MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. \u2014 The countdown is on for one of South Florida\u2019s biggest sporting events. In just 10 days, the Miami Open will bring the world\u2019s best tennis players to Hard Rock Stadium.<\/p>\n
But before the first serve, a massive transformation has to happen and Local 10 got a first-hand look at the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very busy here at the stadium. There\u2019s never a dull moment,\u201d Miami Open Senior Director of Business Operation Jillian Falduto said. <\/p>\n
The courts are painted and the banners are going up, and soon some of the biggest names in tennis will take center court.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have all of the top players in the world coming to participate here — both world number ones,\u201d Falduto said. <\/p>\n
But the Miami Open is about more than tennis \u2014 it\u2019s about the all-around experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only is there tennis, but there\u2019s music and art and food that I mentioned, lots of great drinks,\u201d Falduto said. <\/p>\n
This year, organizers are serving up new familiar flavors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing back some of our most popular restaurants from last year but also bringing in some new ones,\u201d Falduto said. \u201cSome of the new ones are Chug\u2019s Diner, which is a big Miami staple, as well as Cafe La Trova.\u201d<\/p>\n
Returning this year are Miami Slice, Omakai, Zuma, and many more.<\/p>\n
And if you\u2019re not there for the sets or the slices, you can join the hundreds of other show stoppers dressed to the nines for South Florida\u2019s elite tennis tournament. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for the top caliber of tennis, this is absolutely the place to find it,\u201d Falduto said. <\/p>\n
After weeks of heavy lifting, all that\u2019s left is for players to show up and for Miami to do what Miami does best: Bring the energy.<\/p>\n
Last year, the tournament welcomed over 405,000 fans, a record number they\u2019re looking to beat this year. <\/p>\n
And the stadium won\u2019t stay quiet long. The F1 race will come six weeks later after the Miami Open!<\/p>\n