The Sony Ericsson runs through April 1 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, bringing with it painful traffic jams, celebrity athletes, and a lot of people in it for the oversize tennis balls and Bombay Sapphire Lounge.
Every year, as we stroll the village that takes two months to set up (and one month to break down), we watch tens of thousands of people shopping for visors and sipping champagne, and we ask ourselves: How many people are here for the tennis?
Not that it matters. We have to admit we love hanging out at the various food and drink venues set up for the open. After all, the Super Bowl might be the biggest sporting event in the world, but does it have a Veuve Clicquot lounge, complete with sushi bar? We rest our case.
Israel at the Sandwich Shoppe serves Belgian fries ($5 and $7.75) along with a host of sandwiches.
Christine makes us a Ben & Jerry's cone ($5).
The Grill makes beef, turkey, and veggie burgers ($7.50 to $8.50).
Shelley and Elizabeth mix cocktails at the Champions Club, which features buffet meals for Level 100 and 300 ticketholders.
Carving station at the Collectors Club offers fresh roast beef. There's also a pasta station, ice cream, salad bar, and desserts.
Walk around the tents to find various sponsors with giveaways. Energy Sheets is handing out samples of its sleep and energy products.
Franz makes a pitcher of mojitos for a lucky group ($11 for a single mojito, $38 for a pitcher).
The Veuve Clicquot lounge features the luxury champagne by the glass or bottle.
Sushi chefs hustle at the lounge.
Club level suites offer catered foods such as steak and sushi.
Stone crabs served at the suite.
And let's not forget why we're here -- Venus Williams getting ready to serve.
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