[tennisbiz] Re: French Open

Mike, I went to the French Open last year. Didn't have any tickets, but
after checking out the ticket brokers, the hotel concierge', and trying to
get tickets throught my local USTA section, we decided to wing it. There
actually are no French Open tickets for sale, all tickets are sold out
through the French Tennis Federation, so any tickets available are
aftermarket. We figured it would be similar to the US Open, ticket sellers
everywhere so, we took the train out to Roland Garros, and sure enough,
tickets were available everywhere. As always, you can dicker the price, and
don't be tempted to by from the first guy who approaches you. Take US $, not
Euro $, they seem to like US $, but be sure to take $20's & $10's so you can
give them exact change and not feel like you have to give them a $50 for
something that you could have bought for $40, just because you didn't have
change.

Roland Garros has a stadium court, center court and multiple exterior courts.
 The main stadium has a huge video screen outside, so you can actually see
the matches if you don't get tickets to the stadium court. We ended up with
center court tickets for $40 each (face value was about $15 US), but I
thought $40 was a good deal. We saw Saffin and Rodick play, then we just
went to the outdoor courts where all the doubles and lower seeds play. Lots
of great matches outside and you're right at courtside. All the US brokers
wanted from $250 to $500 and I don't have any idea where those tickets would
have been for ... what a rip off. When I contacted the hotel concierge'
before leaving for Paris, he wanted $250, so I recommend taking your chances.
 We went during the early rounds, so I am not sure how expensive they get for
finals, etc.

As for hotels, there are many available. The train system is incredible so
you literally can stay anywhere and be able to get to all sites with no
problem. The city is divided into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The
Right is more expensive. That's where all the chic shops and major sights
are located. We stayed in the 1st Arrondissement and it was very expensive,
but nice. I wouldn't stay there again, we spent no time in the room ...
wasn't worth it, especially with the transportation system. Be sure to buy a
rail pass for the time you are there, it's more convienient and cheaper.
That way there's no stopping to purchase tickets, just jump on and off, the
trains are fast and efficient, and safe. For hotels, I would recommend you
buy a copy of the book "Frommer's" Paris. It tells you all the places to
go, hotels, cafes, etc. It's real good and worth the $14.99 you'll spend.
Plus, you can check out www.frommers.travelocity.com for more updated info.

My advice is to travel very light so you can take the train from the airport
to whereever you stay. Taxi's are expensive. The food is also expensive
and, in my opinion, over-rated unless you're eating at one of the most
expensive french restaurants. Sidewalk cafes are less formal and more fun,
try several.

While in Paris, take the time to see the sights, I wholeheartedly recommend
the "Big Bus Tours", it takes less time, less money and will get you to all
the sights. We didn't do it in Paris but did in London and now we wish we
had taken the tour in Paris as well. You think it's for senior citizens, but
it's really cool and the information the tour guide gives is priceless. By
the way, if you have the time, I also recommend you take a side trip to
London, we liked it better than Paris and it's easy to get there.

Anyway, hope this helps. Have fun, don't check valuables in your luggage
(they stole my digital camera) and don't carry a purse or put you wallet in
your back pocket (lots of purse snatchers and pick pockets).

Pat Kubota
Northwest Tennis
Tacoma, WA

 
Received on Thu May 09 2002 - 07:40:19 CDT