Toronto has been the home to the Rogers Cup for a while now. And although I do recall hearing the buzz about it when it would come to town, I’ve never gone. The thought of watching tennis has always intrigued me though. There’s such a regality behind it, that’s governed by so much poise and tradition (or at least it seems).
Although, to be completely honest, I don’t actually know the first thing about tennis. All I really know about it is that it always brings visuals of cute all white outfits and pleated tennis skirts. I do remember playing tennis as a kid, but nothing serious. I don’t actually ever think I played a full legit game. It was more just kids rallying back and forth trying to hit the fuzzy yellow thing flying around the park.
So when the opportunity came up to watch my first official tennis match, I jumped at the chance. Trying new things is always interesting to me. I will however admit that Dave did have to extensively explain how the game, scoring, etc. all worked. By the end of the match, I was into it, aw-ing and sighing in unison with the rest of the crowd.
We had great seats and were there as guests of the National Bank of Canada (one of the largest sponsors of the Rogers Cup). The match was awesome (other than the fact that one guy forfeited… not the Canadian ); but I think the best part of it was the behind the scenes tour.
Like with anything else, the action that happens behind the curtain is almost as exciting, if not more exciting, than what happens in front of it. We got a full scope tour from our friends at National Bank that included seeing the Players Lounge (with players in it), where their racquets get restrung, and even got to walk out onto centre court through the infamous hallway.
It felt pretty badass, no lie.
The evening ended with us hanging out at the National Bank booth, sipping on refreshing drinks, sitting on a lit patio, and watching more tennis from the adjacent big screen. I will give snaps to the financial institution for executing a pretty sexy booth.
Inside the booth, their set up included some pretty cool tech and Instagram worthy sets. Naturally we had to test it ALL out. It’s also free to go into, so make sure you drop by if you’re headed to the Rogers Cup.
The rooftop patio was our favourite part, naturally.
I want to extend a big thank you to the National Bank of Canada for showing me an incredible first Rogers Cup experience. Life is all about trying new things, going to that game you never understood, sharing laughs in the summer heat, and enjoying every sweet moment life has to offer.
We did all of the above.
Have you ever been to the Rogers Cup? Did you have fun?