The sporting calendar in Indian River County is set to kick off the new year with a major highlight as the Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club announces the return of the Vero Beach International Tennis Open (VBITO). Scheduled for January 26 through February 1, 2026, this prestigious event marks its 5th Anniversary Edition, promising a week of high-stakes competition and community celebration.
As part of the U.S. Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pro Circuit, the VBITO is a significant stop for professional athletes. The tournament will feature women’s tennis professionals from over 30 countries competing for valuable WTA ranking points and a share of a $75,000 prize purse. The caliber of play is exceptionally high; organizers note that this event is one of only ten tournaments nationwide at this specific level. Historically, the VBITO has served as a proving ground for elite talent, with more than 30 current and past participants having competed in the U.S. Open.
Marco Osorio, the Director of Sports and Tournament Director at Grand Harbor, emphasized the growing importance of the event within the local community.
“The VBITO has become one of the most anticipated weeks of the year at Grand Harbor. Each year, we see an incredible level of competition and community energy. It’s amazing to see professional players from around the world competing right here in our backyard.”
A Week of Community Events
While the focus is on the courts, the tournament has expanded into a community-wide festival featuring art, automobiles, and social gatherings. Matches are scheduled to begin daily at 11:00 a.m., with feature matches concluding the day at roughly 5:30 p.m.
The 2026 itinerary includes a mix of ticketed, public, and private events:
- Tuesday, January 27 (5:00 p.m.): The Opening Ceremony welcomes the public to celebrate the start of the tournament with local dignitaries and a presentation of the National Anthem.
- Wednesday, January 28 (5:30 p.m.): A Fashion Show Dinner will be held for members, featuring a runway show with styles from Grand Harbor Pro Shops.
- Thursday, January 29: A busy day featuring a Sponsors-Only Pro-Am at 2:30 p.m., followed by a public Art Show at 4:00 p.m. The art show is complimentary for all ticketholders and showcases works from over 30 local artists.
- Friday, January 30 (4:00 p.m.): Kids Day invites families for a free event featuring games, prizes, and tee shirts for children under the age of 13.
- Saturday, January 31: The day begins with a Porsche Club of America Car Show at 10:00 a.m. and concludes with the Doubles Finals and a Grand Dinner Dance at 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 1: The week culminates with the Singles Finals at 11:00 a.m., accompanied by a car show starting at 10:00 a.m. featuring a showcase of classic and modern vehicles.
Throughout the week, attendees can also view a luxury vehicle showcase presented by the event’s title sponsors: Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche of Melbourne. Other key local supporters making the event possible include Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, GHO Homes, and Proctor Construction Co., among others.
Ticket Information
The tournament is open to the public. Residents and visitors interested in witnessing world-class tennis in Vero Beach can purchase tickets online at vbito.com. For those seeking an elevated experience, a limited number of box seats are available by contacting the Pro Shop directly at (772) 778-9100.
