Gerard Tsobanian: “The Mutua Madrid Open is the most important sporting event in the city”

The CEO of the Mutua Madrid Open, Gerard Tsobanian, assures that there is a “waiting list” to access the tournament boxes, but that currently “the proportion is good” and that they do not plan to increase them, not even in the future new stadium, for a tournament that he considers “the most important sporting event” in the city.

“There are no boxes available and there is a waiting list, but more are not going to be set up because the proportion is good that way. We are already very complete in terms of boxes, nor will there be any in the new stadium that is going to be built, in which there will only be seats for fans,” said Tsobanian in an interview with Europa Press after an event with Rodilla.

The manager pointed out that despite the great growth that the tournament has had in recent years, “you can always think of something.” “The new stadium that is planned for 2028 is important. It is a commitment with the City Council and we are in the process of preparing the work and beginning the procedures. From there we have to see it, it is a question of spaces as well, we have to see if there is much more capacity to grow from the facility where we are,” he analyzed.

Furthermore, it places the turning point in 2009, when the event became a mixed tournament, making “a significant leap in quality.” “He also did it with the change from the Madrid Arena to the Caja Mágica. The event has been consolidated year after year. The best players come here and that is in the minds of the people, who no longer ask who is coming. In terms of attendance, since the pandemic, we have seen a jump in more people and more activity,” he stressed.

A Mutua Madrid Open, which the French businessman considers “the most important sporting event” in the city of Madrid. “There are others like the NFL, but I was there and 60 percent of the public at the Santiago Bernabéu didn’t know the rules. It’s more of a show, it was more like a concert,” he added.

As for Spanish players, he pointed out that it is always a great advantage to have “a national hero” who competes “at the highest level” such as Rafa Nadal or now Carlos Alcaraz. “It is a luxury to have them present at such a high level. Of course, that encourages many people and many companies to come to the tournament and be part of it, that is undoubtedly,” said Tsobanian.

Finally, the CEO thanked the sponsors for their loyalty, something “very important” for the tournament because it gives “tranquility and continuity.” “In most of our sponsors, satisfaction is repeated year after year. For example, this year we are going to celebrate 20 years with Mutua Madrileña, we have also been with American Express or Mercedes for many years… That they repeat for so many years is a seal of quality,” he concluded.