The Ultimate Guide to the National Bank Open in Toronto 2024
The National Bank Open (formerly known as the Rogers Cup) has been taking place in Toronto since 1881. Held annually at York University in Toronto, this Canadian Open tennis tournament is another standout professional sporting event hosted in the summer.
In 2021, Tennis Canada announced that the Rogers Cup would become the National Bank Open. Rogers remains the presenting sponsor.
The National Bank Open Toronto is held every August and hosts top-tier tennis players from around the world in a state-of-the-art tennis facility. The Canadian Open is part of the women’s WPT tour and the men’s ATP tour.
I have been attending this tennis tournament since I was a teenager. Yup, I’ve been going since Andre Agassi had hair! It’s one of my favourite things to do in Toronto in the summer, and I’m going to share all I know about attending this event to help you get the most out of your experience.
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Why I Love Going to the Toronto National Bank Open
One of my favourite things about this tennis tournament is that the venue is quite intimate, allowing for close proximity to the players and all the tennis action!
I have sat just metres away from some of the biggest names in tennis here, including Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner, Coca Gauff, and Carlos Alcaraz. It’s quite amazing to think that just a few weeks prior, these athletes were playing at Wimbleton!
In addition to the main Centre Court, there are lots of secondary courts where you feel as though you can almost reach out and touch the players. You can enjoy singles, doubles, and practice rounds all from this small yet impressive venue.
It’s also really good value for the money. If you attend early in the tournament the tickets are quite inexpensive (even free on the opening weekend). There are lots of things to see and do, and you don’t even have to be a tennis fan to enjoy this exciting Toronto sporting event.
My Guide for Attending the Toronto Open
So for those who want to know more about this top tennis event, keep reading to learn everything you need to know for your first trip to the National Bank Open. I will share how to get tickets, what you can expect, and tournament tips based on my own personal experiences to help you get the most out of your experience.
Whether you’re a local like me who loves a great Toronto sporting event or a visitor wanting to watch a live tennis match with some of the best players in the world, here’s everything you need to know about attending the 2024 National Bank Open.
When Does the National Bank Open 2024 Take Place?
Every year, the Canadian Open Tennis Tournament alternates between Toronto and Montreal, with Toronto hosting the men’s matches in even years and the women’s in odd years.
In 2024, Toronto will be hosting the women’s event.
This year’s National Bank Open takes place in Toronto from Sunday, August 4 to Monday, August 12, 2024. The main draw event will start on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The finals will be held on Monday, August 12.
Note: The 2024 schedule is slightly altered due to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Take Advantage of the Free Family Weekend
The opening days of the event, August 4–5, will be the 407 ETR Family Weekend. These two days are completely free for the whole family.
I highly recommend attending this weekend if you have never been before or are looking for a family-friendly summer event in Toronto. There are lots of activities, including opportunities to meet some of the pros.
You can watch singles, doubles, and practices matches. There is always lots of action early in the tournament.
How do you get Tickets for the National Bank Open?
✓ Tickets can be purchased online at: Nationalbankopen.com
Tickets are sold in sessions. Essentially, you can purchase a day session (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) or an evening session (4 p.m.–7 p.m.). You can buy single-session tickets, multi-session tickets, or full event packages.
Attendees purchase tickets to attend a session starting August 6 (the event is free on August 4–5).
Your regular ticket includes an assigned seat in Centre Court. Your Centre Court ticket also includes access to all the practice courts and secondary match courts on the grounds.
This is ideal, as visitors will get to see lots of matches and lots of players, especially in the early days of the tournament. It’s easy to wander between courts and watch different players and games.
For those looking for a little more luxury, VIP tickets are also available to purchase. VIP tickets give you access to better seats and additional amenities, such as VIP lounges with more food options and covered venues with air conditioning.
Ticket prices start as low as $20 on the first paid day and go up to several hundred dollars for the championship game in premium seats.
The Venue: Sobeys Stadium
The tournament takes place at the Sobeys Stadium (formerly Aviva Centre), located on the campus of York University. The main court, Centre Court, can accommodate over 10,000 spectators. Seats in Centre Court are ticketed. There isn’t one seat that doesn’t have a great view.
Around the rest of the venue, there are more than 10 smaller courts. Seating at these courts are first-come, first-served. What makes these courts so great is that you are close to the action! In some cases, you feel like you are almost sitting on the court.
The venue itself is also quite compact, so it’s easy to get from one court to the other. You can see lots of great matches during your purchased session.
The only downside of this venue is that there is not a lot of shelter during rain delays or from the hot sun. Come prepared for the weather for a better tennis experience.
How do you get to the National Bank Open?
National Bank Open Location: 1 Shoreham Dr, North York, ON
The National Bank Open is held at York University in the north end of Toronto.
Driving to the National Bank Open
Sobey’s Stadium at York University is close to Jane Street and Steeles Avenue West. The location is just south of the 407 toll highway and just east of highway 400.
York University is easily accessible by car, and parking is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
Parking at the National Bank Open
Parking rates at the Toronto Open are very reasonable.
The Pioneer Village Green P Lot #834 is located at 2800 Steeles Avenue West. It is about a 15-minute walk to the stadium from this parking lot.
Parking is free here on weekends. The day rate is $7.00 during the day and $2.00 in the evening, Monday through Friday.
Taking Public Transportation to the Tennis
The Pioneer Village subway station on the yellow line is conveniently located beside the event. The station is just 10 minutes from the main entrance. Fans can even get a free ride home on the TTC from the Pioneer Village subway station when they show their ticket.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to the National Bank Open
The National Bank Open is not only a chance to see elite tennis competition but a chance to enjoy a festive atmosphere in this excellent summer sporting event.
Beyond the world-class tennis, the event offers a fun fan experience, including food vendors, interactive sponsor activations, and tennis-related activities for all ages. There are beer gardens with live music, shopping, and lots of fun things to do!
It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends, family, or even on a date!
What Should I Bring to the Event?
There are a few things I recommend bringing with you to the event to get the most out of your visit.
First of all, it can get really hot at the tournament, and there is not a lot of shade or air conditioning throughout the venue. You will definitely want to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Bring a water bottle. There are water refill stations throughout the venue, which will save you some money and keep you hydrated.
While the seats in Centre Court are comfortable enough, the seats on the other courts are mental benches without any seat backs. If you have a seat cushion, you might want to consider bringing it with you. And be careful! Those metal seats can get hot.
Is there Food at the Tennis Tournament?
Yes. There are lots of great food options. There are cafes, restaurants and bars. From poutine to pizza to burgers, smoked meat sandwiches, salads, and more, there are many food options available. Although, be prepared for event food pricing.
You are allowed to bring in a small lunch and a clear water bottle with you into the event. There are free water refill stations throughout the event. You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the open, but you can buy drinks once you are inside.
Download the National Bank Open App
The event has a mobile app that you will want to download to your phone before you attend. The app will tell you all the game times, who is playing who, and what court they are playing on.
The app can help you find your favourite players and get the most out of your visit. Free wifi is available at Sobeys Stadium.
What if it Rains?
Fans are allowed to bring umbrellas into the venue. They cannot be opened during play.
There is an inclement weather policy but essentially, if matches are cancelled due to rain, there is an option to exchange your ticket for another one on a different day.
I have been in attendance when it rains. There is limited shelter when it rains, so guests squeeze into the shopping or vendor tents. If the weather forecast calls for rain, bring an umbrella and a rain jacket.
Where to Stay in Toronto
There are a few hotel options for those looking to stay close to the Toronto open. Here are two recommendations based on my experience living in the city.
Pick #1: Hilton Garden Inn Vaughan
The Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station, making it easy to get to both the stadium and downtown Toronto. The cost is reasonable for a Toronto hotel.
There is also a pool, free parking, and WiFi. Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park, Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, and Legoland are also close to the hotel.
Pick #2: Homewood Suites by Hilton Vaughan
The advantage of staying at the Homewood Suites is that each room is a full suite, all furnished with a kitchen, pull-out sofas, and dining tables. Perfect for families looking to visit Toronto.
The hotel has a large indoor pool, and a Walmart Supercentre is around the corner from the hotel. A complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. This hotel is also close to Wonderland and Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre.
⭐️ For further information on hotels in Toronto, visit my other articles:
☞Best Places to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
☞ Best Hotels in Toronto with a Pool
Is the National Bank Open Worth Visiting?
Yes. The National Bank Open is worth visiting, especially for tennis lovers. As the week continues, fans will not only get to see an elite tennis competition, but they’ll also get to enjoy a super fun summer event in Toronto.
And, if you come on the opening weekend, entry and parking are free! I mean, where else can you see this calibre of tennis for free?
Beyond world-class tennis, the tournament offers a great fan experience, including food vendors, retail shopping, musical entertainment, and tennis-related activities for all ages.
Before You Go: More Things to Do in Toronto
After you have enjoyed your time at the National Bank Open Toronto, there are a few other great things to do in the area. Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park is just 20 minutes away! Wonderland, including the waterpark SplashWorks, is always a fun summer activity in Toronto.
For those planning to spend a few more days in Toronto, check out my perfect 3-day Toronto Itinerary.
Close to the tennis, you will also find other great attractions worth visiting, including Reptilia, Legoland, Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, and Pioneer Village.
