Charleston Open Unveils New Special Events and Experiences for 2026 | Tennis blog for women

The Credit One Charleston Open is back from March 28 to April 5, 2026, with a record $2.5 million prize pool and an enhanced fan experience with brand new on-site events and activations. Held at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island, the WTA 500 tournament combines elite competition with an enhanced line-up of food, entertainment, theme nights and interactive fan areas throughout the grounds.

Charleston once again welcomes a top-level field led by the defending champions Jessica Pegulajoined by fellow Americans Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, and local favorite Emma Navarro. Belinda Bencicthe 2025 WTA Comeback Player of the Year, has also been confirmed, with more names to be announced closer to the tournament.

In addition to the on-field action, participants will enjoy a dynamic range of off-field experiences during the nine-day event. Highlights include elevated lounges, new local vendors, theme nights and special eventsalong with returning favorites including pickleball and padel activities, classic Lowcountry food and drinks, live music from local artists, engaging talk shows and more. The Credit One Charleston Open Fan Hub will serve as the go-to source for all on-site happenings.

New in 2026

The kitchen

A new outdoor dining area next to the pickleball courts, serving Lowcountry-inspired cuisine made with local ingredients.

Theme evenings

A fresh series of evening events designed to showcase community, culture and connection.

• Ladies Night: Monday March 30 – An unforgettable evening featuring a live mixology demonstration with special guests from The Nothing Major Podcast, including John Isner, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson, along with themed cocktails, a photo booth and a curated shopping experience, with a program designed for a girls’ night out.
• Teacher’s evening: Tuesday, March 31 – An evening dedicated to celebrating and recognizing Charleston’s incredible teachers and school communities. The Credit One Charleston Open is offering 500 free tickets to the Berkeley County and Charleston County school districts for direct distribution to teachers in the Charleston area.
• Night of Military and First Responders: Wednesday, April 1 – An evening honoring the service and sacrifice of those who protect and serve. General admission tickets for military members will be available through Vet Tix (https://www.vettix.org), while tickets for first responders will be distributed directly through local first responder organizations.
• Women and girls in sports evening: Thursday April 2 – A celebration of the power and impact of women in athletics, bringing together teams, coaches and the next generation of athletes for an inspiring evening.

Special event

A brand new Oyster Roast will be launched on Saturday 28 March, hosted at The Kitchen. Fans can enjoy unlimited oysters shucked by guest chef Jason Stanhope. Tickets including general admission to the grounds and main stadium for the first qualifying session, plus access to the Oyster Roast from 4pm to 6pm.

Highlights of the fan experience

MUSC Health Family Weekend, Saturday March 28 – Sunday March 29

MUSC Health Family Weekend features two full days of world-class tennis and family-friendly fun. Visitors can enjoy kid-oriented activities, interactive games, live music, face painting, autographs and more throughout the grounds. After a successful debut in 2025, qualifying matches will once again be played at Credit One Stadium, giving fans the chance to experience tournament action on the main stage. Presented by MUSC Health, admission is free for children 16 and under, with adult tickets starting at $10.

USTA Tennis! Fan Zone determination, Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5

Fans of all ages are invited to put their tennis skills to the test in the Fan Zone, in partnership with USTA South Carolina, featuring interactive games such as Speed ​​of Serve, Reaction Wall, Ball Crew and Timed Rally Challenges, along with new additions including Sign the Lens and the Umpire Challenge.

Drawing, Saturday March 28, 3 p.m

Fans attending this exciting event on the Oaks Deck will be the first to learn about the first round matchups and the path to the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open final. Players competing in the field will be on hand to share insights and reactions, with a photo opportunity available at the end of the draw.

Live music, Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5

Live music programming throughout the week will include acoustic performances in the Ultra Lounge, The Oaks Deck and the tournament’s new dining area, The Kitchen, creating an even more vibrant atmosphere throughout the venue. Visitors can enjoy daily sets from local favorites such as Lauren Hall, Matt MacKelcan and Grace Miller Moody, a 2025 participant on The voicealong with more artists throughout the week as they play world-class tennis.

Ultra lounge. Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5

This stadium gathering space will return in 2026 as a must-visit destination for all visitors. After the successful debut of Tennis, tacos and melodies The popular experience returns in 2025, with great tacos, refreshing Michelob Ultra Cheladas and Palomas, and live acoustic music all week long. Fans can relax between matches, recharge their batteries and enjoy the atmosphere.

Credit One Bank Signature Sessions, Saturday, March 28 – Friday, April 3

Meet the stars of the WTA at autograph sessions throughout the tournament. Download the Credit One Stadium app for schedules and times.

Baseline Banter with Pippa Horn, Monday March 30 – Friday April 3

Take part in live on-site interviews on the Oaks’ Feature Stage with the tournament’s top players and coaches daily from 5-6pm. Participants will get a glimpse into the journeys, successes and struggles that have shaped their tennis careers.

Increased food and drink line-up

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open will feature an extensive selection of food and beverage options, highlighting local flavors and diverse culinary experiences throughout the tournament grounds.

COCO row features a curated mix of fan favorites including coastal seafood from Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Lowcountry-inspired bites from Mpishi, NYC-style handhelds from Bodega, fresh options from Verde, pizza from Orlando’s Pizza, Vietnamese street food from Bon Banh Mi and refreshing drinks from Lowcountry Lemonade.

New for 2026, The kitchen near the pickleball courts offers an inviting outdoor dining experience focused on authentic Lowcountry cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

The tournament’s signature cocktail, The first servewill be available on site in classic, mocktail and frozen variants.

Located behind the front door, The First Serve Square features Chick-fil-A, Daddy’s Breakfast + Espresso and a full range of beverages including Bloody Marys, mimosas and coffee.

Additional options include the Food truck village with rotating local favorites, grab-and-go selections on Club court market And Zevenboerderijenmarktstadium classics and Home team BBQ on the hall, and the Ultra lounge with great tacos and cocktails. Mobile vendors throughout the site will provide shaved ice, matcha drinks, fresh juices, iced coffee and snacks between matches.

Tickets

Tickets for the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open are now for salewith options ranging from single sessions to limited packages. Discounts are available for juniors, seniors, USTA members and military members. Children 16 and under receive free general admission with an adult ticket.