Going to Cincinnati in July..any help??

[johnathan smith]

I am coming up for the TMS Cincinnati late July from Alabama (yee-haw).
Just looking for some info from locals, or people that have been before.

We are planning on coming up on saturday (drive all day) be there for qualies/practice on sunday, main draw monday, tuesday, and Wednesday, and then come home on Thursday.

Ticket-wise, I am just looking for general day passes and was wondering what kind of demand there are for these tix? Can I wait 2 weeks from now to order them, while I make arrangements?

I am planning on staying in Mason, Ohio at one of the local hotels... Would I be ok booking these reservations in a couple weeks (same time I order the tickets)?

I just wanted to make sure that this not the same thing as getting tickets to big NCAA football game (IE Florida/LSU)..
Those tickets have to be bought months in advance and hotels are generally booked solid all over town 3 months in advance.

I assume it hasn't quite reached "SEC football levels" yet..... AM I correct?
Thanks for the help,
JS

 

[Fee]

I went last year. Book your hotel NOW, you have many choices depending on your preferences and budget, but that tournament is popular and those rooms get booked.

I had no problem getting tickets each day, but I have a vague memory that they sold out of grounds passes or something on one of the afternoons that I was there. I never had that problem becuase we were usually always there by 11 or so. You should be fine getting them in a few weeks.

 

[mctennis]

Get your hotel reservations NOW. It gets really full fast. It's a great time and the early rounds should be good tennis. I went have been going there for the last 20 years. You'll enjoy it for sure. Hot and sticky weather in the afternoons. So prepare to stay hydrated and even the bottled water is $3. So bring lots of money.

 

[johnathan smith]

Thanks a lot for the replies...
I am going to have to wait untill mid next week to book the hotels because I have to make sure that I am going to be able to go for sure (99.999% sure).
Question: How much do day passes run and how much are the night sessions in general?

Edit: I got my answer.... 30.00 per day (not bad at all)...

What and where are the good places to eat at night?
Thanks again,
JS

 

[Fee]

You can book your hotel now and cancel it if you don't go, just make sure that you look closely and follow the cancellation rules so that you don't get charged. If you are on a budget, there is a Super 8 motel at the same freeway exit as the tournament (they have free wi-fi and are usually consistently clean and comfy places). If you are not on a budget, there is a Marriott and a Hilton (I think it's a Hilton) one exit down, and that's where there's also more food choices and even an outdoor shopping mall.

 

[johnathan smith]

Thanks,
I am certainly usually on a budget, but for this trip no expense will be spaired!
I appreciate the info and am looking forward to the trip.

 

[NoBadMojo]

What and where are the good places to eat at night?
Thanks again,
JS

if you like ribs, Montgomery Inn is a must. there is the original one in Montgomery and they also have one in town.

also try the Skyline Chili. you can get this at the tennis facility....people seem to love it or hate it.....i think it's great, and it's not your usual chili.

 

[Fee]

I had a bowl of Skyline chili at one of their restaurants my last night there. I was definitely 'meh' about it, but I tried it just to say I did. I ate at the Waffle House once too. Don't think I will do either one of those things again.

 

[johnathan smith]

Thanks all!
I got my tickets and booked a room at the Marriot North East, that is the hotel that the players all stay at.
I am awaiting confirmation that a room is indeed available, but I am figuring that I am eary enough with my request.
Should be alot of fun!

 

[NoBadMojo]

I had a bowl of Skyline chili at one of their restaurants my last night there. I was definitely 'meh' about it, but I tried it just to say I did. I ate at the Waffle House once too. Don't think I will do either one of those things again.

yea but you cant get Skyline Chili in the Waffle House. I try avoid unsanitary places like the WaffleHouse...you dont wanna know how they make the burger patties there

as to the chili, dont think it can be an acquired taste like scotch. folks either like it or not and forever stay that way. my mouth is watering for some right now. it is available frozen in some groceries in case you change your mind

 

[Fee]

Thanks all!
I got my tickets and booked a room at the Marriot North East, that is the hotel that the players all stay at.
I am awaiting confirmation that a room is indeed available, but I am figuring that I am eary enough with my request.
Should be alot of fun!

Make a back up reservation. I've had a few friends get the exact same treatment from that hotel and never hear from them again. Any of the hotels on that same street is a good choice, the grocery store next door to that Marriot is a good place to get fruit and such if you are going to be there a few days. If you go way up that same street there's a really nice shopping mall with some good restaurants.

 

[wally]

if you like ribs, Montgomery Inn is a must. there is the original one in Montgomery and they also have one in town.

also try the Skyline Chili. you can get this at the tennis facility....people seem to love it or hate it.....i think it's great, and it's not your usual chili.

I'll second Mojo's reccomendation on Montgomery inn. Do the original one in montgomery you might see a player eating there. If you're taking the MRS do the Montgomery Inn Boathouse down town for a more "romatic evening" Do try the Skyline Chili I love the stuff but if I a Three-way + beer = and get your mind out of the gutter...... Also watch out for the coneys (hotdogs + Chili + cheese +....) they taste wonderful but boy are they greasy.

Also track down some Greaters Ice Cream its wonderful stuff and its quite a bit different from your usual ice cream parlor stuff. IF you're into coffee track down the Baba Budan's kiosk - great iced coffee!

I may be making the trip again theis year. My parents are in the area and I can kill two birds with one stone. I usually go for the first 2 days of the maindraw and the the first two evenings