Ranch nets Sarasota Open

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center is getting a makeover. 

For the past two months, crews have been busy transforming the Tennis Center’s center court into a 750-seat stadium court, creating a second stadium court and finalizing plans and preparations for the 2015 Sarasota Open. 

After spending the past six years on Longboat Key, the Sarasota Open will make its debut April 11 through April 19, in Lakewood Ranch. Some of the top players in the world hit the court in what has been deemed the premier men’s professional tennis tournament in Southwest Florida. 

“We are looking forward to the (Sarasota) Open this year with record sales,” Sarasota Open CEO Tony Driscoll says. “SMR and the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center staff have been exceptional to work with, and the Lakewood Ranch Tennis members have been exceptional. I have been humbled by their willingness to volunteer and support the tournament.” 

Former Sarasota Open champions Sam Querrey (2012) and Alex Kuznetsov (2013), two-time Grand Slam champion Radek Stepanek and up-and-coming stars Jack Sock, Donald Young and Ryan Harrison highlight this year’s field, which Director of Athletic Center Operations Paul Lederman credits as the strongest field to date. 

With the cancelation of the first part of the European clay court season, the Sarasota Open was able to draw players from around the world who initially might have opted to play in Europe. 

“We’ve prepared for this, and now we’re ready to let the best players in the world (showcase) their talent and energy in a fun and exciting atmosphere,” Lederman says. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected]. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

April 11
10 a.m. Opening day and qualifying rounds. Kids day: All children under 18 accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge; general admission only.

April 12
11 a.m. Day two of qualifying rounds; kids day

April 13
11 a.m. Main draw begins (first round) 

6:30 p.m. Feature night match 

April 14 
11 a.m. Main draw, day two, first round. Veterans day: All active and non-active military are admitted free of charge; general admission only.

5 p.m. 2010 Sarasota Open champion Kei Nishikori autograph session 

6:30 p.m. Feature night match 

April 15
11a.m.  Round of 16 singles. Circus Arts Conservatory presents Cirque de Sarasota.

6:30 p.m. Feature night match 

April 16
11 a.m. Round of 16 singles. Costume day: Those who wear a costume will qualify for the opportunity to win four VIP tickets to the 2016 Sarasota Open.

6:30 p.m. Feature night match

April 17 
11 a.m.  Singles quarterfinals; Nick Bollettieri Women’s Singles Tournament begins. 

6:30 p.m. Feature night match 

April 18
Noon Men’s singles semifinals; women’s semifinals. Circus Arts Conservatory presents Cirque de Sarasota 

4 p.m.  Nick Bollettieri autograph book signing 

6:30 p.m. Feature night match 

April 19
1 p.m. Men’s singles final; women’s singles final; men’s doubles final. Circus Arts Conservatory presents Cirque de Sarasota.

TICKET INFORMATION 

Tickets for the 2015 Sarasota Open are now available at the main entrance customer service desk at University Town Center Mall, online at sarasotaopen.org, or by calling 444-3952 or 1-888-280-1288. 

Cost: 
James T. Driscoll Centre Court Stadium VIP and box seats — $10 to $200; $350 to $500 (weeklong pass) 

General admission (access to Stadium 2 and all outer courts) — $10 

General admission weekly pass — $50 

Parking — $5 per day (free parking available off-site)

VIP parking pass — $25 per day 

Ultra VIP weekly parking pass — $200

Sarasota Open Players Party — $50

One Media VIP Party — $100

IF YOU GO

Date: April 11 through April 19

Location: Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center, 8488 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Information: sarasotaopen.org