Sarasota Open moves to Lakewood Ranch

After six years on Longboat Key, the Sarasota Open will now be held at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center.

Sarasota Open CEO Tony Driscoll says the decision to move the annual event from The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club came about a month ago.

“Lakewood Ranch has a great stadium and a lot of growth,” Driscoll says. “It’s an excellent opportunity.”

The Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center expressed an interest in hosting the Sarasota Open, which will be held April 11 through April 19, after having seen the tournament for the past several years.

The decision wasn’t an easy one, but one Driscoll felt was too big of an opportunity to pass up.

“They’ve been great,” Driscoll says of The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club. “They are great people (to work with) and provide a first class opportunity. I couldn’t say enough great things about (tennis director) John Woods. The members are great too. I think a lot of people will follow us (to Lakewood Ranch).”

Driscoll says he is hoping to have tickets available for purchase online and through the box office beginning Jan. 1. Season ticket holders and Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets. Driscoll also plans to begin announcing players for this year’s Sarasota Open in January as well.

With more tennis courts available at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center, the Sarasota Open will be changing its general admission seating this year. A general admission ticket will allow guests access to the second stadium and outdoor tennis courts. Those wishing to see the action on center court will need to purchase a box seat.

In addition, the Sarasota Open will construct a new stadium within the existing center court stadium, creating roughly 1,200 seats for spectators.

For a complete story on the Sarasota Open and its move to Lakewood Ranch, pick up the Dec. 11 issue of the East County and Sarasota Observers.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].