Your Guide to the Miami Open presented by Itaú at Hard Rock Stadium

Your Guide to the Miami Open presented by Itaú at Hard Rock Stadium

By Tucker Verdi

The 2019 Miami Open presented by Itaú is underway at its new home, Hard Rock Stadium. For fans and players alike, this is a new journey on a new campus. To assist in your quick and seamless immersion into our new home, here is a short guide of what to do and where to do it at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.

STADIUM COURT: The centerpiece of the new tennis campus for the Miami Open, Stadium Court is a design and engineering marvel. The net lies precisely on top of the 50-yard line in Hard Rock Stadium, so all 14,000 fans in the temporarily-erected seating or the south-side permanent seating can get a close feel for the action. From luxurious club suites and amazing views from the 72 Club to four massive video boards in each corner of the stadium, Hard Rock Stadium Court provides a new arena for tennis on a truly global stage.

GRANDSTAND: A permanent fixture on the campus at Hard Rock Stadium, the Grandstand is a must for all fans during the 2019 Miami Open. With 5,191 seats — including luxury seating, it provides the perfect large-scale venue for some of the biggest matches while still allowing fans an intimate feel. Two murals adorn the outer walls of the Grandstand, an important reminder of the artistic and cultural influences that the Miami Open has always embraced as part of its annual celebration of the international sport of tennis.

BUTCH BUCHHOLZ COURT: Named for one of the most influential figures in tennis history — particularly in South Florida, and the founder of what is now the Miami Open, Butch Buchholz Court is on of the largest venues on campus with 1,564 seats. Buchholz envisioned an event that brought together the top players from the men’s and women’s tours when he began the Lipton International Players Championships in 1985. Today, the Miami Open is a grand spectacle of the sport and one of the biggest tournaments in tennis.

PRACTICE COURTS: Providing close encounters with some of the world’s top players, the practice courts at Hard Rock Stadium are the perfect place to spend some down time while at the Miami Open. With 18 practice courts in total that have seating for more than 4,000 fans combined, there is always a chance to catch your favorite player warming up. And who knows, an autographed tennis ball or a selfie with one of the game’s biggest stars could be in store.

EAST TERRACE: Food and fun is the mission on the East Terrace, with a plethora of amazing restaurants to choose from and tennis experiences for fans of every age. Pose for a picture in front of the Itaú Giant Racket or Itaú Arch, let off some steam in the Fast Serve Cage, or experience the Miami Open’s new Laykold courts at the Fast Dry Courts expo. Lacoste, the apparel sponsor of the Miami Open, has a large tent for fans on the South Plaza adjacent to the East Terrace where you can shop their extensive collection of tennis apparel.

The food selection on the East Terrance includes everything from pulled-pork sandwiches at Everglades BBQ to street tacos at Avos Tacos by Avocados from Mexico, and from Latin-inspired burgers and skewers at Pincho to traditional Greek eats with a contemporary feel at Kiki on the River — where you can also enjoy a live DJ. And all of your thirsts can be quenched at a variety of beverage stations, including Milagro Tequila Bar, Hendrick’s Gin Bar, the Stella Artois Lounge, and the White Claw stand.

WEST LAWN: Chalk-full of dining and drinking options — including the Moët Chandon Lounge, the West Lawn is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful South Florida weather at the 2019 Miami Open. With expansive seating and shading, you can grab an angus burger at the Grill, get a taste of Italy at Casa Tua Cucina, experience the fine dining of Michael Mina at Bourbon Steak, or “roll” on by Sushi Maki for their amazing sushi roll selections. Or delve into the cultural and culinary intersection that is SuViche, serving ceviche, sushi, and classic Peruvian dishes. Finish it off at Bluestone Lane Cafe or with a beverage from Kim Crawford Club House.

Art Open Miami is housed on the South Plaza, adjacent to the West Lawn, and is an exposition put on by Art Miami celebrating the artistic endeavors of the South Florida region and their fusion with the sport of tennis. Also stop by the Itaú Meet Great tent, where the Butch Buchholz Trophy — presented to the women’s and men’s singles champions, is on display. And, in between matches, you can come pick out your next yacht at the Azimut Yachts Marine Max Yachts expo near the southwest entrance.

THE GROVE: Hidden behind Grandstand and Butch Buchholz Court is an oasis of food, drinks, and music called the Grove. Enjoy your choice of Novecento — an Argentinian bistro, or Chifa — a blend of Chinese-Cantonese and Peruvian culinary ingredients and traditions. Or you can stop by The Bar at The Grove and the Reyka Mule Bar, all while listening to live acoustic performances from a selection of local South Florida musicians.

OLD MIAMI: Packed tightly in between the Miami’s Open 18 new practice courts, Old Miami provides you with a taste of South Florida’s local cuisine. Food trucks will be lining Old Miami’s “street” and you will have your choice of delicious, passionately-made food from Miami’s many diverse culinary influences.

Visit the Digital Special Section of the Miami Herald for an in-depth guide to the Miami Open campus at Hard Rock Stadium. Or check out a map here, and get your tickets to the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itaú here to see it yourself!