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Miami Open Presented by Itaú Highlights Community Programs and Youth Engagement Throughout 2026 Tournament

  • 21 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

The 2026 Miami Open presented by Itaú continued its commitment to expanding access to tennis and engaging the South Florida community. Throughout the tournament, youth clinics, hospital visits, inclusive tennis programming and local partnerships brought together players, partners and community organizations to expand access to the sport and inspire the next generation of players.



Protective Partnership Supports Amigos for Kids


In partnership with Protective Life Corporation (Protective), the exclusive life insurance partner of the Miami Open, the tournament welcomed nearly 30 students from Amigos for Kids to Hard Rock Stadium for a youth-focused community event. Students participated in a special question-and-answer session with professional tennis player Emiliana Arango, who shared her journey in the sport, answered questions about her career and offered advice to aspiring young athletes.


After the session, students enjoyed dinner before exploring the newly introduced Rally Room arcade at the Miami Open. There, they met professional tennis player Rei Sakamoto, who spent time with the group playing arcade games and connecting with the students in the tournament’s new entertainment space. The event helps support Amigos for Kids and its mission to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect through educational initiatives and community support.



During the tournament, Protective and the Miami Open also announced a combined donation of $12,500 to Amigos for Kids, reinforcing the organizations’ shared commitment to supporting children and families across South Florida.


Miami Open and PNC Rally for Small Businesses 


The Miami Open, in collaboration with PNC Bank, launched Rallying for Small Business, a new initiative designed to recognize and elevate local entrepreneurs through marketing and promotional exposure during the tournament. The program highlighted three South Florida businesses – Danto Builders, LLC, Graziano’s Group and Accounting to Scale – each receiving a tournament marketing package that included on-site promotion at Hard Rock Stadium, digital recognition, VIP tickets and a special on-court coin toss experience. 


Purina Puppy Corner with Broward Humane Society and Saving Sage


New to the tournament this year was the Purina Puppy Corner, created in partnership with Purina Pro Plan, which gave players and fans alike the chance to unwind and interact with adoptable puppies on select days. The activation provided a relaxing space to connect with animals while raising awareness for pet adoption and supporting the Humane Society’s mission to care for and place animals in loving homes.



Community Court Beautification in Hialeah


As part of its broader community outreach efforts, the Miami Open partnered with the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department to unveil a newly painted tennis court at Norman and Jean Reach Park in Hialeah. Designed by local artist SURGE, the court brought vibrant artwork to a neighborhood tennis court, enhancing the space while encouraging youth in the community to engage with the sport. The project reflects the tournament’s continued investment in neighborhood tennis facilities and expanding access to the game across South Florida.


Community Engagement Across South Florida


On March 15, the Miami Open kicked off its community programming where students from First Serve Miami enjoyed a morning of hands-on drills and skills development training with professional tennis players Martin Damm Jr. and Catherine "Caty" McNally at the Williams Island Tennis Club in Aventura. 


Additional events held throughout the tournament included a visit to patients at Baptist Health Doral Hospital, where players Cristina BucșaValentin Royer and Emilio Nava engaged with patients receiving care in an effort to uplift spirits. 



Kicking off the first day of spring break for Miami-Dade County Public Schools on Monday, March 23, the Miami Open welcomed local students from Miami Gardens Parks and Recreation to explore the tournament campus. Students participated in a tour of the campus grounds, enjoyed lunch provided by SEED Miami and experienced the excitement of the tournament firsthand.


To cap off programming, the Miami Open hosted an adaptive tennis clinic in collaboration with Love Serving Autism, welcoming young athletes on the spectrum to participate in an inclusive on-court session at Hard Rock Stadium. The clinic brought together youth athletes, coaches and families to experience tennis in a fun and safe environment.


The Miami Open presented by Itaú continues to prioritize community engagement as a central component of the tournament experience, ensuring that the excitement of world-class tennis extends beyond the court and into the communities that surround it.


Photos by Miami Open presented by Itaú



 
 
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