By Erik Gudris
Sony Open Tennis event organizers announced plans beginning in 2014 for expanding the facilities at Crandon Park where the tournament is held each year in Dade County, Florida. The $50 million improvement project will create three new show courts including a 6,000 seat Grandstand, a 4,000 seat Court 1 and a 3,000 seat Court 2. Additional improvements are planned for the current main stadium, player facilities and broadcast media center.
Improvements will also be added to the grounds of Crandon Park for year-round use include new green spaces and a central water feature.
The expansion follows a recent county-wide election where voters approved allowing the event to build permanent structures along with extending its lease. The bulk of the funding will come from IMG, the event's owner, in addition to tournament generated revenues and cost savings.
“The Sony Open’s evolution into a top-tier global tournament has mirrored Miami’s rise as a global city, broadcasting the city’s brand around the world and attracting visitors from overseas,” said Tournament Director Adam Barrett. “What began as a regional event has grown to become one of the premier stops on the professional tour, and we believe the Sony Open deserves first-rate facilities. Our investment in upgrading the Crandon Park Tennis Center will insure international tennis remains in Miami for the long-term.”
Speaking on behalf of the event, former player and tennis analyst Mary Joe Fernandez said, "The 50 weeks that the tournament is not here, the residents, the visitors, are really going to enjoy what this great park is going to have to offer. I think it will be fantastic."
Construction on the new facilities and event upgrades is expected to start at the end of the tournament in 2014 and be completed by 2015.