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DELRAY BEACH — The Delray Beach Open officially kicks off its 34th year on Feb. 13, bringing 10 days of ATP 250 tennis back to South Florida.
But while the ranking points are what brings the players, organizers this year are shifting their focus toward a broader citywide event that stretches from the stadium courts to the heart of downtown.
With more than 60,000 fans expected, the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center is taking on a festival-style atmosphere. The plan relies on a mix of South Florida's food scene and new interactive zones to keep the stadium grounds busy even between the main matches.
The goal for 2026 is to move beyond the usual spectator experience. From the return of champions like Taylor Fritz to new premium hospitality tiers, the event is positioning itself as a community destination.
As Executive Director Adam Baron put it, the objective is to "reflect the energy and flavor of South Florida" through a deeper lineup of food, drinks and interactive spaces.
Here is what to expect at this year's event:
The tournament field will feature two-time champion Taylor Fritz, who is returning in pursuit of a record-breaking third title, alongside three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud and Boca Raton resident Tommy Paul.
The opening weekend, Feb. 13-15, designated as Fan Fest, will focus on a Legends event featuring Hall of Famers Bob and Mike Bryan, as well as former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
Baron sees the event as something more than just a tournament bracket, describing the Delray Beach Open as a "citywide experience — where champions play and fans party."
Off the court, organizers have introduced several new spaces, including the Publix Patio shaded retreat and an Interactive Fan Zone featuring a BMW racing simulator and a speed-of-serve challenge.
The tournament also expanded its culinary footprint with the return of the Food & Wine Series. A new Italian-themed event called "Serve & Savor" joins a lineup that includes "Burgers, Bourbon & Brew" and "Tacos, Tequila & Tennis" sessions.
"Every year, we look for ways to elevate both the tennis and the overall fan experience," Baron said.
In a new feature for 2026, the tournament partnered with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority to launch Love at First Sight, a window-decorating competition among local storefronts.
Public voting for the tennis-themed displays runs through Feb. 17 via the DDA's mobile-friendly digital pass, which allows fans to "check in" at participating businesses to cast their ballots. The winner will be announced on Stadium Court on Feb. 18.
The competition gives local shops a stake in the tournament's success, said Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray DDA. She described the contest as "a fun, highly visible way" for small businesses to join the excitement surrounding the city's "most signature annual event."
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach Open: What to expect from the expanded 2026 festival
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But while the ranking points are what brings the players, organizers this year are shifting their focus toward a broader citywide event that stretches from the stadium courts to the heart of downtown.
With more than 60,000 fans expected, the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center is taking on a festival-style atmosphere. The plan relies on a mix of South Florida's food scene and new interactive zones to keep the stadium grounds busy even between the main matches.
The goal for 2026 is to move beyond the usual spectator experience. From the return of champions like Taylor Fritz to new premium hospitality tiers, the event is positioning itself as a community destination.
As Executive Director Adam Baron put it, the objective is to "reflect the energy and flavor of South Florida" through a deeper lineup of food, drinks and interactive spaces.
Here is what to expect at this year's event:
Delray Open: Taylor Fritz chases historic third title in 2026
You must be registered for see images
The tournament field will feature two-time champion Taylor Fritz, who is returning in pursuit of a record-breaking third title, alongside three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud and Boca Raton resident Tommy Paul.
The opening weekend, Feb. 13-15, designated as Fan Fest, will focus on a Legends event featuring Hall of Famers Bob and Mike Bryan, as well as former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
Baron sees the event as something more than just a tournament bracket, describing the Delray Beach Open as a "citywide experience — where champions play and fans party."
A fresh taste of South Florida arrives at the 2026 Delray Open
Off the court, organizers have introduced several new spaces, including the Publix Patio shaded retreat and an Interactive Fan Zone featuring a BMW racing simulator and a speed-of-serve challenge.
You must be registered for see images attach
The tournament also expanded its culinary footprint with the return of the Food & Wine Series. A new Italian-themed event called "Serve & Savor" joins a lineup that includes "Burgers, Bourbon & Brew" and "Tacos, Tequila & Tennis" sessions.
"Every year, we look for ways to elevate both the tennis and the overall fan experience," Baron said.
Tennis-themed window displays transform Atlantic Avenue
In a new feature for 2026, the tournament partnered with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority to launch Love at First Sight, a window-decorating competition among local storefronts.
You must be registered for see images
Public voting for the tennis-themed displays runs through Feb. 17 via the DDA's mobile-friendly digital pass, which allows fans to "check in" at participating businesses to cast their ballots. The winner will be announced on Stadium Court on Feb. 18.
The competition gives local shops a stake in the tournament's success, said Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray DDA. She described the contest as "a fun, highly visible way" for small businesses to join the excitement surrounding the city's "most signature annual event."
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach Open: What to expect from the expanded 2026 festival
Continue reading...
