Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2021: Inside the Bubble

In times of the coronavirus pandemic, everything is a little different than usual. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2021 is no exception. The tournament will take place under strict conditions and with the highest health safety precautions.
This also means that the players and their closest companions will be isolated for the duration of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and will only be allowed to stay within the secure bubble, i.e. the arena and the hotel. What is life like in the so-called Hotel Bubble?
We give you an insight into what awaits the players behind the doors of the Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark, which serves as the exclusive tournament hotel.

Exclusive Hotel Areas for the Players

During the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, only registered people are allowed to enter the bubble area. In order to keep contact between these people to a minimum, there are two groups: Gold and Silver. Both groups are catered for in isolation from each other and do not share hotel areas. There are separate entrances and hotel sections where the guests are accommodated.
The players belong to the Golden group, to which otherwise only their escorts and WTA officials are admitted. In addition to the hotel rooms, other hotel areas in the Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark have been made exclusively available to this group of people so that the players can move around and occupy themselves as freely as possible in the bubble between the matches despite the ban on them going out. At the same time, they must comply with the hygiene regulations, which include keeping minimum distances and wearing a medical face mask outside their hotel room at all times.

All-day, Versatile Gastronomic Offer

From morning until night, players can choose from a wide range of gastronomic options adapted to the needs of athletes.
Players Restaurant und Bar
The restaurant and the hotel bar of the Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark have been specially converted into the Players Restaurant and the Players Bar. The Players Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a snack station.
As in the entire Bubble, strict hygiene and health protection regulations apply in the restaurant. For example, players must sign in every time they enter the catering area and sign out again when they leave. Their stay is carefully documented with time, table number, and room number.
In addition, there is a sophisticated buffet concept with a one-way guidance system to eliminate crossroads and at the same time offer a delicious variety of food in a pleasant and safe ambience.
Those who prefer to enjoy the comfort of their own hotel room for eating can use the room service and dine in a private atmosphere.

Excerpt from the Menu
For the duration of the event, guests can look forward to freshly prepared, varied menus. The buffet menu includes, for example, fine Creole-style corn poulard, rustic root vegetables as well as the local speciality “Knöpfle” or more extravagant creations such as Crema Catalana made from avocado or salmon tartare with quinoa-bulgur salad.
From the beginning to the end of the event, the tournament hotel Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark will prepare over 200 different dishes.

Gaming Lounge and Social Media Zentrale

The Success Lounge, an event room of the Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark, will become the Gaming Lounge for the duration of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Due to contact restrictions, the number of people allowed in the Gaming Lounge simultaneously will be severely limited and the entertainment on offer will also be restricted to activities that can be undertaken alone. Nevertheless, it offers a welcome change in the bubble. For example, the players can experience a professional Porsche driving simulation.
Moreover, since they cannot meet the fans in person this year, social media becomes the players’ point of contact with the outside world. Fans can look forward to creative ideas and authentic glimpses behind the scenes. Through digital communication, fans will be able to get to know their tennis idols from a different, very personal side.
The changing conditions and challenges we face as a society due to the coronavirus pandemic can also have an impact on sporting performance. To ensure that the players always have someone to talk to during their isolation in the bubble, a mental health coach will be on hand to help them focus if they wish so.

The Tournament Hotel as Second Home

The Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark is proud to become the players’ second home as the exclusive tournament hotel during the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The entire hotel team will be working tirelessly to ensure that all guests always feel safe, welcome, and comfortable. After all, they might be isolated but certainly not left alone!
We wish all our guests a successful tournament and a wonderful stay!

Photo credit (c) Success Hotel Group