Attorney: Miami Open All But Certain To Leave Key Biscayne

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Open is not coming back to Key Biscayne due to a court decision, a lawyer for the tennis tournament said Wednesday.

The ruling blocks the tournament from upgrading its complex on the island near Miami. Tournament officials have long said improvements are essential if the event is to remain among the most prestigious in tennis.

The Third District Court of Appeal last week affirmed a lower court ruling that upheld restrictions on improvements. The property is owned by Miami-Dade County.

When asked about the chances of the Miami Open remaining on Key Biscayne long term, attorney Eugene Stearns said: "Absent a miracle, pretty dim. You know the old song, you don't know what you have until it's gone? We're going to find out, apparently."

Tournament owner International Players Championship Inc. has an eight-year commitment with Miami-Dade, but Stearns said the agreement is invalid because of county inaction in making upgrades. The Miami Open planned to pay for $50 million in improvements.

"The tournament has lost its luster to some degree because the facilities are tired and old and have to be upgraded to be able to stay here," Stearns said.

He declined to predict how soon the Miami Open might move.

Tournament officials declined to comment on the court ruling. Potential alternative locations for the event range from Orlando to South America to China.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.