6 Reasons to Watch Tennis Under the Lights

While tennis has a reputation of being a daytime sport, there are plenty of reasons to watch a match – or two – after dark. Whether it’s more reasons for socializing, live entertainment or just cooler weather, tennis under the stars can be a great way to experience a new twist on the sport.

This year, the Volvo Car Open on Daniel Island is offering an exciting program for night-tennis fans. As the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in the North America, the Volvo Car Open offers a nightly experience for tourists and locals alike that is a little bit different than other sports venues in Charleston. There are ample opportunities to eat, drink and socialize while enjoying some of the best competitive tennis around.

Here are 6 great reasons to watch tennis after dark:

1. Watch reigning U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens (and other heavy hitters) compete

This year, the stars are coming out at night. Sloane Stephens makes her 2018 Volvo Car Open debut under the lights on Tuesday, April 3. Stephens enters fresh from her first Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open. She was also previously a 2016 Volvo Car Open champion.

Stephens will be joined in this year’s highly competitive field by Charleston native Shelby Rogers, 2017 Volvo Car Open champion Daria Kasatkina, Caroline Garcia, Johanna Konta, Petra Kvitová, Madison Keys, CiCi Bellis and many others.

2. Enjoy cooler temperatures and less humidity

There’s something very refreshing about a cool Lowcountry evening. Particularly because the Volvo Car Stadium is only a few steps from the Wando River, watching tennis under the lights can be a welcoming change from the Southern daytime heat. That’s not the say that tennis at night is any less energizing – you’ll find action-packed, edge of your seat competitive tennis under the stars all night long at the Volvo Car Open.

3. Experience live music, entertainment and giveaways

Besides the on-court stars, you can find stars of a different sort at the Volvo Car Open. Each night features a different musical and entertainment experience that’s sure to be memorable. As family and friends mix and mingle in the relaxed atmosphere, DJs will perform each night in front the stadium.

There’s also on-court entertainment as well. Between the singles and doubles portion of each night’s program, special promotions will highlight the theme of the evening. These include Pink Out for the Cure on Wednesday night, a salute to servicemen and women on Thursday and Friday’s SunTrust ball toss – a crowd-pleasing favorite!

4. Sip nightly Happy Hour drink specials

From 5-7 p.m. each evening, adult beverage specials will be available for purchase at various locations around the tournament’s grounds. Grab a craft beer or enjoy a bubbly beverage while listening to the night’s musical entertainment or watching the tennis action. Volvo Car Open attendees can check out what’s available by visiting the Blue Moon Beer Garden, Club Court Bar or Moët Bubbles Bar.

Souvenir Tervis tumblers are also available in three sizes with this year’s unique design. Purchase a cup to receive drink discounts all tournament week!

5. Dine out under the lights

Area food truck favorites Bac’n Me Crazy and MacDaddy will be around all week, with others like the Immortal Lobster and Semilla rotating in and out as the Volvo Car Open progresses. Tournament goers can also enjoy a variety of food options inside and outside the stadium, from hot dogs and gyros to donuts and barbecue.

6. Watch the men compete in the PowerShares Series

You might be thinking – men’s tennis at the Volvo Car Stadium? That’s exactly what you’ll get on Saturday night. This exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event is part of the 2018 PowerShares Series tour, a fun, interactive and competitive circuit. The 2018 field consists of stars Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis, Tommy Haas and Michael Chang. The fun begins on Saturday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m. The four champions will play two semifinal matches, culminating in a single championship match. These Saturday night matches are a great way to unwind and blow off some steam between Saturday’s semifinals matches and Friday’s finals. The relaxing and entertaining format will keep you laughing while admiring all of the competitive tennis action!

Any night of the week, the Volvo Car Open is a great place to have a beer, listen to live music and watch some really good competitive tennis. The Volvo Car Open runs March 31- April 8, with night events Tuesday, April 3 through Saturday, April 7. Tickets to see the stars come out at night start at $25.

Those looking to see Sloane Stephens and spend Tuesday night in style can purchase the “Night on the Town” package. This $150 package (a $195 value) includes two terrace seats to Tuesday’s night match, two badges that grant access to the private hospitality Ace Club lounge, one valet parking pass and a $50 food and beverage voucher.

For tickets or more information, visit VolvoCarOpen.com or call 1-800-677-2293.