Mubadala Citi DC Open Tickets

Mubadala Citi DC Open Tickets

The summer sun filters through the canopy of Rock Creek Park, the sharp crack of a serve echoes off an intimate 7,500-seat stadium tucked inside one of Washington's most beautiful green spaces, and the best tennis players on the planet battle just feet from the front row — welcome to the Mubadala Citi DC Open, the only combined ATP 500 and WTA 500 tournament in the world. Held every summer at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park, this Mubadala Citi DC Open Washington tournament has been a fixture on the professional tennis calendar since 1969 and is widely regarded as the unofficial start of the North American hard-court swing leading into the US Open. With world-class men's and women's draws on the same ticket, an atmosphere that feels more like a garden party than a mega-event, and a setting unlike any other stop on tour, this is professional tennis at its most intimate and electric. Browse upcoming sessions, lock in your seats, and experience it for yourself — all backed by our buyer guarantee.

Tournament Basics

Tournament: Mubadala Citi DC Open (also known as the Washington Open and the DC Open)

Location: William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.

When: Annually in late July / early August (nine days)

Founded: 1969

Surface: Outdoor hard court

Tour Status: ATP 500 (men) · WTA 500 (women) — the only combined 500-level event in the world

Stadium Court Capacity: Approximately 7,500

Total Facility: 25 outdoor courts (15 hard, 10 clay) and 5 indoor courts

Total Tournament Attendance: Over 80,000 fans across the nine-day run

Owner/Operator: Mark Ein (Chairman) and IMG

Tournament Director: Daniel Vallverdu

Title Sponsor: Mubadala Investment Company

Annual Significance: Serves as the unofficial launch of the North American hard-court season, with many top players using the tournament as their primary tune-up ahead of the US Open

History

The story of the Mubadala Citi DC Open begins in 1969, when a group of Washington tennis enthusiasts decided the nation's capital deserved a professional tournament of its own. The event was conceived at the urging of one of the sport's most influential figures — a barrier-breaking champion who wanted to see tournament tennis played in a public park rather than the stuffy country club settings that dominated the era. He and his partners chose Rock Creek Park, a sprawling urban oasis in northwest D.C., as the site — and the Washington Star International was born. The integrated neighborhood surrounding Rock Creek made it the right fit for a tournament built on accessibility and openness.

Professional-grade tennis facilities were first installed in Rock Creek Park for that inaugural 1969 event. The permanent FitzGerald Tennis Stadium — the 7,500-seat grandstand that serves as the tournament's flagship show court today — was constructed between 1987 and 1988, named for William H.G. FitzGerald, a Washington-based private investor and philanthropist who served as United States Ambassador to Ireland. The tournament played on outdoor clay courts until 1986, when it switched to the hard courts that remain in use today.

Over the decades, the tournament grew from a modest local event into one of the most respected stops on the ATP Tour. The nation's capital setting gave it a unique identity — politicians, diplomats, and power brokers mixed with tennis fans in a way no other tournament could replicate. Some of the greatest names in men's tennis history have lifted the trophy, and the caliber of the winner's list speaks for itself. In 2023, the tournament reached a new milestone when it merged with the Silicon Valley Classic — a WTA 500 event held in San Jose — to create the first-ever combined ATP 500 and WTA 500 tournament in the world. The merger brought the full women's draw to Washington and elevated the event's profile dramatically. The Mubadala Investment Company joined as co-title sponsor alongside Citigroup, and the tournament was rebranded as the Mubadala Citi DC Open. In 2026, Mubadala became the sole title sponsor under a five-year deal, securing the tournament's future and financial stability through the end of the decade.

The DC Open Experience

What makes the Mubadala Citi DC Open special isn't just the quality of the draws — it's the intimacy. At 7,500 seats, the FitzGerald Tennis Stadium is a fraction of the size of the stadiums at Grand Slam events, and it shows. The front rows are genuinely close to the action — close enough to hear the spin on a second serve, the grunt of a forehand, the muffled strategy between doubles partners. There's a direct connection between player and fan here that larger venues simply can't replicate, and it's the single biggest reason this tournament consistently ranks among the most popular fan experiences on both tours.

But the DC Open isn't just the stadium court. The tournament grounds span the full footprint of the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, and one of the great joys of attending is wandering from court to court. Practice sessions on the outer courts offer an up-close look at top-ranked players warming up, working through drills, and honing their games just days before the US Open — often in front of small, respectful crowds who get the experience of a lifetime. Grounds passes allow access to all courts except the main stadium, and the festival-style campus features fan zones, interactive activations, a merchandise village, and food and drink vendors throughout.

A few practical notes for planning your visit: Washington, D.C., in late July and early August is hot and humid — sometimes brutally so. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle are essential. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking the grounds and standing courtside on the outer courts. The tournament enforces a clear bag policy — no backpacks are permitted, and only small clear bags are allowed inside. Lockers are available at the front entrance for storing non-compliant items. Cameras are permitted but telephoto lenses, tripods, and additional camera equipment are not. Flash photography is prohibited during matches. Dress code is casual and comfortable — this is a park setting, not a country club.

Parking & Transportation

The William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center sits inside Rock Creek Park — a stunning national park setting that also means parking is very limited. Planning your transportation in advance is essential.

Official Shuttle

The tournament's official shuttle service is the most popular way to reach the venue. Shuttles run from pickup points near the Columbia Heights Metro station on the Green Line, with departures throughout the day. Ride the Green Line to Columbia Heights, exit the station, and follow signage and staff to the shuttle queue. The shuttle drops off directly at the tennis center entrance. This is the most convenient and stress-free option for most fans.

Metro

For those preferring to take the Metro directly, the Red Line's Van Ness–UDC and Tenleytown–AU stations are the closest, with tournament shuttle connections available from both. Metro bus routes also serve the area — the D60 and D6X lines stop at 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW, a short walk from the tennis center entrance.

Rideshare & Taxi

Uber, Lyft, and taxis provide convenient access. All rideshare apps are geofenced to drop off and pick up exclusively at the Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Access Road (entrance at 4850 Colorado Avenue NW). No pickups or drop-offs are permitted on Colorado Avenue itself. Tournament staff direct guests from the drop-off point to the security checkpoint and entry gates. Expect surge pricing and longer wait times after evening sessions.

Driving & Parking

Limited on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in Lot B, a grass field directly outside the tennis center at 5220 16th Street NW. No parking reservations are accepted, and the lot fills early on premium session days. Street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood is heavily restricted during tournament sessions — D.C. enforces No Parking zones aggressively along 16th Street NW and Beach Drive. For additional options, visit our Mubadala Citi DC Open parking page.

Accessibility

The FitzGerald Tennis Center offers accessible seating in the stadium court and accessible pathways throughout the grounds. Accessible drop-off assistance is available upon request at the rideshare area. Contact the tournament directly for specific accommodation needs prior to your session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mubadala Citi DC Open?

The Mubadala Citi DC Open is an annual professional outdoor hard-court tennis tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. It is the only combined ATP 500 and WTA 500 event in the world, featuring top-ranked men's and women's players on the same ticket. Founded in 1969, the tournament draws over 80,000 fans across its nine-day run each summer and serves as the unofficial kickoff to the North American hard-court season leading into the US Open.

When is the next Mubadala Citi DC Open?

The tournament is held annually in late July and early August. The next edition is expected in summer 2027. Check back at our Mubadala Citi DC Open page for updated dates, session schedules, and ticket availability as details are confirmed.

Where is the Mubadala Citi DC Open held?

The tournament is held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, located within Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington, D.C. The facility features a 7,500-seat main stadium court surrounded by 25 outdoor courts and 5 indoor courts. The park setting — surrounded by mature trees and winding trails — gives the tournament a uniquely intimate atmosphere unlike any other event on the ATP or WTA tour.

How do I get to the Mubadala Citi DC Open?

The easiest option is the tournament's official shuttle, which runs from pickup points near the Columbia Heights Metro station (Green Line) directly to the venue. You can also take the Metro Red Line to Van Ness–UDC or Tenleytown–AU and connect via shuttle, or use Uber/Lyft (geofenced drop-off at Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Access Road). Limited on-site parking is available in Lot B on a first-come, first-served basis, but driving is not recommended — public transit and rideshare are strongly preferred by both fans and tournament organizers.

What is the bag policy?

The Mubadala Citi DC Open enforces a clear bag policy. Only small clear bags are permitted inside. Backpacks are not allowed under any circumstances. Lockers are available at the front entrance for storing non-compliant items before you enter. Cameras are permitted but tripods, telephoto lenses, and flash photography during matches are prohibited.

Where can I buy Mubadala Citi DC Open tickets?

You can browse all upcoming Mubadala Citi DC Open sessions and ticket options right here on GoTickets. Whether you're planning ahead for the next edition or checking current availability, every purchase is backed by our buyer guarantee, so you can shop with complete confidence.