Tennis Thursday - Bank of the West Open

When a friend ask you to join them to watch tennis because they have VIP tickets, you don't think twice.  You rearrange your schedule and go.  That's what I did yesterday and my friends Mo and Mark took me to Stanford University where the Bank of the West Open Women's tennis is being held this week.  Although we only saw the second round of some of the singles and doubles matches, it was still a great day being outdoors.  Our seats were on the side but mid court and have some roof coverage so we did not experience the hot sun for five hours.  Around noon the Plaza Club (only for VIP ticket holders) opened and they served food and drinks.  It was interesting that you would have to pay for water and soda ($3 each) but you can get wine, champagne and beer for free.  The food had some sort of mediterranean theme.  They had falafel, hummus, pita bread, samosas, spinakopita, dolmades, assorted veggies and dip, and finally a table filled with desserts (squares, cookies, brownies, tarts).  We were able to get in just after it opened so everything was fresh and warm.  They had tables in the shades and with some breezes going back and forth, it was definitely a beautiful day to be outdoors.  We were able to watch at least 4 matches and then it was time to go home.  The traffic was a bit heavy but my friends knew some of the side roads and we were able to avoid the main highway for part of our trip.  I just realized that a month from now, the US Open 2013 begins in Flushing Meadows, NY.