Housewarming party can go up: Renovated Rothenbaum could also attract top players
The traditional tournament at Hamburg's Rothenbaum can now take place this year. The date shortly before the French Open increases the importance of the competition.
by SID
last edit: Aug 14, 2020, 07:41 pm
The new seat shells in an elegant anthracite tone are fully assembled, the roof is fully functional, and the sanitary areas also promise a pleasant stay for professionals - the renovation work on the previously rather dusty tennis stadium at Hamburg's Rothenbaum has been completed.
The traditional venue is much more inviting again. So it fits perfectly that the housewarming party can take place this year. Possibly even with celebrity guests. Because the date from September 21st to 27th, confirmed by the ATP on Friday, is attractive - it's the days right before the start of the French Open. Even professionals like Sandplatzhero Rafael Nadal and Hamburg's local hero Alexander Zverev should at least think about a trip to the Hanseatic city.
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Tournament director Sandra Reichel was delighted. "I'm very happy for the Hamburg tennis fans," said Reichel: "Our goal has always been that our modernized Rothenbaum Stadium can be inaugurated in a worthy setting this year."
What the dignified framework might look like cannot yet be fully assessed during Corona times. According to the current situation in Hamburg, large outdoor events are possible with up to 1000 fans, the stadium was reduced to a maximum capacity of 10,000 spectators by the ten million euro renovation.
The only ATP tournament in Germany
Even a somewhat smaller 114th edition of the tournament at this time is a coup for the organizers, after all, it is the only ATP touring event this year in Germany. Originally, the event at Rothenbaum was supposed to take place in July.
So now a new attempt, with which the German Tennis Association (DTB) and the city of Hamburg are satisfied. Sports Senator Andy Grote said he was sure that the tournament would be a highlight for both players and the audience. Also in a slightly stripped-down version.