MSM sports THE MIAMI OPEN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS T BY ANGELA BETANCOURT Photography Courtesy of MIAMI OPEN his year marks the 30th anniversary of the Miami Open taking place from March 23rd- April 5th at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne. Over the past three decades, the tournament has grown into one of the largest tennis events in the world; offering more than $10 million in prize money and attracting more than 300,000 spectators and a plethora of celebrities. The tournament has become one of Miami’s premier events, and in addition to enhancing the city’s image internationally, it has had a major financial impact for Miami-Dade County. “Our event generates an economic impact of $386 million annually which is the equivalent of hosting a Super Bowl. That does not include the 12,000 hours of global TV coverage in 193 countries the tournament generates,” said Adam Barrett, Miami Open Tournament Director. “Over the last 30 years, the tournament has grown from a family run event into one of the biggest, most 50 MIAMI SHOOT MAGAZINE SPORTS glamorous and most prestigious events in the world. But what I think is even more impressive is how the tournament has been a leader in the sport in terms of how an event entertains its guests,” he added. In addition to watching world class tennis players compete, the Miami Open wants attendees to feel more engaged in the experience. They transform Crandon Park from a tennis center into an interactive and social environment. Events for children, VIP lounges, live music, a food court, and shopping are just some of the features they can enjoy. “The Miami Open has always looked for new ways to make the experience on-site special both on and off the court. Whether we are bringing in on-court entertainment and celebrity musical performers pre- match, having live performances on our entertainment stage, or offering unique shopping and food and beverage experiences we strive to make everyone’s time here special. Today, you see events all over the world using the same model we started here in Miami.”