There’s more to the Volvo Car Open than world-class women’s tennis. Yes, the tournament, scheduled for March 30 through April 7 on Daniel Island, is the largest women’s tennis tournament in North America, and, yes, it will reach more than 20 million fans through television and digital media outlets.
But the tournament will also attract 90,000 or so people who travel from near and far to Volvo Car Stadium, and they’ll be able to enjoy more than just the fierce competition that has been a hallmark of the tournament for 47 years.
As is usually the case, new activities have been added this year to enhance the Volvo Car Open experience for those who attend the tournament.
1. Golden: A State of Being Yoga • Saturday, April 6
Sarah Frick and Ashley Cebulka will lead participants through a mental and physical workout designed to put them in touch with their “golden core” and help them find ways to enhance their life experience, both physically and mentally. Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with former World No. 1 doubles player, Bethanie Mattek-Sands. As an Olympic Gold medalist and eight-time Grand Slam champion, who has persevered despite multiple injuries, Bethanie is the ultimate source of inspiration. The $98 charge per person includes a general admission ticket to the Volvo Car Open’s semifinal matches.
2. Gospel Brunch • Sunday, April 7
What better way to spend your time waiting for the Volvo Car Open finals to begin than enjoying the music of a world-renowned gospel choir? And why not also enjoy feasting on a menu featuring Lowcountry favorites prepared by Braised in the South? You can complete the experience with a deluxe Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Tickets, $115 per person, include a general admission ticket to the Volvo Car Open finals.
3. New Dining Destinations
What else is new at the 2019 version of the Volvo Car Open? Eating and drinking have always been an important part of the tournament experience, but this year, the culinary aspect of the event has risen to a new level.
For example, attendees can make reservations to dine throughout the week at a rooftop restaurant offering items from Coastal Crust and Vintage Café. The eatery seats 80 people, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, there will be a main dining hospitality tent, the Serve & Volley, with two distinct restaurant concepts by Braised in the South. One will serve Southern-inspired food, while the other offers healthy options. Meanwhile, at the Ultra Club sports bar, attendees can relax in the shade, watch television, and, of course, enjoy a wide array of drinks and offerings from Jonny Poppers Burger Buggy, which will be serving up their craft burgers to pair with a refreshing Michelob Ultra.
“Our fans will find a very different experience on the dining front, with expanded restaurant options on the Grand Lawn and two new destinations – the Ultra Club sports bar and a rooftop restaurant above our merchandise tent overlooking our main plaza,” says Bob Moran, the Volvo Car Open Tournament Director.
4. Family Weekend
The Volvo Car Open has elevated its Family Weekend to include two fun-filled days celebrating the best of the state of South Carolina. The weekend will offer a beach with sand castle sculptures, a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, two-story glass house and more rides from the state fair, LEGO® bus, obstacle courses and much more. Make sure kids also stop by and have some fun on the youth-centered tennis courts, powered by Net Generation. Free admission for kids 16 and under, and adults are only $10. With admission, the tournament asks that Family Weekend-goers please bring a book to donate to Read365, a Charleston program providing reading opportunities for students.
“Each year, we look to expand our fan offerings both on and off the court,” Moran adds. “The expanded Family Weekend, presented by MUSC Health; yoga event; and gospel brunch will really bring to life our venue and facilities. Our new events will be in high demand, so I urge our fans to get their tickets now.”
To purchase tickets for A State of Being Yoga or the Gospel Brunch, visit VolvoCarOpen.com/specialevents. To purchase tickets for the tournament, visit tickets.volvocaropen.com.
