New York Open gets set to host top ATP action

As if New York wasn't already synonymous with elite tennis, it's getting another star-packed week of pro tennis. The New York Open will be held February 11-18 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.

The ATP 250 event, which has moved from Memphis, already has commitments from big names like John Isner, Kei Nishikori, Bob and Mike Bryan.

“It's exciting. We're very excited about it,” said Josh Ripple, the New York Open tournament director. “We think that bringing it here to New York is going to open up tremendous opportunities on every level.”

The tournament history dates back to 1990 when it was played in San Francisco. It was relocated to San Jose and then to Memphis before arriving in New York.

The east coast action will be run in partnership with GF Sports, LLC and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

“When we started the company—it's based in Manhattan—we had an aspiration for bringing as many of our event assets here into the NY area,” Ripple, who works for GF Sports. "It's not that easy to find good venues in which you can go in there and take up 12-14 days worth of an arena block. The stars lined up well as it relates to finding a venue in New York."

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is about 30 miles east of Manhattan and was reopened in April after a $165 million renovation. The space will allow for two indoor courts as well as a huge area for an immersive fan zone.

“Whats cool about Nassau Coliseum is that it has retractable seats that allow us to be able to put two full-sized courts—one stadium and one grand stand," Ripple said.

The stadium has the capacity for 6,500. A stadium ticket will get you access to all the grand stand action as well. Matches will be televised from Friday to Sunday on the Tennis Channel.

Qualifying will take place on Sunday followed by an opening night exhibition featuring John McEnroe, Sloane Stephens, James Blake and Eugenie Bouchard in singles and mixed doubles.