The return of the annual National Bank Open here in Toronto is yet another reason this city continues to reign supreme. For two weeks every August, Toronto becomes one of the biggest destinations on the international tennis calendar.
The National Bank Open is taking over Sobeys Stadium from Aug. 1–13, bringing 96 of the world’s top women’s tennis players to the York University campus for 12 straight days of matches, food, music and festival-style activities.
Both Toronto and Montreal have become the designated host cities for the tournament, but simultaneously host separate competitions. This year, Toronto will host the women’s WTA 1000 tournament, while Montreal welcomes the men’s events.
Whether you’re closely following every Grand Slam or looking for yet another excuse to spend a summer day outside enjoying everything this city has to offer, this is everything you need to know before heading to the 2026 National Bank Open in Toronto.
Attendance doesn’t have to break the bank
Professional tennis tickets have a reputation for leaning on the expensive side, which isn’t entirely untrue, especially once a tournament reaches the quarter-finals. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank to experience the National Bank Open.
The best deal of the tournament comes with the 407 ETR Family Weekend, running on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. The promotion is meant to offer an accessible way into the weekend and welcome everyone to the courts.
Admission on Saturday, Aug. 1 is free in Toronto, giving visitors access to the qualifying competition and the activities throughout the grounds. The weekend will include family-friendly attractions like face painting, caricature artists, balloons, cotton candy, mascots, crafts, and so much more.
Even without children, qualifying day is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to see professional players competing up close. Tickets for the first round on Sunday, Aug. 2 begin at $15; that evening also happens to be one of the most exciting out of the two weeks, kicking off the tournament with Opening Night festivities, where guests wear red and cheer on their fellow Canadians from the sidelines (but in silence because it’s still tennis, of course).
As for National Bank credit cardholders, you’re in luck. Receive up to 25 per cent off select tickets, or groups of 10 or more may also qualify for a few deals, making it worth coming with friends.
Your tickets open the floodgates to much more
For most events in the city, a ticket only gives you admission to see one specific event. But here at the National Bank Open, your tickets are the key to the entire event. Tickets are sold by session rather than individual match, so a standard session ticket includes reserved seating for two Centre Court matches and gives you access to the tournament’s outer courts and full 15-acre site.
Seating at the outer courts is generally first come, first served — but keep in mind the earlier rounds have multiple matches and practices taking place all across the grounds at once, allowing you to walk between courts rather than camping out in one seat all day.
The early bird gets the worm
Most of the biggest names are expected to make their first appearances of the tournament during the second round of qualifiers on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. Expect to see international stars like Venus Williams, returning to Toronto for the first time since 2022, Aryna Sabalenka, the World No.1 player attending in Toronto for the first time, or Coco Gauff, former National Bank Open doubles champion. As for Canadian favourites, we can expect to see the people’s princess Bianca Andreescu, Carol Zhao, Leylah Fernandez and her sister Bianca Fernandez and Ariana Aseneault from right here in the GTA.
Those dates could represent the sweet spot for spectators looking to catch a deal; the draw will still be packed with players, and matches will happen across several courts, so prices should be lower than the official Championship week, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some of the bigger names.
The third round continues on Aug. 6 and Aug. 7, followed by the Round of 16 during CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.
Aug. 10 and onward is when the tournament reaches its final stretch. Our last stretch of quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals will be played exclusively on Centre Court during evening sessions, culminating in one final showdown on Thursday, Aug. 13. While ticketing prices can climb up to $145 as a starting point, the later sessions offer higher-stakes tennis and a more dramatic under-the-lights atmosphere.
CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend might be the best part of the event
The National Bank Open has gradually evolved into something closer to a summer festival, and that kind of fun kicks off with CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend on Aug. 8 and 9.
The TennisFest is where culture meets festival energy; the weekend combines Round of 16 matches with DJs, incredible food, specialty drinks, giveaways and interactive events to keep you going through the weekend.
Saturday, Aug. 8 starts off the fun with Retro Night, a ’90s-themed event where guests are encouraged to dress for the decade. The day will also feature a tennis-themed paint-and-sip session, friendship-bracelet making, trivia and sports challenges.
On Sunday morning, the tournament will host the iconic Toronto-born Coffee Party, combining music and tennis with the caffeinated daytime-party trend that has been taking over this city. The day will finish with Fan Appreciation Night and some on-site surprises you won’t want to miss.
For anyone who is tennis-curious rather than tennis-obsessed, this is the weekend to test the waters, offering the most variety in experience.
Do not eat before arriving
Stadium food usually means choosing between a hot dog and a slightly different hot dog, but the National Bank Open does it right, turning its food program into one of the best parts of the weekend.
Recognizable Toronto options include The Burger’s Priest, Fresh, New York Fries, Pizzaville, BeaverTails, Heal Wellness, State & Main and J. Kwinter Gourmet Foods, whose all-beef hot dogs were once served at the SkyDome.
Adventurous visitors can venture out to some lesser-familiar vendors like The Crooked Taco by Landing, seafood from Oyster Boy and rotating chef-prepared meals from The Changeover Kitchen. The grab-and-go kitchen changes its menu every four days, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to check out.
For those looking to make the NBO a splurging event, the tournament’s most luxurious food consists of a $100 lobster roll made with P.E.I. lobster poached in Moët & Chandon champagne and finished with crème fraîche, East Coast caviar and gold flakes. Talk about extravagance. It is either the most decadent way to watch tennis or the only meal worthy of an event of this stature.
Premium tickets can get you into some exclusive experiences
Not every lounge or restaurant is included with general admission; if you’re looking to spend your day with some of your favourite influencers, or looking to spot some Canadian celebrities, the Premium seating packages are one way to see them up close.
These packages include access to private lounges, dedicated entrances, and upgraded dining options. The Kim Crawford Concourse lounge, the Legends Restaurant and Marché are just a few examples of the elevated dining options offered.
Before purchasing a premium ticket, check exactly what is included. Terms such as “VIP,” “Level 100,” “Courtside” and “lounge access” are not interchangeable, and access depends on the specific package.
This event has shockingly easy transportation
Sobeys Stadium is located at 1 Shoreham Dr. on York University’s campus. With the recent extension of the TTC in the past decade, the easiest route for most visitors is to hop on the stop of their choice and take the subway Pioneer Village Station or York University Station and walk approximately 10 minutes to the stadium.
Download your ticket before leaving home
Much like any concert in this city, tickets are mobile and can be accessed through your Ticketmaster account. It’s worth signing in and downloading the tickets to your phone before arriving to save yourself any embarrassing attempts to sign into your account at the front gates or reset a forgotten password.
NBO wants you to know that screenshots may not be accepted because some mobile tickets use changing barcodes.
Bags, bags, bags, galore
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you know that purses and bags are dominating conversations when it comes to concert and event venues. Rules are changing, and guests are getting frustrated. To avoid any issues with entry, know that small bags and backpacks are permitted within the tournament’s size restrictions (maximum 30 by 45 by 22 centimetres), as are medical or baby bags and empty reusable plastic or metal water bottles. Glass containers, outside alcohol and professional video-recording equipment will be denied, and umbrellas may be brought onto the grounds but cannot be opened while play is active.
Arrive early; you will be rewarded
Gates for daytime sessions generally open around 10 a.m., and arriving early gives you time to explore the grounds, watch players practice and find seats at the outer courts.
It is especially important on theme nights. National Bank Day on Aug. 6 is expected to include a giveaway at the entrance, while free merch hats will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis during the evening session on Aug. 10.
There are only so many hats, and tennis fans can apparently be very competitive even when they are not the ones holding the racquets.
Ultimately, the best way to experience the National Bank Open may be to avoid treating it like a single match. Come early, wander between courts, try something you would never normally order at a stadium and leave enough room in the schedule for whatever is happening beyond Centre Court.
The tennis may be the main event, but in 2026, it is far from the only reason to go.
