New York Open To Return To Nassau Coliseum In 2019

The New York Open is returning to Nassau Coliseum next year. Tennis pros will descend on the arena from Feb. 9 through 17, and will feature 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams.

“The team has done a great job securing several of the world’s top-10 players in singles and doubles and attracting legends who will also play in the main doubles competition,” said Josh Ripple, tournament chairman and co-tournament director of the New York Open. “Quite frankly, there’s nothing like a major, world-class sporting event in New York, and we think the play on the on-court will surpass what was an exceptional competition in 2018. The New York area tennis community was very supportive when we moved the event here last year from Memphis, and we’re looking forward to presenting even greater value to fans and sponsors in 2019.”

This year’s New York Open will kick off in a big way on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. when the New York Tennis Expo returns. More than 4,000 fans attended last year’s free mini-tennis festival, which showcases tennis, sports and recreational exhibitors, sports symposiums, the New York Open Official Draw Ceremony, and a chance for spectators to see first hand the tournament’s signature black courts as well as practice sessions featuring ATP pros.

Later in the evening will be the New York Open’s second annual Opening Night. This year’s edition showcases a new tennis and culinary platform called the Taste of New York Open – a mash-up event of ATP tennis stars and celebrity chef David Burke. Burke, a two-time James Beard Foundation winner as “Best Chef in New York,” will be demonstrating his culinary talents alongside co-hosts and Hall of Famers Andy Roddick and Jim Courier. Additionally, Burke will be curating immersive VIP culinary experiences for the tournament week throughout the venue, including general concessions, as well as hospitality areas.

Following the Taste of New York Open, Roddick and Courier will take to the black courts to face off in an exhibition match. Two of the most accomplished stars in American tennis history, Roddick and Courier combined for five Grand Slam titles, 55 ATP Tour singles titles, and nearly $35 million in career earnings during their careers.

“We are thrilled to have two American tennis legends – Andy and Jim – with us to start the week,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “When GF Sports and BSE Global agreed to relocate the ATP event to Long Island and the newly renovated NYCB LIVE a year ago, our goal was to create a perfect marriage between the venue and the event. Heading into our second year, we’re excited about what the New York Open has become.”

There will also be a number of other events throughout the tournament. The Wolf Pack Ninja Tour, featuring many of the world’s elite ninjas who are dedicated to help kids fight childhood obesity through fun and engaging activity, will be set up for the entire tournament run in the Exhibition Hall adjacent to the Coliseum.

Other platforms, such as College Night Tuesday, will celebrate one of the New York area’s top men’s college players playing in the main draw. Jack Lin, of Columbia University, won the first annual New York Open Collegiate Wildcard Tournament, and he will now have a berth to play on the black courts with the pros.

“Long Island has a rich sporting tradition and in just two years, the New York Open has quickly become a part of it,” said Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive. “We are thrilled to welcome some of the best tennis players in the world back to the beautiful Nassau Coliseum. Fans in this area will once again be treated to the best the sport has to offer – both on the court, and off of it.”

As part of Wolf Pack Ninja’s involvement at the New York Open, there will be demonstrations, clinics, meet-and-greets and autograph sessions, with nationally-known ninjas. Fans will have the chance to see what Wolf Pack Ninja is all about – including free programming for fans that purchase a tennis ticket. There will be exclusive experiential offerings that are affordably-priced during the finals weekend of Feb. 16-17.

Tickets for the 2019 New York Open are on sale and can be purchased via either newyorkopen.com/tickets or nycblive.com/events, at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE, or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information, visit newyorkopen.com or nycblive.com.

Photo courtesy Gov. Cuomo's Office