MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Open tennis tournament is officially moving to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019, IMG announced Wednesday.
The Miami Open has been held at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne for 32 years, and its last event there will take place in March 2018.
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According to a news release, the event had numerous offers to relocate to other cities, but IMG was committed to keeping the tournament in South Florida. IMG executives worked closely with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez to bring the event to Hard Rock Stadium.
"The Miami Open belongs in Miami," said WME and IMG Co-President Mark Shapiro. "We're grateful to have amazing partners in Stephen, the Miami Dolphins organization, Mayor Gimenez and above all the people of Miami who have been supporting the Miami Open for decades. While we're looking forward to creating the new Miami Open experience at Hard Rock Stadium, our priority is to make the last edition of the Key Biscayne event the best it’s ever been."
Ross also expressed his excitement about the move in a statement.
"We are extremely excited that the Miami Open, a global entertainment event, will remain in our community," Ross said. "We are committed to bringing a best-in-class experience alongside IMG to all of the players, fans and partners that will take part in this global affair. The opportunity to showcase the best tennis in the world in Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that brings together the best of culture, art and entertainment, will be an amazing experience for everyone involved."
Renderings released Wednesday show what the prestigious event will look like at the stadium, which includes a new Center Court, which will showcase a 14,000-seat stadium.
The move will also bring "improved infrastructure, upgraded amenities, expanded space and parking," the news release said.
There will also be "30 show and practice courts; a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event; a sponsorship village with expanded and upgraded entertainment spaces; permanent retail facilities; improved Wi-Fi, media facilities, locker rooms and fitness space for players and tennis staff."
The 2018 Miami Open will be played March 19 – April 1 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Miami.
Click here for more information about the Miami Open.