Case Study: Lindner Family Tennis Center – Koolfog | Misting Systems | Patio Misters | Fog Effects

The $260 million transformation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center, home of the Cincinnati Open, reimagines the venue with expanded courts, upgraded amenities, and park-inspired landscapes. Designed by Gensler, the modernization enhances both fan and player experiences while positioning the tournament for a dynamic new era. Parklike landscaping surrounds a new sunken “Champions Court” stadium, seating 2,300 spectators while offering immersive viewing. Spanning over 40 acres, the campus sports a two-story clubhouse with lounges, restaurant space, wellness and recovery rooms as well as locker rooms – and now counts 31 courts including 10 brand-new practice courts, six indoor courts, and spaces for pickleball. In addition, a 16,000 sq ft fan pavilion has a central shade canopy plus a landscaped dining commons designed for guest comfort and convenience.

Among the most striking enhancements are Koolfog’s stainless-steel, powder-coated misting poles, engineered to generate a fine cooling cloud that noticeably lowers ambient temperatures. These high-pressure misting systems set a new benchmark for sports venues dedicated to the comfort and well-being of players and fans alike.

Koolfog Contribution:  Cool Misting Station Poles
Koolfog’s misting poles, high-pressure distribution network, and Sahara Series high-pressure pump were integral to the Cincinnati Open renovation, enhancing comfort and guest experience throughout the venue. Working in collaboration with Nelson Stark, a long-established Cincinnati-based plumbing and excavation firm, Koolfog coordinated all aspects of site preparation, installation, and system commissioning to ensure flawless integration.

Custom-fabricated stainless steel misting poles were assembled and installed on-site, each incorporating flush-mounted Koolfog nozzles that deliver a fine, even mist to reduce ambient temperatures and create a refreshing, park-like atmosphere. The Sahara Series high-pressure pump was positioned at a discreet distance from the active play zones to minimize noise while maintaining easy service access and system programmability. To meet the client’s request for dynamic environmental control, Koolfog specified a responsive control system designed for precise zone management and efficient operation.

“Koolfog’s misting poles elevate the fan experience—keeping visitors cool, comfortable, and safe in intense summer conditions,” said Bryan Roe, President of Koolfog, Inc. “While designed with spectators in mind, these systems are equally suited for player zones, helping manage heat stress and maintain peak performance.”

Impact
As part of the Lindner Family Tennis Center’s comprehensive renovation, the design team implemented a series of intelligent heat-mitigation strategies to address the growing impact of rising temperatures on both spectators and athletes.

• Cooler Surfaces: High-albedo concrete replaced dark asphalt to reduce solar heat gain and lower ambient surface temperatures.
• Integrated Shading: Fan pavilions, communal plazas, and shaded dining zones were strategically positioned to create thermally comfortable microclimates.
• Water-Based Cooling Systems: Two dedicated misting stations were incorporated into the site plan to deliver evaporative cooling for guests throughout the venue.

Koolfog’s stainless-steel misting poles serve as a focal element within these cooling zones—integrated seamlessly into the landscape architecture to complement the park-inspired design language. Their fine-mist delivery system enhances occupant comfort while contributing to the project’s overall environmental performance objectives.

Sponsored by Mercy Health, the Cincinnati Open’s cooling initiative elevated awareness of heat-stress mitigation in professional sports environments, positioning the venue as a model for athlete and spectator wellness through thoughtful environmental design.

Click here to watch expert tips from Mercy Health at the 2025 Cincinnati Open on how fans can beat the heat — from misting zones and hydration stations to shaded retreats across the grounds.

Future Challenge: Managing Guest Expectations

Guest response during the 2025 Cincinnati Open was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors praising the comfort provided by the new misting stations integrated across the Lindner Family Tennis Center. A few guests anticipated a more tangible “wet mist” effect; however, the system was purposefully designed for subtlety, efficiency and no wetting.

Koolfog’s stainless steel misting poles release ultra-fine droplets in a 180-degree pattern from the pole tops. The mist evaporates almost immediately, absorbing heat energy from the surrounding air and lowering the temperature within the nearby microclimate. Rather than relying on direct spray, the system creates an invisible cooling envelope that naturally circulates in the area.

This quiet environmental intervention demonstrates how architectural design and technology can work together to promote comfort without intrusion—integrating seamlessly with the venue’s park-like aesthetic while addressing the rising importance of heat-stress mitigation in public environments. Future activations may include on-site education to help guests better understand the science and sensation behind evaporative cooling.