Western and Southern Open Unveils Stunning New South Building
In terms of construction on this scale, it wasn’t very long ago at all when the new South Building at the Western and Southern Open — aka the Cincy Masters event — was simply a collection of artistic renderings of what it was expected to look like when it was completed. After the draw party for the 2018 edition of the pro tennis event, fans were able to enter the tournament grounds and see those fantasy images made into reality.
The end result is pretty impressive, and rather faithful to the extremely posh collection of premium seating and suites that were promised. The building, which connects the Center Court and the adjacent Grandstand Court, is five stories high, with a new broadcast studio level up top.
Level 4, dubbed the “all-inclusive” level, has a dining area, a small selection of box seat type outdoor viewing of Center Court, and a view of Grandstand as well. According to Cincy’s ticketing page, one seat on Center and access to other level 4 perks costs $3500 for the full week of tennis.
“All-inclusive level 4” at #CincyTennis… little box seats type sections and dining area… pic.twitter.com/Mu3qPvClnq
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) August 10, 2018
Level 3 contains a few long and narrow suites, with seating areas inside and out, flat-screen TV to keep up on the action out on court, a buffet table layout and plenty of room for whatever icy cold beverages you and your guests prefer.
There’s also some coverage from the rain up above, as you can see in the photo below, as well as additional Center Court stadium seating that is fairly steep but offers a clear view of the tennis action down below.
Nestled behind this seating and in between the suites is a dining area.
Dining area in suite level of new building at #CincyTennis. pic.twitter.com/Cne4uDL4JB
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) August 10, 2018
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This section offers an incredible view of Center Court from cushioned chairs, with additional views of either Center or Grandstand from an array of dining tables that sprawl out across the space and into various corners — a cozy design that tries to create a more intimate setting than a wide-open cafeteria.
The indoor stadium seats are pretty incredible. #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/8KiEFocTDz
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) August 10, 2018
As idyllic as the setting is when only a few people are wandering around, it remains to be seen how loud and distracting the atmosphere might be when it’s packed full. The designers included acoustic tiles in the ceiling, and there is carpet and soft fabrics to help deaden the sound, so clearly there was acknowledgment that noise could be an issue.
Many are wondering if glare will be a problem for the players and fans, considering the giant wall of glass behind the baseline. It was an overcast day when we took our photos, so it’s too soon to tell what it will look like when the sun hits it. Another issue for players could be all the movement behind the glass, as it seems unlikely any changeover rules will be observed, despite the fact that the people inside were clearly visible from Center Court.
Another issue with the new building was that some seats that previously may have had something of an obstructed view will now have quite an obstruction to deal with.
Interesting view from the 300 level seats next to the new building. There was previously a covered structure there, but gotta think this is a bit more obsructed now. pic.twitter.com/xr4e1esRyW
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) August 11, 2018
One possible positive effect may be in the tournament’s main food court area, which is notoriously jammed with more people than the limited seating can accommodate. With a large chunk of the crowd now lounging indoors with their own private restaurants, there may be some shorter lines and more available chairs for the rest of the folks attending the event.
For those that have the means to enjoy the perks of climate-controlled tennis-viewing, the new South Building at Cincy is definitely a triumph as far as creating multi-faceted spaces that allow for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment of the two main courts, easy access to those courts and the rest of the grounds, convenient dining options, and yes, even indoor restrooms. It’s a blend of function and pleasing aesthetics, and the highlights are the tennis-related photos and art pieces that decorate the space.
Special @ChrissieEvert racquet in the display inside #CincyTennis new building… pic.twitter.com/foOtPcNJ6x
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) August 11, 2018
We leave you with an image of the South Building from the Grandstand Court, and a final thought about the danger of creating a new tower of tennis opulence: once you see it, you’re going to find the rest of the grounds looking rather in need of an upgrade. It’s like putting that new pair of shoes on the shelf next to the old ones….now they all need to be replaced.
