So this morning I was sipping coffee wondering where they actually play the Madrid Spain Masters tennis thing. Got tons of messages asking about it since I’m that weirdo who always checks venues in person before tournaments. Grabbed my phone and thought ‘Google will know’. Typed “madrid open location” like an idiot.
First Try Disaster
First result showed some fancy La Caja Mágica place, but no address! Just saying “Madrid”. Like bruh, Madrid’s huge. Pulled up Google Maps but kept getting distracted by tapas bars pin locations. Almost gave up when my mate Carlos texted ‘you checking Manolo Santana stadium?’ Boom! Finally a proper name to search.
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What I did next:
- Looked up “Manolo Santana Stadium address” on three different map apps cause I don’t trust technology
- Saw it’s in Parque de la Casa de Campo area – that giant park where locals walk dogs
- Called the venue info line but got Spanish hold music for 20 minutes straight
- Drove there myself just to confirm (got lost twice near the lake)
On The Ground Truth
After circling roundabouts like a lost puppy, spotted the complex. Place is massive! Three main courts with that retractable roof thing. Noticed the main entrance is off Paseo de la Castellana road – actually easy to find once you’re near. Nearby metro stop is Lago but walking from there sucks with all the hills.
Chatted with security guard Eduardo who’s worked there 11 years. He spilled real tea: “Centre court tickets? Show up early when gates open or you’ll queue behind Russian fans buying last-minute vodka.” Also said Court 3 has best cheap seats because you see players warming up close.
Tickets & Transport Nightmare
Official site pushes expensive shuttle buses from city center. Total scam! Normal bus line 33 goes right there for €1.50. Saw multiple families getting ripped off last time. Bought a grounds pass from reseller near Atocha station – dude charged €30 extra just for printing the ticket on glittery paper.
Parking situation is warzone level crazy. Drove round the blocks three times Tuesday morning seeing fans fighting over spots. Ended up paying €20 to some guy ‘guarding’ a dirt lot. Saw Rafa Nadal’s uncle later that day parking freely in players section – life ain’t fair.
Anyway now you know. Main action’s at Manolo Santana Stadium. Bring comfy shoes, water bottles (they charge €5 inside for small ones) and patience for transportation madness. Might go again next year if my feet recover from all that walking!
