Meet the Maker
Whether in a boardroom or on a tennis court, International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Butch Buchholz has always been active in a sport he knows well. Buchholz’s contributions to tennis were recognized in 2005 with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. He was enshrined as a “Contributor” with Jim Courier, Yannick Noah and Jana Novotna.
As Chairman of the Sony Ericsson Open, Buchholz has dedicated much of his life’s work to this tournament — which became a reality in 1985 after he first conceptualized the idea while still a touring pro more than 30 years ago. Today, with over $6.9 million in prize money, equal prize money for men and women, and all the top players competing, the Sony Ericsson Open is surpassed in size and stature only by the four Grand Slams.
Active in tennis since his youth, Buchholz played his first tournament at age six and won his initial title a year later. He became the first player to win junior titles at the Australian Open (1959) and French Open (1958), Wimbledon (1958) and the U.S. Junior Championships (1958). Ranked fifth in the world in 1960, Buchholz entered the professional ranks with Jack Kramer’s worldwide circuit. A member of three U.S. Davis Cup teams from 1958-60, he won 22 professional tournament events and was one of Lamar Hunt’s famous “Handsome Eight” of World Championship Tennis (WCT). He retired at the age of 29 after injury ended his 10-year professional career, but the same spirit that drove him as an intense competitor inspired him to develop and grow in the business of tennis. His credentials include tournament promoter, network television commentator, owner/operator of tennis clubs, and U.S. Junior Davis Cup Tennis Team captain in 1970.
A founding member of the first men’s players association in 1963, Buchholz has served tennis in many capacities. He directed tournaments in his hometown of St. Louis (1964-1968), directed WCT events (1969-78), directed a Virginia Slims event in 1972, was Commissioner of World Team Tennis (1977-78) and served as executive director of the ATP and as a member of the men’s pro council, the governing body of men’s pro tennis (1981-83). While running the ATP, Buchholz was responsible for establishing the framework for the first pension fund for men’s professional tennis players, still in existence today.
After a series of other successes, in 1992, Buchholz and the late Arthur Ashe, then tennis director at Miami’s Doral Hotel, were reminiscing about how tennis programs in their hometown parks had shaped their lives. They were inspired to form the “Good Life Mentoring Program” in partnership with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, providing valuable life skills for elementary and middle school students. Moore Park Tennis Center in Miami became one of the venues where hundreds of youngsters would benefit from this program.
Buchholz remains Chairman of the Board of First Serve Inc., a concept that began in conjunction with the USTA in 2001 as a way to give back to tennis by using the sport as a positive influence on our nation’s youth. First Serve is a youth empowerment organization that utilizes tennis to help kids develop the skills, values and experience they need to be responsible, productive and successful in life. Currently thousands of inner-city young people throughout the United States have exposure to the First Serve program, with a long-term goal to expand throughout the world.
The Schedule
2011 Order of Play (*Subject To Change)
Session | Day/Date | Start Time |
Women’s/Men’s Singles Qualifying (48 draws)* | ||
01: Day | Monday, March 21 | 9:00 am |
Women & Men’s Singles, Qualifying/Women’s Singles, 1st Round (96 Draw) | ||
02: Day | Tuesday, March 22 | 9:00 am |
Women’s & Men’s Singles 1st Round (96 draw) /Doubles (32 draw)* | ||
03: Day | Wednesday, March 23 | 10:00 am |
04: Night | Wednesday, March 23 | 7:30 pm |
Women’s Singles, 2nd Round / Men’s Singles 1st Round/Doubles* | ||
05: Day | Thursday, March 24 | 10:00 am |
06: Night | Thursday, March 24 | 7:30 pm |
Women’s & Men’s Singles 2nd Round/Doubles* | ||
07: Day | Friday, March 25 | 10:00 am |
08: Night | Friday, March 25 | 7:30 pm |
Women’s Singles 3rd Round/Men’s Singles 2nd Round/Doubles* | ||
09: Day | Saturday, March 26 | 10:00 am |
10: Night | Saturday, March 26 | 8:00 pm |
Women’s & Men’s Singles 3rd Round/Doubles* | ||
11: Day | Sunday, March 27 | 10:00 am |
12: Night | Sunday, March 27 | 8:00 pm |
Women’s Singles 4th Round /Men’s Singles 3rd Round/Doubles* | ||
13: Day | Monday, March 28 | 10:00 am |
14: Night | Monday, March 28 | 7:30 pm |
Women’s Singles Quarterfinals Men’s Singles 4th Round/Doubles, Quarterfinals* | ||
15: Day | Tuesday, March 29 | 10:00 am |
16: Night | Tuesday, March 29 | 7:30 pm |
Women’s & Men’s Singles & Doubles Quarterfinals* | ||
17: Day | Wednesday, March 30 | 11:00 pm |
18: Night | Wednesday, March 30 | 7:00 pm |
Women’s Semifinals/Men’s Singles Quarterfinals/Men’s Doubles Semifinals* | ||
19: Day | Thursday, March 31 | 1:00 pm |
20: Night | Thursday, March 31 | 7:00 pm |
Men’s Singles Semifinals/Women’s Doubles Semifinals* | ||
21: Day | Friday, April 1 | 1:00 pm |
22: Night | Friday, April 1 | 7:00 pm |
Women’s Singles Final/Men’s Doubles Final* | ||
23: Day | Saturday, April 2 | 12:00 pm |
Men’s Singles Final/Women’s Doubles Final* | ||
24: Day | Sunday, April 3 | 12:30 pm |
Tournament Quick Facts
Site
Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne
7300 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
Stadium Capacity: 13,800
Grandstand Capacity: 5,792
Court 1: 2,107
Court 2: 1,784
Courts 3, 6 & 7: 276
Courts 4, 5 & 8: 192
Dates
Monday, March 21 – Sunday, April 3, 2011
Qualifying Rounds: Monday & Tuesday, March 21-22, 2011
Women’s Main Draw opens: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Men’s Main Draw opens: Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tournament Executives
Tournament Owner – IMG
Tournament Chairman – Earl “Butch” Buchholz
Tournament Director – Adam Barrett
Tennis Balls
Penn
Tickets
Call 305.442.3367 or visit www.SonyEricssonOpen.com
Guest Services
Lost? Need information? Need to purchase tickets for future sessions to the Sony Ericsson Open? The Guest Services Center is located next to the draw board in front of Gate C. Multi-lingual personnel are available to answer questions, make recommendation or listen to suggestions.
Will Call
The Will Call Center is located next to the main entrance to the Tennis Center by the fountain. Only the person whose name is on the order may pick up reserved tickets. A photo I.D. and signature is required to pick up your tickets.
Parking
General admission ticket holders may park on Virginia Key (one mile west of the Tennis Center), with free shuttle bus service to the parking area at Crandon Park. Directional signs will lead you to Virginia Key once across Rickenbacker Causeway. Miami-Dade County will provide Virginia Key parking for $10 per vehicle.
History
On August 29, 2006, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications announced the signing of a four year contract to become the title sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Open. With $7.54 million in prize money the Sony Ericsson Open is currently the largest tournament in the world with Title Sponsorship. When Butch Buchholz established the event in 1985, it marked the first time in 56 years that a new two-week tournament featuring men and women was launched. Located in Delray Beach (Laver’s International Tennis Center) in 1985 and Boca Raton (Boca West) in 1986, the tournament found a permanent home in 1987 on Miami’s Key Biscayne. In 1994, Miami-Dade County christened the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, a 30-acre expanse that is transformed each year from a public tennis facility into a full-fledged festival for the Sony Ericsson Open. The Sony Ericsson Open, considered one of the most prestigious titles in professional tennis, has been awarded “Tournament of the Year” by the ATP for five consecutive years and in eight of the last nine years overall. In 2004 the event was also named “Tournament of the Year” by the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. In 1999, the tournament was purchased by IMG.
Television
The men’s and women’s finals are broadcast live on CBS. In 2010 the Sony Ericsson Open received over 63 hours of live coverage in the United States. Worldwide, over 2,400 hours of coverage was broadcast to over 153 million viewers.
Attendance
312,386 over 24 sessions/14 days in 2010.
The Venue
The 13,800-seat Stadium Court is the centerpiece of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park facility, home of the Sony Ericsson Open since 1987. The Sony Ericsson Open uses 12 courts in competition courts, plus six practice courts. The facility is also home to four European red clay, four American green clay courts and two grass courts. The Tennis Center also home to the United States Tennis Association’s player development program headquarters.
Time Line
March 1989: A new clubhouse was dedicated on the Crandon Park grounds
November 1990: Miami-Dade County approved plans for a new stadium
Summer, 1992: The site is rechristened The Tennis Center at Crandon Park
November, 1992: After legal delays and Hurricane Andrew halt construction, the way is cleared to open
February 12, 1994: Miami-Dade County dedicates the new 14,000-seat stadium
March 11, 1994: The first match is played on Stadium Court
August-October, 2005: Crandon Park weathers two powerful storms, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma.
March, 2006: A new chairback seating system debuts in the 400-level.
The 411
Need more information? Below are some useful contact numbers and emails that will help you get what you need to know.
Key phone numbers
Main Switchboard 305-446-2200
Tickets 305-442-3367
Travel 800-725-5472
Main Fax 305-446-9080
Key email addresses
Ticket information [email protected]
Sponsorship and Sales inquiries [email protected]
Vacation and hotel information [email protected]
Media inquiries [email protected]
Volunteer information [email protected]
All other inquiries [email protected]
The Dining
Visiting the Sony Ericsson Open food court is always a culinary experience. From old favorites to new delights, we provide a delicious offering of menu items, served under the beautiful Miami sun.
The Collectors Club
For those who enjoy the very best, the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open brings back The Collectors Club, an exciting, exclusive venue featuring an upscale restaurant, a sushi bar and a trendy lounge area, where private members can get away from the hustle and bustle of the tournament grounds in a beautifully decorated and climate-controlled setting.
Since its inception in 2008, the Collectors Club at the Sony Ericsson Open has been an active place for guests to relax and dine, adding a splash of luxury to the Sony Ericsson Open experience. The Collectors Club has been proud to offer its members the best in gourmet food, fine wine and spirits, and unique entertainment experiences. In 2010 the Collectors Club will be even better with 17 new menu items to tantalize your taste buds including Kobe Beef Sliders, Pepper Seared Beef Carpaccio, Roasted Lamb Chops, and Seared Tuna Steak to name a few. Whether you are in the mood for a light snack, lunch, dinner, cocktails or need to satisfy a sweet tooth, The Collectors Club can cure any craving.
Veuve Cliquot Wine & Sushi Bar
Since its founding in 1772, the iconic Champagne House has been closely associated with the world’s elite sporting events, from Polo and Yachting to World-Class Tennis. Come experience the full line of Veuve Clicquot champagnes and a variety of Asian cuisine, including Pad Thai, Fried Rice, and Sushi made by local company, Sushi Maki at the Veuve Clicquot Wine & Sushi Bar located in the main plaza next to the FILA store.
Ben & Jerry’s
No matter when you are craving a cold, frosty treat, you can always find something at Ben & Jerry’s! From scoops of your favorite ice-cream in a crispy waffle cone, to thick, creamy milkshakes to the delicious novelty bars, Ben & Jerry’s always has the perfect flavor for you.
Bombay Sapphire Lounge
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is proud to bring back their lounge at the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open. Tournament attendees will get a chance to sample and enjoy the signature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Ace. The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Lounge will serve as the perfect backdrop to enjoy a delicious and refreshing BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktail, all while enjoying the many talents of this exciting tournament.
Latin Café & Bacardi Bar
Bringing Miami’s Latin culinary influence to life, this menu awakens the Latin SENSES at the Sony Ericsson Open, serving traditional Cuban and South American food all day. Enjoy your favorite drinks by the glass or pitcher at the Bacardi Bar and relax in the open-air a la carte dining area set to the sounds of Latin music.
Crepe Express
Crepe Express returns with an array of crepes that are sure to satisfy. Try their new Thai crepe with shrimp, broccoli, carrots and peanut thai dressing! Save room for dessert, the Strawberry Delice, a cup of fresh strawberries in a Grand Marnier syrup topped with whipped cream.
The Grill by Joe Brandi Catering
Bring your appetite as this classic serves sirloin hamburgers, rib eye steak sandwiches, as well as jumbo Hummel hot dogs. Don’t forget the grilled chicken breast sandwich and famous fries, with the skins on!
Heineken Red Star Café
Give yourself a Good Name and visit the Heineken Lounge at the Sony Ericsson Open. Enjoy a cold Heineken or Heineken Premium Light with your friends in this ultra lounge atmosphere complete with plasma TV’s and shaded seating.
Little Italy Pizza
Enjoy a variety of pasta dishes, individually sliced pizzas and a delicious meatball sub sandwich at Little Italy Pizza. Menu favorites returning this year include cold Penne Primavera and the Chicken Parmesan sandwich.
One Fish Two Fish
Grilled Mahi Mahi, fried native grouper sandwiches and a crab cake Caesar Salad are on the menu at this seafood inspired location. Fresh seafood is not the only thing on the menu – try the chicken tenders or the spicy buffalo wings.
Marketplace
Enjoy a tossed salad made to order with your selection of toppings. Try a Key Biscayne tossed salad or the Create Your Own. You can also pick up a snack if you’re looking for a lighter fare, including whole fruit and jumbo cookies.
Starbucks
A Sony Ericsson Open favorite! Enjoy your favorite Starbucks concoction in a relaxed café environment or take it to go and catch the latest performance on the nearby entertainment stage. Starbucks returns to the Main Plaza, serving fresh, rich-brewed Italian-style espresso beverages, served along with a variety of sandwiches, pastries and confections.
The Activities
2011 Spectator Guide
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY Center
While on site stop by the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY Center and check out the latest Android™ phones, test the newest Xperia™ PLAY, and much more! Don’t forget to check in via Foursquare for special offers. See you there!
Find your Activity
2011 SONY ERICSSON OPEN OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT PROGRAM
What happens when you combine the fast-paced action of tennis and beach volleyball?–you get Beach Tennis USA! BTUSA returns to the Sony Ericsson Open for a weeklong series of pro exhibitions and open free play. So join the movement and try America’s fastest growing beach sport. Racquets and balls provided free of charge. To learn more, visit www.beachtennisusa.net. Located by Grandstand Court.
Entertainment Stage & Match Update
Player Q&A’s, live music, and more. Plus check in for all the latest scores and match updates.
FILA Friday Night
Q&A with top FILA tennis stars. Friday, March 25 at 6pm on Entertainment Stage.
FILA Family Zone
A variety of family tennis activities. Open daily 11am – 5:30pm.
Beach Tennis
Pro-exhibitions and open free play. Join America’s fastest growing beach sport!
LAN Airlines
Experience one-of-a-kind in-fl ight services. One of Latin America’s leading international air carriers.
The Shopping
IMG Academies
Try the fast serving cage, win daily giveaways, and learn about IMG Academies.
FILA Store
The first FILA store in the country to carry the latest FILA shoes, the R4 and R8. Also try the new Body Toning fitness apparel — you’ll look one size smaller!
FILA 100-Year Store
Celebrating its 100th Anniversary, FILA debuts this limited edition, special 100-year collection at the Sony Ericsson Open! Also checkout tennis memorabilia from past FILA champions.
Tournament Souvenirs
Get your offi cial Sony Ericsson Open gifts, accessories and apparel.
Tournament Sports Shop
Browse the latest tennis fashions from Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Stella McCartney and many more.
TennisPlaza
Check out the latest in racquet technology.
BMW Group
A great selection of 2011 BMW and Mini models. See what goes into a top class race team: experience vintage BMW race vehicles and tour BMW’s amazing “race ready” trailer.
Premier Display Island
Bolle, Head/Penn, Rolex, Lindt, Argentina Tourism, Unilever, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Charleston Hoteles.
VIP Experience
Collectors Club
Along with the best tennis and entertainment in the world, the Sony Ericsson Open offers a premium membership-only dining experience in our exclusive Collectors Club. Whether you are in the mood for a light snack, lunch, dinner, meeting friends for cocktails or satisfying a sweet tooth, The Collectors Club can cure any craving.
Collector Club Menus
Members also experience our series of special events such as:
• Private autograph signings with top players
• Meet CBS television announcers
• Hear match analysis from Mary Joe Fernandez
• Happy hour with tournament officials
• Wine tasting events
The Collectors Club’s cool trendy setting makes this club a destination all its own on our 32-acre property. Stay for tennis or not…you won’t be disappointed either way. We always provide an experience to remember.
Membership Options
Gold Membership
2 personalized membership cards
4 guest access passes
(each pass admits one guest for one day and evening of your choice)
$600.00 club currency
(for use in the Collectors Club only)
Price $1,200.00
Platinum Membership
2 personalized membership cards
2 dated access passes for 22 sessions (March 23-April 3)
8 guest access passes
(each pass admits one guest for one day of your choice)
$800.00 club currency
(for use in the Collectors Club only)
Price $2,000.00
Corporate Membership
4 dated access passes for 22 sessions (March 23-April 3)
$1,600 club currency
(for use in the Collectors Club only)
Price $3,800.00
For more information or to secure your membership to The Collectors Club, please call the Ticket Office at 305.442.3367.
Past Champions
Singles
Year | Men’s | Women’s |
2010 | Andy Roddick | Kim Clijsters |
2009 | Andy Murray | Viktoria Azarenka |
2008 | Nikolay Davydenko | Serena Williams |
2007 | Novak Djokovic | Serena Williams |
2006 | Roger Federer | Svetlana Kuznetsova |
2005 | Roger Federer | Kim Clijsters |
2004 | Andy Roddick | Serena Williams |
2003 | Andre Agassi | Serena Williams |
2002 | Andre Agassi | Serena Williams |
2001 | Andre Agassi | Venus Williams |
2000 | Pete Sampras | Martina Hingis |
1999 | Richard Krajicek | Venus Williams |
1998 | Marcelo Rios | Venus Williams |
1997 | Thomas Muster | Martina Hingis |
1996 | Andre Agassi | Steffi Graf |
1995 | Andre Agassi | Steffi Graf |
1994 | Pete Sampras | Steffi Graf |
1993 | Pete Sampras | Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario |
1992 | Michael Chang | Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario |
1991 | Jim Courier | Monica Seles |
1990 | Andre Agassi | Monica Seles |
1989 | Ivan Lendl | Gabriela Sabatini |
1988 | Mats Wilander | Steffi Graf |
1987 | Miloslav Mecir | Steffi Graf |
1986 | Ivan Lendl | Chris Evert |
1985 | Tim Mayotte | Martina Navratilova |
Doubles
Men’s | Women’s |
Lukas Dlouhy/Leander Paes | Gisela Dulke/Flavia Pennetta |
Max Mirnyi/Andy Ram | Svetlana Kuznetsova/Amelie Mauresmo |
Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan | Katarina Srebotnik/Ai Sugiyama |
Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan | Lisa Raymond/Samantha Stosur |
Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi | Lisa Raymond/Samantha Stosur |
Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi | Svetlana Kuznetsova/Alicia Molik |
Wayne Black/Kevin Ullyett | Nadia Petrova/Meghann Shaughnessy |
Roger Federer/Max Mirnyi | Magdeleena Maleeva/Liesel Huber |
Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor | Rennae Stubbs/Lisa Raymond |
Jiri Novak/David Rikl | Arantxa Sanchez Vicario/Nathalie Tauziat |
Todd Woodbridge/Mark Woodforde | Julie Halard-Decugis/Ai Sugiyama |
Wayne Black/Sandon Stolle | Martina Hingis/Jana Novotna |
Ellis Ferriera/Rick Leach | M. Hingis/J. Novotna |
T. Woodbridge/M. Woodforde | A. Sanchez Vicario/Natalia Zvereva |
T. Woodbridge/M. Woodforde | A. Sanchez Vicario/J. Novotna |
T. Woodbridge/M. Woodforde | A. Sanchez Vicario/J. Novotna |
Jacco Eltingh/Paul Haarhuis | Gigi Fernandez/Natalia Zvereva |
Richard Krajicek/Jan Siemerink | Larisa (Savchenko) Neiland/J. Novotna |
Ken Flach/Todd Witsken | A. Sanchez Vicario/L. Savchenko |
Wayne Ferreira/Piet Norval | Mary Joe Fernandez/Zina Garrison |
R. Leach/Jim Pugh | Helena Sukova/J. Novotna |
Jacob Hlasek/Anders Jarryd | H. Sukova/J. Novotna |
John Fitzgerald/A. Jarryd | Steffi Graf/Gabriela Sabatini |
Paul Annacone/Christo Van Rensburg | M. Navratilova/P. Shriver |
Brad Gilbert/Vincent Van Patten | Pam Shriver/H. Sukova |
P. Annacone/C. Van Rensburg | G. Fernandez/M. Navratilova |
The TV Schedule
FSN | Broadcast Times | Live/Taped Delayed |
Saturday, March 27 | 1 pm – 6 pm 8 pm – 10 pm | Live |
Sunday, March 28 | 1 pm – 5 pm 7 pm – 9 pm | Live |
Monday, March 29 | 1 pm – 6 pm 1 pm – 6 pm | Live |
Wednesday, March 31 | 1 pm – 6 pm 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm | Live |
Thursday, April 1 | 1 pm – 6 pm 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm | Live |
Friday, April 2 | 1 pm – 3 pm 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Live |
CBS Sports | ||
Saturday, April 3 | 12:30 pm – 3 pm | Live |
Sunday, April 4 | 1 pm – 3 pm | Live |