MIAMI, FL (September 7, 2018) – IMG today announced that Itaú has extended its partnership with the Miami Open presented by Itaú for five additional years through 2024.  Itaú, Latin America’s largest privately owned bank, has been a trusted partner of the tournament since 2009 and assumed the role of its presenting sponsor in 2014.

“We are excited that Itaú has decided to continue our partnership for another five years, and be a part of ushering in a new era of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium,” said James Blake, Miami Open Tournament Director. “The relationship between the Miami Open and Itaú has been incredibly strong for more than a decade, and we look forward to showing off everything we can do together at the new venue.”

The sponsorship renewal comes as construction continues on the new Hard Rock Stadium tennis facility, which will be the home of the Miami Open starting in 2019. IMG announced the move last March before concluding the tournament’s 32-year run on Key Biscayne.

The move to Hard Rock Stadium brings new and exciting opportunities for Itaú who will be able to provide an unparalleled experience to their guests including improved amenities, best-in-class hospitality, permanent retail facilities, upgraded entertainment spaces and the ability to extend its brand into new markets north of Miami-Dade County.

“The transformational power of sport is what has motivated us to invest in tennis for more than 40 years,” said Fernando Chacon, Executive Director at Itaú Unibanco. “Currently, we support from the junior level up to high performance tennis, culminating in the Miami Open, one of the most important tournaments on the circuit. It is immensely satisfying to have renewed this sponsorship through to 2024 as the principal partner in the event, which receives more than 300,000 visitors annually and is broadcast to more than 190 countries. At the Hard Rock Stadium, where a significant increase in audience is expected, we shall be able to expand our relationship with the public, clients and athletes and create a new home with an unforgettable experience for the fans of the sport.”

The improved infrastructure, upgraded amenities, expanded space and parking for all tournament guests will allow the Miami Open to take the fan experience to unprecedented heights by incorporating IMG’s network across music, fashion, culinary and art.

“Our vision has long been to restore the Miami Open to its rightful place as the ‘fifth Grand Slam’, and bringing the event to a reimagined Hard Rock Stadium was a crucial first step in the process,” said Mark Shapiro, Co-President of WME and IMG. “Now, with this commitment from Itau, we have a hands-on partner that will support us in elevating the experience to even greater heights. This is a very exciting time for the Miami Open and the future of professional tennis.”

The new Miami Open will have 30 competition and practice courts; a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event; increased green space and shade areas around the site; improved Wi-Fi, media facilities, locker rooms and fitness space for players and tennis staff.

Already one of tennis’ largest and most prestigious events, and considered the most glamorous event on the ATP and WTA tours, the Miami Open will played March 18-31, 2019 and combines the best of sports and entertainment in a two-week extravaganza. Located in the one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse cities the Miami Open presented by Itaú has an energy and excitement that is uniquely Miami. The tournament welcomes more the 300,000 guests each year and is broadcast in 192 countries worldwide.

About the Miami Open presented by Itaú

The 2019 Miami Open will be played March 18-31 at Hard Rock Stadium. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Miami Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. The tournament is widely regarded as the most glamorous on the ATP and WTA calendars because of Miami’s unique personality, thriving nightlife, five-star hotels and restaurants, beautiful weather and beaches, and celebrity appeal, as well as its close proximity to both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. For ticket information, call +1.305.442.3367 or visit www.miamiopen.com.

About Itaú

Itaú is the largest privately owned bank in Latin America, with approximately 100,000 employees and operations in 19 countries throughout the Americas, Asia, Middle East and Europe. Itaú’ s relationship with tennis goes back to the 1970s, when Itaú first sponsored the Itaú Tennis Cup in Brazil in 1970. Since then, its platform has evolved, and is comprised of a wide range of sponsored projects. Itaú is involved in training centers that promote sport initiation and young athletes’ development, such as Tennis Institute and Tennis Route, as well as high performance tournaments, such as Miami Open, which the bank has sponsored since 2009, becoming he presenting sponsor in 2015. Moreover, Itaú is also the main supporter of the Brazilian Women’s Tennis Circuit, the only female professional tournaments in the country, certified by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in sports training and league development, as well as marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. IMG is part of the Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG) network.

About Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is a global entertainment destination that serves as home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami football team, Orange Bowl, Super Bowl LIV and the 100th anniversary of the NFL, College Football Playoffs 2021 Final, major concerts, international soccer matches and a host of world-class events. The facility has undergone a $500 million, multi-year renovation privately funded by Owner Stephen Ross.