5 Insider Tips for Making the Most of the U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships

5 Insider Tips for Making the Most of the U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships

The U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championship is coming back to the Racquet Club February 16th - 24th. Before you put on your tennis whites, check out these five insider tips for making the most of your trip to the tournament. Then, enter our contest to win tickets and tournament gear.

U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships

1. Get a Pronto Pup, even though it's winter.

Of course they do. It's a sporting event, it's in Memphis; one would assume that there are Pronto Pups. But really - how often do you get to eat this most heavenly version of corn dog in the winter? Order a foot long (because the 6 inch ones are for amateurs), slather it in mustard and eat it with one hand while you hold a beer in the other.

2. Get player photos and autographs.

Because the Racquet Club is more intimate than other venues and the players don't use any secret tunnels to get around, it's easy to see the big deal athletes up close. Your best bet: wait outside of the Championship Hall 15 to 20 minutes before the start of the match to snap pictures and be generally encouraging. If you're after autographs, repeat the process at the end of the match. Just don't be that guy who's bothering the players as they're trying to get ready to play.

3. Eat in the Players' Club.

If you're looking accidentally-on-purpose run into your favorite athlete without braving the autograph line, go to the Players' Club. During the tournament, the Racquet Club ballroom - a.k.a. the Players' Club - is turned into dining hall where players, coaches and fans can eat together before the evening matches. It's open daily from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4. Find a place to park.

Since the Racquet Club is located in the middle of the city, parking can be a little tough. You could park on Sanderlin, but the spots go quickly. You could support the Boy Scouts by parking in one of the lots that they manage near the Paradiso and Clark Tower. Or, skip the crowds and park at St. Louis School on White Station. There's a shuttle that runs from the school to the tournament beginning at 5 p.m., but it's an easy (and safe) walk if you don't want to wait.

5. After the tournament, it's the after party.

Don't leave right after the matches are over. There are nighty after parties with live music, snacks, and games in the Players' Club and pub. One of those games is (fittingly) table tennis. You can sign up to play ping-pong against the world class real tennis pros that play every year. On Tuesday night (Feb. 19), doubles team the Bryan Brothers are putting down their racquets and picking up guitars for a concert.

6. Skip paying for tickets by entering our contest.

The Racquet Club and I are giving away two tickets to the session of your choice and some tournament swag (think posters, t-shirts and stickers). To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post by 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. Be sure to provide your email address (which won't be given out to anyone) so that I can get hold of you if you win.

***We have a winner! Congrats to Dory B., and thanks to everyone who entered.***

For more information about the tournament and the players and advance tickets go here.

Comments Make Us Happy

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Leah
This tournament is the most wonderful time of the year! I <3 tennis in Memphis!
February 7, 2013 3:06pm
Gal F.
I want in!
February 7, 2013 3:10pm
JR Kamra
Fantastic! I didn't know all the extra stuff went on at the tournament. Will have to check it out this year. 
February 7, 2013 3:31pm
Whitney
Will be taking your #2 in action: Meet Milos Raonic.
February 7, 2013 3:51pm
C. Scott Johnson
Please enter me for the free tickets. 
February 7, 2013 3:55pm
jamey yoo
cannot wait. i also would add go during qualifying. tickets are cheap, get to see all kinds of tennis! 
February 7, 2013 4:11pm
Nepali Y
I would love tickets!
February 7, 2013 4:17pm
Nate
FREE? Yes please!
February 7, 2013 4:18pm
Mark Lessard
I'll be driving over 700 miles to catch some of the tournament in Memphis & would love to win tickets & some tournament swag!
February 7, 2013 4:26pm
Jeret Johnson
Two tickets would be awesome!  This will be my first time in Memphis!
February 7, 2013 4:30pm
Charles
Tennis is my fave. Pronto Pups are the bomb.com  
February 7, 2013 4:34pm
Laura
Loving me some high caliber tennis - evening sessions preferred!
February 7, 2013 4:37pm
Mark Lessard
I'll be driving over 700 miles to attend the tournament in Memphis & would love to win some tickets!
February 7, 2013 4:42pm
Keith
I definitely want in on free tennis tournament action.
February 7, 2013 4:47pm
Tina
Would love to make the drive down from Nashville!
February 7, 2013 4:48pm
James Walker
Free tickets would be sick, yo!
February 7, 2013 4:48pm
Amanda W
You sold me at table tennis with the pros. I want a chance. 
February 7, 2013 5:08pm
Brittany
This sounds like it could be a lot of fun!
February 7, 2013 5:24pm
Allison
I would love to win tickets!
February 7, 2013 5:35pm
Larry
I'm looking forward to being in Memphis for the 10th year in a row. Always an awesome event!
February 7, 2013 5:40pm
Lisa Busby
Boy Scout parking is great if you don't have a parking pass for the RC lot. I love this tournament and don't have tickets...yet!
February 7, 2013 5:41pm
J and A
count us in!
February 7, 2013 6:14pm
Justin Ales
My family loves this tournament.  This year I get to bring my little girl and her older brother. We will have a great time. 
February 7, 2013 6:58pm
marilyn kreps
It's February.  Happy happy happy!!  Would love to win.
February 7, 2013 7:09pm
M Chambers
Can't wait!
February 7, 2013 7:25pm
April Scott
Tennis in Memphis.  I am in!
February 7, 2013 7:39pm
April Scott
Tennis in Memphis?  Count me in.
February 7, 2013 7:39pm
Lauri
I look forward to attending the tennis tournament in Memphis! Great atmosphere, great food and definitely great tennis = great time!!!
February 7, 2013 8:44pm
LauraB
Would love to win some tickets
February 7, 2013 9:21pm
Ann
Would be amazing to see this!
February 7, 2013 9:26pm
Katie
This tournament has always seemed like a secret, closed society. Thanks for the inside info! Sounds like fun- and SO Memphis. 
February 8, 2013 1:15am
Richard
Sign me up please!!
February 8, 2013 7:42am
Jerry Madding
can't wait
February 8, 2013 8:37am
Angie Ford
I love your blog and read it religiously to stay informed about things to do in the bluff city. I would love to win your tickets since I am a lifetime local that's never been. Thanks for keeping us 'in the know'. 
February 8, 2013 9:56am
Dana Younh
My husband's never been to the tournament. Would be a great Valentine's gift if we win!!
February 8, 2013 10:01am
Ann
I would love to when some tickets.  My mom and I try to go to the tournament every year.
February 8, 2013 10:20am
Alysanne Crymes
Please, oh please, I want the goodies!
February 8, 2013 10:42am
Tracy
My husband and I are Memphis newbies, and we have trying to experience all the wonderful events that Memphis has to offer.  We are definitely in for this tournament! Sounds like a good time.
February 8, 2013 10:55am
Laura
Would love to win some tickets!  I've attended in the past but can only go there one night on discounted tickets. One of the highlights of the year to see these awesome players play!!  Thank you for this opportunity!
February 8, 2013 11:27am
J Stewart
The best sports event in Memphis!
February 8, 2013 12:30pm
J Stewart
This is the best sports event in Memphis!
February 8, 2013 12:31pm
Renee W
Can't wait. Especially excited to see some twins action this year. LOVE the Bryan Brothers. 
February 8, 2013 1:28pm
Roy Cochran
Love the Pronto Pups!
February 8, 2013 1:41pm
Memphis Tennis
Other things to know: Champions Exhibition on Monday Night, Bryan Brothers Concert benefiting St. Jude on Tuesday Night, Ladies Day Luncheon on Wednesday, Bourbon & BBQ on Thursday Night and Sunday Jazz Brunch. Check out the website for more details and tickets!
February 8, 2013 4:26pm
Dory B
Count me in! Thanks 
February 9, 2013 10:13am
Kerry
Can't wait for the tournament!
February 9, 2013 1:05pm
Amy
Love to go!
February 9, 2013 1:07pm
Jenny
Love your blog and the tennis tournament! Haven't been able to go in years. Would love to get to go this year!
February 9, 2013 2:29pm
Dorothy Collier
The tennis tournament is always a great winter to-do in Memphis!  Love it!
February 9, 2013 5:16pm
Santosh
Thanks for the tips. I will be visiting Memphis for the first time and looking forward to it. 
February 9, 2013 10:35pm