MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The countdown is on for one of South Florida’s biggest sporting events. In just 10 days, the Miami Open will bring the world’s best tennis players to Hard Rock Stadium.
But before the first serve, a massive transformation has to happen and Local 10 got a first-hand look at the heavy lifting.
“We’re very busy here at the stadium. There’s never a dull moment,” Miami Open Senior Director of Business Operation Jillian Falduto said.
The courts are painted and the banners are going up, and soon some of the biggest names in tennis will take center court.
“We have all of the top players in the world coming to participate here — both world number ones,” Falduto said.
But the Miami Open is about more than tennis — it’s about the all-around experience.
“Not only is there tennis, but there’s music and art and food that I mentioned, lots of great drinks,” Falduto said.
This year, organizers are serving up new familiar flavors.
“We’re bringing back some of our most popular restaurants from last year but also bringing in some new ones,” Falduto said. “Some of the new ones are Chug’s Diner, which is a big Miami staple, as well as Cafe La Trova.”
Returning this year are Miami Slice, Omakai, Zuma, and many more.
And if you’re not there for the sets or the slices, you can join the hundreds of other show stoppers dressed to the nines for South Florida’s elite tennis tournament.
“If you’re looking for the top caliber of tennis, this is absolutely the place to find it,” Falduto said.
After weeks of heavy lifting, all that’s left is for players to show up and for Miami to do what Miami does best: Bring the energy.
Last year, the tournament welcomed over 405,000 fans, a record number they’re looking to beat this year.
And the stadium won’t stay quiet long. The F1 race will come six weeks later after the Miami Open!
For more information on the Miami Open, click here.
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