A day at the Argentina Open: A party for all ages that’s ‘much more than tennis’

“Much more than tennis” reads the slogan of Argentina Open 2023. And for the public that has revolutionized the structures of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, the Buenos Aires ATP is really much more. Because spending a day at the Palermo club is like watching amusing battles on brick dust; but also enjoy a wide range of activities and a relaxing day out with family and friends.

The property’s commercial patio is set up around a large open space with tables, where people are always gathered. No matter what time it is or what matches are played, there is never a shortage of those who take advantage of the shade of the trees in that sector to drink, rest or watch some tennis in the shade, taking advantage of the giant screen installed in a corner. Around there is a continuous traffic of people, who go from one location to another and spy on what’s in each place.

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The BALTC audience is varied, of all ages, but on this sunny Tuesday, when the heat has returned with everything, after a rainy Monday, the younger ones predominate.

The premises of a well-known bank are the main attraction for about ten kids, who are no more than 12 years old and queue up to try their luck in a vending machine, the kind you usually see in shopping malls loaded with soft toys can be “caught” with a hook. But the one in the club is full of tennis balls, a highly coveted prize among fans of this sport.

Not far away, another small group takes advantage of the mini camp that has installed a brand of sunscreen, to gather for a while. And there are others who walk around dressed as if they are about to take the field, with T-shirts identifying their teams. There are several small schools from Rosario that have come especially for the tournament.

The sportswear brand that dresses various Argentine figures, such as diego schwartzmann AND Nadia Podoroska (her blow-ups are present in the premises) – it is another point where there is always movement. One of the local vendors says they are constantly selling goods. What else “comes out”? The sets of shirts and skirts. “There are people who come and take ten shirts”, he assures. And that there are no promotions; prices are the same as found in any branch of the brand.

“We wanted to see Alcaraz, but we fell asleep and when we wanted to get the tickets they were sold out. Maybe today we didn’t have a bad schedule. Seeing Thiem live is not bad at all,” he says Marianwho ran away from work and arrived with Sebastian AND Pedro. The three of them, friends for years, usually rent courts and play tennis. “But we’re really bad at relaxing”, they clarify, before heading towards the “platform” which will allow them to see some training sessions up close.

For those who want to do like them and improvise a visit to the BALTC, tickets are still available for the daytime sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with prices ranging from 2,500 to 13,000 pesos. They are on sale at tournament ticket offices.

The tournament is also an ideal “family outing” for the holidays. so he thought Pablowhich led to Thomas (8 years) e Joanna (5) to watch some games. “They’re starting to play in a small school in Belgrano,” says the father, as his son urges him to head towards the main stadium. You don’t want to lose a single match point Francis Cerundolo.

First they plan to go buy something to eat and they will be spoiled for choice: from hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, to salads, ice cream, waffles with various fruits and sauces, pizzas and more; as well as sodas, water, coffee, and even some alcoholic drink options.

“The Prize is a Cork”says the promoter of a television and household appliances company, who proposes a difficult challenge: to put a ball in a tube, after bouncing it on a small platform installed in front of it. “Has anyone done this?”asks a fan, frustrated after wasting his three chances and gives the next “competitor” the turn.

This week the lawn tennis it’s a tennis party and much more.