There was no shortage of positive reviews to be heard for the Bob's Stores Boston Open — the first AVP event in Beantown in 12 years — as the field of competitors was whittled down on Saturday and Sunday.
Both the stadium and side courts appeared to be filled to capacity during the weekend sessions, and the crowd wasn't shy about letting the players know they were there. Raucous fans at Saturday's men's final and again for Sunday's women's final left a lasting impression on those who played in the event, as well as those who sponsored it.
"For all intents and purposes, it was a boring [men's] final," said champion Todd Rogers, who, along with Phil Dalhausser, defeated Matt Fuerbringer and Casey Jennings, 21-16, 21-12, in Saturday's final. "Yet the crowd's intensity remained at a really high level. It's just not something that you usually see. I'm impressed, really happy and looking forward to coming back next year.
"The crowd is insane and the venue lays out very nicely," he added. "You can't ask for something better in a first-time event than what I just saw, in my opinion. Some of the other [first-time] events were fun this season, but this one was far and away the best event. I'm really impressed."
Stein Metzger, who was the top seed in the main draw with partner Mike Lambert, was surprised by the constant intensity he saw from the crowd throughout the tournament.
"The crowd was incredible," he said. "Even in the semis they were going nuts. It's always rewarding to come to a new spot. You never know what's going to happen. Sometimes they're duds and people don't really take to it. Sometimes they just go crazy.
"We really appreciate that when we show up and the fans are totally into it. A lot of fans have talked to me after the games this weekend and said that they really appreciate that we're here and they're looking forward to us being here for years in the future."
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