Live the Tennis Experience at the National Bank…

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by Melissa Boyd

August 3, 2023

The National Bank Open presented by Rogers is just around the corner and fans visiting the tournament will be able to Feel Tennis in many ways throughout the week in both Montreal and Toronto using all five of their senses.

In doing so, they will experience tennis and the tournament in ways that go beyond simply enjoying the action on the court.

In Montreal, the tradition will continue with the IGA Family Weekend in association with Maple Leaf Foods and VIA Rail Canada officially kicking off the festivities. From Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6, admission is free to watch the qualifying matches and to get a closer look at your favourite players on the practice courts. There are also plenty of activities on offer for the whole family including shows, kids’ tennis, autograph sessions, raffles, and games, in addition to these main activations:

Tennis Canada Fan Zone: Our new Fan Zone isn’t just for tennis fanatics – it has tennis games and activities for everyone. Families can also take up challenges and fill out their passports to enter to win prizes.

Virtual reality experiences: Also new this year are the innovative virtual reality experiences. All week long, fans can compete in virtual matches on-site and have the chance to win daily prizes.

Mental Timeout initiative supported by Beneva activities: Once again, fans will have the chance to take part in several wellness activities on-site at IGA Stadium as part of the Mental Timeout initiative supported by Beneva. In addition to our brand-new pet therapy activity, participants will also be able to take part in yoga sessions and even write messages of encouragement for players on our Positivity Postcards.

The Ball Hockey Challenge presented by Knapper is back again this year as NHL players, including Quebecer Jonathan Huberdeau of the Calgary Flames, take on the stars of the WTA in an exciting ball hockey match.

In Toronto during free 407 ETR Family Weekend on August 5 and 6, families will have the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities, from face painting, arts and crafts, and an inflatable obstacle course to a caricature artist and the fan-favourite air guitar contest. As part of the Mental Timeout initiative supported by Beneva, visitors can also try out dog therapy, yoga sessions and have the chance to sign Tennis Canada’s Positive Court Pledge or write a positivity postcard to their favourite player.

Meanwhile, a ball hockey game on Sunday featuring a group of NHL stars and top ATP players, refereed by Sportsnet’s Ron MacLean, is one not to miss. Younger fans can also meet some of their favourite TV characters, including members of the PAW Patrol, Spongebob Squarepants, Toopy and Binoo, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to get up close to the iconic Davis Cup trophy won by Team Canada in 2022. In Toronto, it will be on display in the VIP Lounge during Family Weekend before a special Opening Night Centre Court ceremony on August 7 featuring members of the Canadian squad. In Montreal, it will be in the Fan Zone on Friday, August 11. Prior to the evening session on Saturday, August 12, Centre Court at IGA Stadium will also host a special ceremony with several former Davis Cup team members from Quebec.

Don’t forget to download the official NBO tournament app to keep yourself in the know all week long and participate in our inaugural reward program for the chance to win one-of-a-kind tennis experiences.

August 3, 2023

August 3, 2023

August 2, 2023