Crandon Park Tennis Center

The organizers of the Sony Open tennis tournament have unveiled plans to renovate Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Florida. The construction plans include permanent show courts, landscaped green spaces and new park facilities that will be open to the public when the Sony Open is not in session.

According to a statement from IMG, the Sony Open’s owner, the company is prepared to begin construction on April 1, 2014, immediately following next year’s tournament. The Sony Open has an estimated annual economic impact of $386 million, according to IMG.

The 2012 Sony Open drew more than 326,000 attendees and resulted in the booking of more than 15,000 room nights, according to a 2012 economic impat study by the Sports Management Research Institute.

“What began as a regional event has grown to become one of the premier stops on the professional tour, and we believe the Sony Open deserves first-rate facilities. Our investments in the Crandon Park Tennis Center will ensure international tennis remains in Miami for the long-term,” said Tournament Director Adam Barrett.

In addition to the construction, planned upgrades include three new permanent show courts with fixed seating, locker rooms and training facilities for players and improved broadcast facilities for the media.