Pro tips to keep you busy during a NBO rain delay

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Hosting an outdoor tennis tournament offers numerous advantages, such as the breathtaking experience of watching a tight final unfold under a stunning sunset. However, it also presents its challenges for both organizers and fans alike when it comes to preparing for the unpredictability of the elements. We gathered insights from avid fans, and here’s what you should know.

Rain delays have become a common theme on the Tours week after week regardless of the location and the National Bank Open presented by Rogers is no exception. But that doesn’t mean waiting out the rain has to be a frustrating, patience-testing experience. Here are some tips and tricks that have helped the most avid tennis fans pass the time on-site in Montreal and Toronto until Mother Nature decides to cooperate.

1. No matter the weather, come join us

Regardless of what your weather app says, come to the stadium if you have a ticket because we have plenty to keep you entertained, and you never know when the forecast might take a turn for the better. If you’ve already arrived and there’s an interruption, resist the urge to head home because even if seeing live tennis seems unlikely, there’s always a chance for play and you don’t want to regret missing out.

With our expert meteorologists on-site and our teams always ready to quickly dry the courts and provide you with the latest updates via our NBO app, we do everything possible to complete matches as scheduled.

Why is it in the interest of the tournament and players to keep playing?
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Playing as many matches as possible helps, among other things, to avoid delays that can affect future matches and tournament logistics.

Please note that no ticket refunds are possible in case of rain. If a session is interrupted before the end of the first match or before 90 minutes of play, the ticket office will directly contact ticket holders who purchased their session tickets* through Tennis Canada or Ticketmaster to inform them of valid credit options for this year or the year after. No action is required on your part.

2. Be prepared for anything

It’s no secret that Canadian days can include four seasons all in one. That’s why fans have come to expect the unexpected at the NBO in more ways than one. Rain gear, extra layers, a hat, sunscreen, an umbrella, and plenty of water are just some of the things to pack for your day on-site. Don’t worry if you forgot something, from activation’s gifts to our various shopping options, you can find all you need on Toronto and Montreal site.

Do you know what you can bring with you on site?
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You can bring your reusable bottles to the event and refill them with cold water at one of our free refill stations located around the grounds.

3. What to do while you wait

Step one, find cover. You can stay dry while shopping, grabbing a drink or a bite to eat, listening to a DJ spin, and watching matches in the other city. A rain delay is also an opportunity to get to know your fellow tennis fans, who are also hoping for a break in the weather. There are a lot of activities to do at the IGA and Sobeys stadium.

4. Patience is a virtue

The biggest tennis connoisseurs have a few things in common. Their passion for the sport, their knowledge, and their patience which they’ve developed through the wind the sun, the rain, and everything in between. They’ve become experts in waiting for the storm to pass and the NBO team does everything in their power to make it worthwhile.

The rain delays us; take the opportunity to extend your stay
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Day or evening, your ticket gives you access to the site, training courts, and secondary match courts until closing.

Download the app to receive up-to-the-minute weather updates, matches scores, activity stunts, and much more.

Enable location services by going to More > Settings > Location-Based Alerts.

*The following ticket categories in Montreal are excluded from this policy and cannot be credited or exchanged:

All tournament packages for Center Court or Rogers Court (Courtside seats, level 100, level 200, level 300, Press Gallery)
All complimentary tickets
All tickets purchased as part of an auction, from a reseller, or at a secondary sales point
All tickets for sessions 13 to 15 (tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled session only. No exchange or refund is possible)

And the rain can even bring out the best in us...

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