The Lindner Family Tennis Center, renowned for hosting world-class tennis events like the Western & Southern Open, is set to add another prestigious tournament to its legacy: the Baird Wealth Management Open. This landmark pickleball event, part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, marks a significant expansion for the center, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to premier sporting competitions. From September 8-11, 2022, the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, welcomed approximately 1,000 pickleball athletes and 8,000 spectators, further cementing its status as a leading sports destination in Greater Cincinnati.
The Lindner Family Tennis Center is historically significant in the world of tennis. As the long-standing host of the Western & Southern Open, an ATP/WTA 1000 series tournament, it holds the distinction of being the oldest tennis tournament in the United States still held in its original city. This esteemed venue has witnessed legendary performances from tennis icons such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Now, the Lindner Family Tennis Center is extending its world-class facilities to the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, hosting the Baird Wealth Management Open and attracting top pickleball professionals including Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Matt Wright, and Lucy Kovalova. These athletes competed fiercely at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, vying for victory on courts usually graced by tennis titans.
“We are very proud to help welcome athletes to Cincinnati for the 2022 Baird Wealth Management Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center,” stated Brian Kurtz, Market Director with Baird. “Our firm is deeply committed to the Ohio region, with 11 offices across the state, including three right here in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. In the same spirit of how our financial advisors champion their clients, Baird is excited to support the sport that’s sweeping the nation.”
The Baird Wealth Management Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center distinguished itself as the second Grand Slam event on the PPA Tour in 2022. It was recognized as one of the five largest pickleball tournaments ever organized and the most extensive in the Midwest to date. The tournament boasted a total prize purse of $160,000. Importantly, all proceeds generated from the rental of the Lindner Family Tennis Center facilities for this event benefited Tennis for Charity, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to improving lives through tennis and now, through the expansion into pickleball events at their prestigious Lindner Family Tennis Center.
“We’ve watched pickleball just explode over the last few years and are humbled to be shaping the landscape of a professional sport,” commented Connor Pardoe, Commissioner of the PPA. “We couldn’t be happier to be holding this event at the prestigious Lindner Family Tennis Center alongside our friends at Baird. The tournament is going to be unforgettable.”
The Baird Wealth Management Open achieved a broadcasting milestone for pickleball, featuring 18 hours of live coverage on the Tennis Channel. This marked the first-ever pickleball tournament held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, utilizing 42 courts. To ensure optimal playing conditions for the professional events, 15 of these courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center were meticulously resurfaced and painted to meet exact specifications.
“Pickleball is the newest and hottest sport in the U.S., and we are happy to help the PPA showcase their Grand Slam at our Tennis Center,” said Neal Schear, Treasurer of Tennis for Charity, Inc. “Pickleball is a close cousin to tennis, and our facility will take pride in giving players the same world-class experience as professional tennis players receive.”
The Lindner Family Tennis Center’s embrace of pickleball through events like the Baird Wealth Management Open reflects the growing popularity of the sport and the venue’s forward-thinking approach to sports entertainment. Hosting this major pickleball tournament not only diversified the center’s event portfolio but also brought significant economic benefits to Mason and the wider Cincinnati region, attracting tourists and boosting local businesses. The Lindner Family Tennis Center continues to solidify its reputation as a versatile and top-tier sporting venue capable of hosting a wide range of high-profile events, from international tennis championships to premier pickleball tournaments.
[Imagine an image here of the exterior of the Lindner Family Tennis Center, showcasing its modern architecture and grounds.]
[Imagine an image here of pickleball players competing on courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center during the Baird Wealth Management Open.]
[Imagine an image of the Western & Southern Open logo displayed at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, highlighting its tennis legacy.]
About the PPA Tour
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) stands as the leading professional circuit for pickleball. It organizes tournaments, manages player rankings, and provides substantial prize money, exceeding $3 million annually. With over 20 events scheduled in 2022 at prestigious venues such as the Lindner Family Tennis Center and the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas, the PPA Tour is the premier destination for both professional and amateur pickleball competitions. Broadcasting partnerships with major networks like FOX Sports, Tennis Channel, CBS, CBS Sports, and ESPN ensure broad visibility for the sport. Established in 2018 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the PPA Tour delivers an exceptional experience, inviting players to “play where the pros play” and offering top-tier venues, entertainment, and fan engagement opportunities.
About Baird
Since 1919, Baird has operated as an employee-owned, international financial services firm. Their services span wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and private equity, with a global presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Baird boasts approximately 4,600 associates and manages over $415 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2021. Recognized as a top workplace, Baird was ranked No. 27 on the 2022 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, marking their 19th consecutive year on this prestigious list. Baird’s commitment extends to supporting community events like the Baird Wealth Management Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
About the Lindner Family Tennis Center
The Lindner Family Tennis Center, home of the annual Western and Southern Open, is owned by Tennis for Charity, Inc. This world-class facility is renowned within the tennis community, hosting a combined men’s and women’s Masters 1000 series tournament. Center Court alone at the Lindner Family Tennis Center can accommodate over 11,000 spectators, and the entire complex features sixteen permanent tennis courts. Located in Mason, Ohio, within the economically vibrant Greater Cincinnati region, the Lindner Family Tennis Center has cultivated a lasting legacy since its inauguration in 1979, now expanding its influence into the burgeoning sport of pickleball.
About the City of Mason, Ohio
Mason, Ohio, is a thriving city recognized for its innovation in bioscience and a diverse business environment encompassing advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. In recent years, Mason has attracted over $615 million in new investments and generated more than 3,100 jobs, primarily in the biohealth sector. As the largest city in Warren County and a key part of the Greater Cincinnati region, Mason is dedicated to fostering economic growth, attracting leading companies, and creating jobs, while also pursuing international partnerships. Mason is celebrated nationally for its affordability, excellent schools, and dedication to community wellness, making it an ideal location for events hosted at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
