librarysteg said:
We're also staying at the Best Western. From what I was reading, the Marriott across the street is (or at least was a couple of years ago) the official player hotel so I'm hoping to see some of the comings and goings there too..
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That is so fun!
 
seleswannabe

seleswannabe

Rookie
Vanhool - who are you looking to see? If you want autographs and such you probably have a better chance in Cincy. USOpen is tough to get close to the players but such a fun atmosphere.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
seleswannabe said:
Vanhool - who are you looking to see? If you want autographs and such you probably have a better chance in Cincy. USOpen is tough to get close to the players but such a fun atmosphere.
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What is the best strategy for autographs? I would love to get some, and I'd love even more to manage to get a couple of photos, but I'm a little shy so I'm not sure I have the nerve to just go up to players. Is the best bet to try to catch them after a practice session?
 
B

blrmkr

New User
Best place for autographs is on the west side of the grandstand court. There is a temporary area that they block off between the parking lot and the players entrance. You can hang out along the low fencing they put in place and many players will stop and sign. Better to catch them going in, because unless they won they usually don't stop.

Can't say enough great things about this tournament. For you first timers you are going to have an awesome time.
 
Arthuro

Arthuro

Semi-Pro
blrmkr said:
Best place for autographs is on the west side of the grandstand court. There is a temporary area that they block off between the parking lot and the players entrance. You can hang out along the low fencing they put in place and many players will stop and sign. Better to catch them going in, because unless they won they usually don't stop.

Can't say enough great things about this tournament. For you first timers you are going to have an awesome time.
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Yeah, but there are a lot of people standing and staking out this place all day. So be ready to wait and miss some autographs at any given time.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
seleswannabe said:
Vanhool - who are you looking to see? If you want autographs and such you probably have a better chance in Cincy. USOpen is tough to get close to the players but such a fun atmosphere.
Click to expand...

I really want to see Serena play in person while she's still in GOAT mode...that's what's driving this whole thing. I was going to go to Stanford because you can sit a lot closer and it's cheaper for us. but it looks like she might not play it this year. Cincy will be fun because I'll to see my favorite guys, too. Federer isn't getting any younger either!
 
C

CourtlyLove

Rookie
librarysteg said:
Hey! Also going for the first time from Normal, Il! It's going to be the first solo trip for me and the husband since we became parents 8 years ago so we are beyond excited. We're also staying at the Best Western. From what I was reading, the Marriott across the street is (or at least was a couple of years ago) the official player hotel so I'm hoping to see some of the comings and goings there too. We're just going for Tuesday evening and day and evening Wednesday.
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Cool! I'm an ISu grad (haven't updated the location) and I am also obsessed with DFW! We'll have to meet up there if you're interested.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
CourtlyLove said:
Cool! I'm an ISu grad (haven't updated the location) and I am also obsessed with DFW! We'll have to meet up there if you're interested.
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Small world :) Yes, we'll have to say hi at the tournament. I'm trying hard not to wish the rest of my summer away by wanting mid-August to be here already.
 
D

Deleted member 391266

Guest
I was planning on going to Cincy too this year as my first ever pro tournament. I was planning on going for two days so I can see everyone play. Which two consecutive days would you all recommend? All the high seeds have a first round bye I think, so I was thinking of going for round 2. What do you all think?
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
Kahlz said:
I was planning on going to Cincy too this year as my first ever pro tournament. I was planning on going for two days so I can see everyone play. Which two consecutive days would you all recommend? All the high seeds have a first round bye I think, so I was thinking of going for round 2. What do you all think?
Click to expand...

I'm doing Tuesday, Wednesday, but it's also my first time. Maybe Wednesday, Thursday would be better.
 
C

CourtlyLove

Rookie
librarysteg said:
Small world :) Yes, we'll have to say hi at the tournament. I'm trying hard not to wish the rest of my summer away by wanting mid-August to be here already.
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I'm in the same boat! I'm a teacher and just off for summer--Cincy is basically the last hurrah of my summer, so I'm kind of okay with it being a while away.

Also, don't bother buying a program at the site; I was stupid and pre-ordered two without realizing it. I'll let you have my extra one.

(i'm staying at the Best Western in the neighboring town of Monroe, btw, not the Mason one by the player hotel)

Kahlz said:
I was planning on going to Cincy too this year as my first ever pro tournament. I was planning on going for two days so I can see everyone play. Which two consecutive days would you all recommend? All the high seeds have a first round bye I think, so I was thinking of going for round 2. What do you all think?
Click to expand...

Either way works...most of the top seeds might not play until Wesnesday (though this alao depends on how far they go in Canada), so either option would work, though Tue/Wed will be cheaper and give you more matches total.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
CourtlyLove said:
I'm in the same boat! I'm a teacher and just off for summer--Cincy is basically the last hurrah of my summer, so I'm kind of okay with it being a while away.

Also, don't bother buying a program at the site; I was stupid and pre-ordered two without realizing it. I'll let you have my extra one.

(i'm staying at the Best Western in the neighboring town of Monroe, btw, not the Mason one by the player hotel)



Either way works...most of the top seeds might not play until Wesnesday (though this alao depends on how far they go in Canada), so either option would work, though Tue/Wed will be cheaper and give you more matches total.
Click to expand...

Thanks for being willing to part with a program! We'll have to keep this thread going all summer. Who is on your must-see list? I'm already stressing out over the prospect of having to choose between matches. There really are very few players I wouldn't be thrilled to see play. Assuming everyone who should be there plays some of my hope to sees are: Djokovic and any/all of the other top 4, Simon, Gasquet, Janowicz, and Wawrinka. I don't follow the women very closely, but it would be fun to the big names. I've already started plotting that maybe next year I'll try to do the Roger's Cup.
 
C

CourtlyLove

Rookie
librarysteg said:
Thanks for being willing to part with a program! We'll have to keep this thread going all summer. Who is on your must-see list? I'm already stressing out over the prospect of having to choose between matches. There really are very few players I wouldn't be thrilled to see play. Assuming everyone who should be there plays some of my hope to sees are: Djokovic and any/all of the other top 4, Simon, Gasquet, Janowicz, and Wawrinka. I don't follow the women very closely, but it would be fun to the big names. I've already started plotting that maybe next year I'll try to do the Roger's Cup.
Click to expand...

I haven't made a must-see list, though I definitely will at some point, but it'll start with Djokovic (his rise in 2011 is what got me into tennis) and Federer (love watching him play, looking like it won't be much longer). Then Nadal (tend to root against him but don't necessarily dislike him...he's a legend), Tsonga, and from then on I'll need to work it out.

I don't follow the women as closely either, but there are a couple I want to see--Lisicki, Goerges and any of the top ones.

I know what you mean about stressing...will have to figure out which guys I want to see for entire matches and which ones I'll be okay with seeing for just one set or part of a set.
 
Overheadsmash

Overheadsmash

Professional
We go down for the early rounds Monday-Thurs. You can see some great matches and it's open seeting on the outer courts. Can get really close.

I've never had a parking problem either, but have not been there for the semi's or finals so it may be different.

It's a really nice event.
 
Arthuro

Arthuro

Semi-Pro
librarysteg said:
I'm doing Tuesday, Wednesday, but it's also my first time. Maybe Wednesday, Thursday would be better.
Click to expand...

Depends what you want to see. Earlier in the tournament is cool if you just love tennis because you get to see mens/womens doubles and practices and tons of players are there since they have not been eliminated.

If you just want to see the stars, then later in the week allows you to see their practice and games.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
Does anyone know if the 5pm gate time for the evening session is hard and fast or do they ever let people in earlier? We're arriving on Tuesday in the early afternoon with evening tickets. It would be nice to get in before 5:00 just to roam around and watch some side courts knowing our seated tickets wouldn't be good until later.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
Looks like we'll be camping at Winton Woods. My inlaws have an RV, so we're going to pay the gas and camp fees and sleep on sofabed (or maybe pitch a tent with air mattress for a little more space) and they will loan us their car. So we end up saving a little money and get some nice family and camping time too! My mother iaw use to run the player transportation for the RCA tournament in Indy back in the day, so they love tennis and will come see a few matches with us. Only drag is half hour drive to tennis (and we are a little old for couches and close quarters). Should be great though. We'll come a few days before the tournament and just relax and get over jet lag before the very serious business of tennis.
 
librarysteg

librarysteg

Hall of Fame
Vanhool said:
Looks like we'll be camping at Winton Woods. My inlaws have an RV, so we're going to pay the gas and camp fees and sleep on sofabed (or maybe pitch a tent with air mattress for a little more space) and they will loan us their car. So we end up saving a little money and get some nice family and camping time too! My mother iaw use to run the player transportation for the RCA tournament in Indy back in the day, so they love tennis and will come see a few matches with us. Only drag is half hour drive to tennis (and we are a little old for couches and close quarters). Should be great though. We'll come a few days before the tournament and just relax and get over jet lag before the very serious business of tennis.
Click to expand...

Sounds great. I made it to Indy twice. I was able to see Agassi play there years ago. I wish they still had a tournament.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
I know! I guess it was a player favorite too. Because mom worked there, my other half used to get an all access pass as a kid! Chrissy, Nav, Jmac, Becker, Sampras, Agassi, Courier, Willander, Edberg, etc. can you imagine?
 
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seleswannabe

seleswannabe

Rookie
Kahlz said:
I was planning on going to Cincy too this year as my first ever pro tournament. I was planning on going for two days so I can see everyone play. Which two consecutive days would you all recommend? All the high seeds have a first round bye I think, so I was thinking of going for round 2. What do you all think?
Click to expand...

We have had really good luck with the Wed/Thurs combo.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
OK, so I should have followed Arthuro's advice, but I couldn't get someone to share a box with us. Then I decided to opt for closer seating (in loge 200 series) over shade. I chose the side opposite the ump's chair so our view would not be obstructed. Now I am freaking out that I will be too hot and the sun will be in our eyes. What i just said times 10!!! The seats face west, slightly northwest, basically in the curved area opposite the players entrance.

Can anyone calm me down or am I right to be freaking out? Is there at least a breeze? Cloud cover? I've never been to the mid west in the summer, and people are telling me it's brutal!

Other than my weather freak out, I am getting super pumped!
 
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dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
It's easy for me to say cause I live here year around but the weather isn't that bad. I haven't been to the tournament in years but I always enjoyed the practice courts.

Parking and traffic should not be a big deal.

While I haven't been to the tournament, I have been in Cinci each of the last many years during tournament time. I usually visit Kings Island on Friday followed by my kids' soccer tournaments the rest of the weekend. I used to live in Cinci And miss it. There was always so much to do.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
dak95_00 said:
It's easy for me to say cause I live here year around but the weather isn't that bad. I haven't been to the tournament in years but I always enjoyed the practice courts.

Parking and traffic should not be a big deal.

While I haven't been to the tournament, I have been in Cinci each of the last many years during tournament time. I usually visit Kings Island on Friday followed by my kids' soccer tournaments the rest of the weekend. I used to live in Cinci And miss it. There was always so much to do.
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Thanks! I just turn into a big whiney baby when it's hot and muggy. Too much of my ancestry from colder regions I guess. Or I'm just a pain in the okole. anyway, I won't worry then, just bring a hat and misty fan and stfu.

I'll probably do kings island with my nieces on the first day - looks real fun. But if someone good is playing qualies I might have to sneak away.
 
Arthuro

Arthuro

Semi-Pro
dak95_00 said:
It's easy for me to say cause I live here year around but the weather isn't that bad. I haven't been to the tournament in years but I always enjoyed the practice courts.

Parking and traffic should not be a big deal.

While I haven't been to the tournament, I have been in Cinci each of the last many years during tournament time. I usually visit Kings Island on Friday followed by my kids' soccer tournaments the rest of the weekend. I used to live in Cinci And miss it. There was always so much to do.
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dak95_00: I have to respectfully disagree. It really depends. I went last year and will be going again this year, but last year there was hardly any cloud cover, and parking even for box seats are not very close. They are walkable, but not in the adjacent parking lot, and some days you are far back in the golf course.

As for the temperature, during the day it was well above 90 with little cloud cover with the average temperature being about 85-90 with little clouds.

Its hot, but as dak95_00 is from this part of the country I am sure he has acclimatized. I live in Texas, but the dry heat did get to me.
 
Arthuro

Arthuro

Semi-Pro
Vanhool said:
Thanks! I just turn into a big whiney baby when it's hot and muggy. Too much of my ancestry from colder regions I guess. Or I'm just a pain in the okole. anyway, I won't worry then, just bring a hat and misty fan and stfu.

I'll probably do kings island with my nieces on the first day - looks real fun. But if someone good is playing qualies I might have to sneak away.
Click to expand...

Definitely not muggy. Just hot. Qualifiers are awesome by the way.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
I was wondering the same thing! I really hope so. If he plays USO, then hopefully he'll want a tuneup. IF.
 
hcb0804

hcb0804

Hall of Fame
Monday all day and all night. Amex gold box seats courtside for the night session. Also Wednesday night session. Monday is great; you can see so many players up close either practicing or playing matches on the outside courts.
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
hcb0804 said:
Monday all day and all night. Amex gold box seats courtside for the night session. Also Wednesday night session. Monday is great; you can see so many players up close either practicing or playing matches on the outside courts.
Click to expand...

Ooooob gold box seats! Gold! I am so envious. That's awesome! I thought you could only get box seats for the whole week. :confused:
 
Vanhool

Vanhool

Hall of Fame
Player list is out and everything I could hope for: top 30 women and top 40 men! Meanwhile, lots of withdrawals from Stanford. SO glad I picked Cincy instead!

Anyway, just getting super psyched and wondering if anyone else is.

Anyone ever do kid's day? One of my nieces is 8 and never played tennis before. I'm wondering if the activities will hold her interest....
 
hcb0804

hcb0804

Hall of Fame
Montgomery Inn ribs, Skyline Chili, Graeter's Ice Cream, White Castle burgers.....mmmmmMMMMM can't wait!
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
Live in Columbus. Love the hour and 20 minute drive down. A little Led Zeppelin playing. Hit the Outlet mall on the way down.Hit up Skyline on the way...for dinner...Parking is easy. Watch a night match, walk around, take some great pics. Get all inspired to play better. Open the top on the Benz on the way back......moon shining in the car......iPod playing some Van Halen. In bed by midnight.
 
S

spinovic

Hall of Fame
Got tickets for the weekend sessions - Men's QFs Friday morning/afternoon through the finals on Sunday.

First timer here as well, so I can't wait.
 
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