More than a million tennis fans flock to New York City each year for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season. Held as summer gives way to fall, the tournament feels like one last celebration before autumn arrives.
If you’re planning your first visit, prepare for sensory overload. Between the dozens of courts, hundreds of matches, blazing heat and nonstop action, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My two tennis-playing daughters and I have made an annual pilgrimage to Queens for years, and we’ve learned a few tricks along the way. These insider tips will help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying world-class tennis.
Key Points:
- Learn how to navigate the US Open like an insider, from choosing the best ticket and arrival strategy to avoiding common first-time mistakes.
- Discover where the most memorable moments happen beyond the main stadium, including practice courts, intimate matches and fan experiences throughout the grounds.
- Make the most of a full day at the tournament with smart tips for beating the heat, saving money and enjoying one of New York City’s signature sporting events.
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1. Go on the First Thursday or Friday of the US Open
The US Open is a two-week tournament, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The Main Draw matches begin on Monday.
If you’re going for the first time and don’t know what to expect, I suggest purchasing a grounds pass for the Thursday or Friday of the first week. Here’s why:
- A grounds pass is the least expensive ticket.
- The crowds are lighter, particularly on Thursday.
- You can enter Louis Armstrong and Grandstand stadiums and all of the field courts and can sit anywhere but the reserved sections.
Because it’s still early in the tournament, most of the players you’re familiar with will still be competing. And they are more likely to have their matches scheduled outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The downside is that you can’t enter Ashe. But I’ve found that most of the first week’s matches in Ashe are blowouts, with the top seeds slaughtering their competition.
2. Take Mass Transit
Parking is available if you choose to drive.
My advice? Don’t.
It’s expensive and confusing. For example, you can park in the large Citi Field lot, but not if there’s a Mets home game. And, when that lot is removed from use, the number of available parking spots decreases dramatically.
Mass transit in NYC is a cheap and reliable option.
- Take the 7 subway to the Mets-Willets Point station. You can catch the 7 subway in Grand Central Station or at Hudson Yards/34th Street near Penn Station.
- Exit and follow the crowd to the main entrance.
If you really feel the need to drive, consider parking at the Shops at Skyview, a short walk to the boardwalk. Entry and exit to the Shops at Skyview is away from Mets Stadium congestion. Reserve a spot online for a discounted rate.
3. Travel Light
Carry a small day bag packed with the essentials:
- high SPF sunscreen (non-aerosol)
- sunglasses
- snacks
- hat
- empty water bottle (Fill it inside at the water fountains.).
You will not be permitted to enter with a bag larger than 12″ x 12″ x 16″.
Backpacks are prohibited except for single-compartment drawstring bags. Rentable lockers are available outside the main gates.
4. Celebrity Sightings
The US Open tennis tournament attracts celebrities. Lots of them. The night sessions are advertised as the time “When the Stars Come Out.” As you’re walking around the grounds or sitting in the stadiums, scan the crowd. You never know who you’ll see.
5. Vampires, Beware!
The sun and heat can be brutal at the US Open tennis tournament and there are limited places to find shade. The first 8 days of the tournament are split into day and night sessions.
If you struggle with the heat and sun, go in the evening or choose seats in the shade.
6. Buy a Nosebleed Seat
The main arena, Arthur Ashe Stadium, is massive, seating more than 23,000 people. Unless you spend hundreds of dollars, you’ll be very far away from the action. Accept the fact and buy the cheapest seat available if you feel you have to experience Ashe.
As I mentioned earlier, you can choose to skip it.
7. Make a Plan of Attack
If you have your heart set on seeing Jannik Sinner, I’m sorry to tell you you’ll likely be disappointed.
A player’s seeding isn’t set until just before the tournament begins.
The schedule of who’s playing where and when is available in the morning. Print it out and pick the matches that interest you the most and beeline to those courts to get a seat.
The US Open app is an excellent resource, too.
8. Dress for Comfort, Not Style
You might be tempted to dress up for the Open based on Instagram.
Don’t do it.
Wear light-colored, loose clothing and your most comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Did I mention that the grounds are vast? You can log 20,000 steps easily.
9. Check out the Booths, Tents and Displays
Much of the action at the US Open tennis tournament takes place off the courts.
There are backdrops for photos and booths hosted by the tourney sponsors.
I’ve received free bottles of La Roche-Posay sunscreen, two-for-one Honey Deuce cocktail coupons and Emirates Airlines paper fans.
The American Express kiosks are the most popular. Register your credit card for a discount on your day’s purchases at the Open. And you’ll receive a dorky radio earpiece so you can listen to match commentary.
10. Don’t Miss the Practice Courts
If you’re facing the fountains in front of Ashe, the practice courts are to your left. The top players get scheduled warm-up times each day, so you can watch your favorites take volleys and work on their serves. My daughters love to watch the drills to see the focus of these world-class athletes.
11. Choose a Restaurant Over the Food Court
There are many options available at the US Open food village, including crepes, champagne and BBQ. But it’s also very crowded, with long lines and too many people jostling for too few tables. I eat a hearty breakfast before arriving and carry nuts and a protein bar for snacking.
When I’m ready for linner (late lunch/early dinner), I head to one of the sit-down restaurants. The prices aren’t much higher than the food court and I can down a couple of pitchers of water!
12. Watch a Doubles Match
To remember that you’re a mere mortal, go to one of the smaller courts and get a front row seat for a doubles match. The action is lightning fast; you’ll find yourself watching with your jaw dropped in amazement. It’s also the easiest place for your kids to get autographs.
And speaking of autographs, your kids will want one of the large, fuzzy tennis balls to schlep around in the hopes of getting players’ signatures. Unless you want to carry that large, fuzzy tennis ball, say “No!”
Buy a program instead and carry a Sharpie. They will fit in your small bag. The ball will not.
FAQs
Absolutely. For first-time visitors, I think it’s one of the best values at the tournament. You’ll see multiple matches, explore the grounds and often enjoy a more memorable experience than spending the entire day in one stadium.
Yes! One of my favorite experiences is watching the practice courts and the smaller stadiums. You’ll often get much closer to the players than you would in Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially during the first week.
Pack light. I bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, snacks and an empty reusable water bottle to refill inside. Be sure your bag meets the tournament’s size requirements because large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed.
SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
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