Tens of thousands of fans continue to flock to the Rogers Cup in Montreal, which will see both singles and doubles finals to play out on Sunday, August 12.
While the tournament isn’t likely to set an attendance record this year, more than 175,000 are still expected to descend on the venue.
The Rogers Cup currently holds the world record for the most attended tennis tournament for a one-week men’s or women’s event.
Every year, adjustments are made to make the grounds and stands more fan-friendly and welcoming to the players.
But as world No. 1, Simona Halep, and former No. 1, Venus Williams, have to play two matches in a single day due to rain delays, the argument to build a retractable roof over centre court grows.
A retractable roof is projected to cost upwards of $70 million and could still be four years away.
“The trend is toward getting a roof to ensure play,” Eugène Lapierre, tournament director, told Global News.
The Rogers Cup in Montreal continues to be one of the most popular sporting events in the city.
Every year, tens of thousands of fans fill centre court.
The number of people coming to the Rogers Cup has consistently grown in the last two decades — with a few exceptions.
In 2014, Montreal set the world attendance record for a one-week female tournament with more than 181,000 people.
And a world record was set last year for the men’s with 216,236 attending the tournament.
The president of the WTA isn’t surprised.
“The player facility is amazing, the people are amazing. It’s one of the best tournaments in the world. For sure,” Micky Lawler said during a Wednesday morning press conference.
For now, tournament organizers will continue working to make improvements that will please both players and fans alike.