South Ohio News

State Rep. Adam Mathews has successfully preserved the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio, countering efforts to move it to North Carolina by securing a $22.5 million investment in the state budget. The tournament, which annually brings over 180,000 visitors and $80 million to the local economy, is poised to expand to a two-week event with a projected economic impact of at least $150 million.

"I am thrilled that the Western & Southern Open recognizes that Mason and Warren County are the best home for this tournament," said Rep. Mathews.

In a significant victory for Mason, Ohio, State Rep. Adam Mathews has ensured that the Western & Southern Open will remain in the area, defeating attempts to move it to North Carolina by securing a $22.5 million investment in the state budget. The tournament, which annually brings over 180,000 visitors and $80 million to the local economy, is set to expand to a two-week event, with an expected economic impact of at least $150 million. Mathews expressed gratitude to various leaders and officials for their collaborative efforts in demonstrating Ohio's commitment to retaining this prestigious tournament in the local community.

Rep. Mathews said in his press release, "This event adds such an economic boost to our communities, and I stand behind the investment I introduced that showed our commitment to keeping this in Ohio.”

On the tournament's website, it highlights the history of the event. Established in 1899, the Western & Southern Open is a prestigious event categorized as an ATP Masters 1000 and a WTA 1000 tournament, attracting nearly 200,000 attendees from across the United States and over 39 countries while reaching a global viewership of more than 126 million across 192 markets. Over its history since 1974, the tournament has contributed over $12 million to various beneficiaries, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UC Health Barrett Cancer Center, and Tennis for City Youth, and it is hosted annually at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.

Dating back to 1899, the tournament has been held for over a century and has hosted numerous tennis legends, with more than 100 International Tennis Hall of Famers having participated over the years, and its rich history is documented annually in a comprehensive publication that features historical narratives, photos, and player information.