MASON, Ohio — The CareSource Invitational made its debut on Tuesday at the Cincinnati Open grounds, transforming the venue from tennis to college basketball. Four top Ohio college programs competed in the inaugural event, attracting over 10,000 fans to the outdoor exhibition.
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In the first game, the University of Cincinnati triumphed over Ohio State with a score of 79-68, followed by Xavier's victory over Dayton, who lost 82-75. The event provided fans a preview of their favorite teams ahead of the college basketball season, which starts next month. Ohio State fan Matthew Gressel expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting Ohio's strong basketball talent and hope for a repeat next year with more teams involved.
Beyond showcasing basketball, the event aimed to raise awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention. Organizers spent several days converting the tennis complex into a basketball venue, marking one of the initial major non-tennis events held at the recently renovated facility.
The CareSource Invitational aligns with a broader plan to transform the Cincinnati Open into a year-round destination for diverse sports and entertainment activities. Ben Baumeister, senior director of event strategy for the Cincinnati Open, emphasized the goal of creating unique events that provide memorable experiences, hinting at future concerts and additional activities. While no future events have been scheduled yet, the venue's Sporting Club and restaurant will remain open year-round as it expands its offerings.