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The 2026 Cincinnati Open continues this week at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, with qualifying beginning Aug. 11 and main-draw play starting Aug. 13. The tournament offers more than professional tennis, with live music, restaurants, family activities and player appearances across the expanded campus. The event runs through Aug. 23 and features both ATP and WTA competition.
Cincinnati Open fans can expect more than tennis when the tournament continues in Mason this week.
The Cincinnati Open features live music, restaurants, family activities and player appearances across the 40-acre campus.
The 2026 tournament runs through Aug. 23 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The event has expanded its entertainment offerings as organizers transform the Mason venue into a broader fan destination.
Qualifying begins Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to the Cincinnati Open’s official schedule. Gates open at 9 a.m., with qualifying matches scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.
First-round matches begin Thursday, Aug. 13. The tournament will feature both ATP and WTA competition during its two-week run.
Cincinnati Open expands its fan experience
The Cincinnati Open has added more activities for fans who want breaks from the matches. Organizers announced more than 80 live musical performances for the 2026 tournament.
The expanded programming also includes player appearances, family activities, shopping and dining. The tournament says the changes are designed to give fans more ways to spend time on the campus.
The event’s upgraded facilities are part of a larger transformation at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The venue received a major renovation ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Axios reported in July that crews were transforming the facility into a temporary event hub ahead of the tournament. The changes include new structures and flexible spaces that can serve different purposes during the event.
The tournament’s official website says fans can use the upgraded Cincinnati Open mobile app to plan their visits. The app provides information to help visitors navigate the grounds and follow tournament activities.
Cincinnati Open brings live music to Mason
Live entertainment will run alongside the tennis throughout the tournament. The Commons and Kroger Fan Zone will serve as two major areas for performances and fan programming.
The tournament says more than 80 live musical performances are scheduled across the event. Music will give fans another activity while they wait for matches or take a break from the courts.
The Commons will also feature chef demonstrations and player appearances. Fans can use the shaded area to eat, relax and continue following the tournament atmosphere.
The Kroger Fan Zone will offer additional entertainment and player programming. The area also includes activities designed to give fans opportunities to interact with the event away from Center Court.
The tournament has also introduced the Kroger Indoor Fan Zone as part of its expanded 2026 experience. Organizers say the new area provides another option for fans during their time on the grounds.
Dining options range from Skyline to fine dining
Food is another major part of this year’s Cincinnati Open experience. The Commons serves as the tournament’s main dining hub, with 13 restaurants and two bars.
The lineup includes several Cincinnati-area favorites and other restaurants. Options include Skyline Chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream and LaRosa’s Pizzeria.
Fans can also find higher-end choices during their visit. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is among the dining options listed by the tournament.
Other restaurants include:
- Alfio’s Buon Cibo
- Bibibop Asian Grill
- Greenwich Pita
- Lobsta Bakes of Maine
- Mazunte
- Playa Bowls
- Twisted Greek
- Verde
The tournament’s official dining guide also lists 50 West and Ben’s Pretzels among the available food options. The range gives visitors choices from quick snacks to full meals.
According to the Cincinnati Open, new restaurant offerings are part of the event’s effort to expand the overall campus experience. The tournament expects nearly 300,000 fans during this year’s event.
The tournament also added Rhinegeist Brewery as its official local craft beer partner for 2026. The brewery will have a bar at the Top Deck, according to the Cincinnati Open.
Family activities add more to the Cincinnati Open
Families also have several activities beyond watching professional matches. The Prasco Kids Zone offers tennis-related activities for younger visitors.
The area includes USTA Midwest Mini Courts, a speed-serve activity and a rally challenge. Children can also participate in coloring and other activities.
The tournament has also scheduled player appearances and autograph opportunities. Fans can follow programming in the Kroger Fan Zone and Commons.
Community Weekend took place Aug. 8-9 and included Kids Day, a Red Bull Bassline event and the inaugural Cincinnati Open 5K. The weekend also gave fans opportunities to see professional players up close.
The broader schedule means visitors do not have to spend their entire day sitting in the stands. They can move between matches, entertainment areas, restaurants and other activities around the grounds.
Cincinnati Open campus has been transformed
The expanded fan experience comes as the Lindner Family Tennis Center undergoes one of its largest transformations. The facility’s new features are designed to support the tournament while also creating opportunities for future events.
Axios reported that the campus transformation involves nearly every part of the facility. Temporary structures and redesigned spaces help turn the tennis center into a large event destination during the tournament.
The changes could also have an impact beyond tennis. Axios reported that Warren County officials see potential for the renovated facility to host other major events throughout the year.
The venue is scheduled to host a college basketball exhibition in October featuring Ohio State, Cincinnati, Xavier and Dayton. The event will mark another use for the renovated campus.
Warren County officials have also discussed concerts as another potential use for the facility. The expansion could therefore give the Mason venue a role in the region’s broader sports and entertainment industry.
What fans should know before attending
Fans attending the Cincinnati Open should plan for significant time outdoors. The tournament advises visitors to prepare for summer heat, use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The event also has specific rules for food, drinks and umbrellas. The tournament’s official “Know Before You Go” guide provides current information on weather policies, campus services and other visitor requirements.
The Cincinnati Open schedule is subject to change. Fans should check the tournament’s official schedule and mobile app for the latest match times and programming.
Qualifying begins Tuesday, Aug. 11, followed by the first round on Thursday, Aug. 13. The tournament continues through Sunday, Aug. 23.
For visitors, the 2026 Cincinnati Open offers a combination of professional tennis, live entertainment, restaurants and family activities. The expanded campus gives fans additional reasons to spend more time in Mason during the tournament.
Sources: The Cincinnati Open’s official tournament schedule, official dining guide and Know Before You Go guide provide current event information. Axios also reported on the transformation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center and its potential for year-round events.
FAQs
When does the Cincinnati Open begin?
Qualifying for the 2026 Cincinnati Open begins Tuesday, Aug. 11. First-round main-draw matches begin Thursday, Aug. 13.
Where is the Cincinnati Open held?
The tournament takes place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. The facility is located northeast of Cincinnati in Warren County.
What activities are available besides tennis?
The tournament offers live music, restaurants, family activities, player appearances and fan programming. The Commons and Kroger Fan Zone are among the main entertainment areas.
What food is available at the Cincinnati Open?
The tournament has expanded its dining options for 2026. Restaurants and food vendors include Skyline Chili, Graeter’s, LaRosa’s, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse and several other local and regional options.
