RENNES, April 19, 2024
The Open Blot Rennes will be back from September 9 to 15, 2024, for its 18th edition. With a new attractions, the opening of a fourth grandstand and a free public village the ATP Challenger Tour event in Brittany, France is reinventing itself to offer a unique experience to its visitors.
A positive 2023 review, yet a fragile model
For 18 years, the Open Blot Rennes has continued to make history. Since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s victory in 2006 at the first edition, the tournament played host to big names in French tennis as well as international stars like Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Grigor Dimitrov.
The 2023 edition was a reflection of this legacy, a resounding success. With 31,000 spectators over the week, the Liberte Arena also hosted 8,500 corporate guests. The Open Blot Rennes has become a must-attend event in Rennes, both in terms of sports, “the best Challenger in the world” according to last year’s champions Maxime Cressy, and in terms of popularity.
However, the economic model remains fragile with a deficit in 2023 prompting caution. “The 2023 edition was a real success, the Open establishes itself, year after year, as an essential popular event in Rennes: ticket prices, entertainment, initiation activities for young people. Everything is done to make it an event that goes far beyond tennis,” says Matthieu Blesteau, director of Rivacom Events.
“However, the year was challenging financially, with the economic context adding to a model where expenses, especially rental charges, weigh heavily on the association’s financial balance. New solutions will need to be found to ensure the Open’s sustainability as we know it.”
The 2024 @OpenBlotRennes official poster.
The 18th edition of the ATP Challenger Tour event will be held from September 9 to 15, 2024 at Le Liberté Arena in Rennes 🇫🇷#ATPChallenger #Rennes pic.twitter.com/YbyCGnvSxx
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 19, 2024
Fourth grandstand, free village access
For this new edition, the Open Blot Rennes has several new features in store, starting with the opening of a fourth Grandstand around the court, aiming to accommodate a larger audience in optimal conditions and ensure easier movement inside Le Liberte Arena.
The Open Blot Rennes Village will be accessible for free this year. Music, food, and sports activities will be on the agenda throughout the week. A Padel tennis court will be set up in the heart of the Open Village, at Place Charles-de-Gaulle.
