A Serious Tennis Fan’s Complete Guide to the 2026 US Open: Tickets, Tips & More

▸ Returning Visitors: Click Here for Latest Updates!
- June 28: Published fully restructured new version of this post to facilitate navigation, including this PDF 2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices: How to Spot a Good Deal — day-by-day ticket options and direct links to check prices and comparison shop on Ticketmaster and Stubhub.
- July 3: Added FAQ: “Which seats in Promenade have obstructed views?”
- August 3: Updated details on shade patterns in Armstrong Stadium in FAQ: “Which seats get the most shade?”
- August 27: The NYT reported that the Open would offer limited $25 evening grounds passes for purchase on-site only through Sep 6: “However, they can be purchased only on-site the evening of entry and on nights that Louis Armstrong is sold out (not including resale tickets).” When I asked the US Open box office to provide more details, they wrote: “No unfortunately we cannot confirm availability beforehand, these specific passes are on a day-to-day basis. Evenings grounds passes are only made available day of based on the capacity of the events and the stadiums.”
- August 29: My new chart outlining how scheduling should work beginning in Round 2: “Who Plays on Which Dates After R1?”
- September 1: Fellow fan Carrie reported on the late-night taxi situation: “I had a great experience with getting a yellow cab at the rideshare area by the NY Hall of Science at around 11:30pm the first two nights. NYPD organized the taxis and the taxi line and I waited only a few minutes in line before I was able to get a cab and a fast ride back to the hotel at a very reasonable cost. There were plenty of taxis waiting to pick up folks. This was probably way faster than waiting for an uber, and the police officer organizing the taxi line even made the sure my driver had his meter on when he saw I was a woman traveling solo late at night!”
- September 3: I share observation on the new post-renovation Courtside and Loge sections in my updated FAQ “What’s different about Ashe after the big 2026 renovation to Ashe Stadium?“
By P.J. Simmons
If you’re a fellow tennis fan planning a trip to the US Open — whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth — I built this guide for you. As a serious tennis player and fan living in NYC, I feel so lucky that the US Open is in my backyard. I absolutely love the tournament, and find nothing more educational and inspiring for my own game than seeing world-class live tennis.
2026 will mark my 18th time at the US Open, and I’ve learned a ton over the years through trial and error about how to maximize the opportunity, find the best tickets and seats on the Official US Open ticket site on Ticketmaster, StubHub, and other reseller sites, and generally get the biggest bang for the buck. Likewise, I’ve learned so much thanks to fellow fans around the world who have shared their own insights since I wrote the first version of this post over a decade ago.
Below are my top 10 recommendations and practical resources to help you sort through the complexity, understand all the ticket options, and make the best decisions for your own priorities and budget so you have an incredible experience. I’ll continue to update throughout the summer and the tournament. Don’t hesitate to reach out with a question below if you can’t find what you need – I’ll reply as soon as I can.
For my returning friends: Please let me know what you think of this newly restructured and updated version (June 28), which hopefully will make navigation easier and faster for you. Please let me know what you think – I’d really appreciate your feedback!
What Every First-Timer Should Know Before Buying Tickets
Whether it’s your first Open or you just haven’t been in a few years, here are a few things worth understanding before you spend a dollar or make final decisions on when to attend.
Consider taking advantage of incredible FREE opportunities to see world-class tennis and superstars the week before the main tournament (August 23–29)
Before the main tournament begins, there’s a packed week of events at the US Open grounds (“Fan Week”) that offers many opportunities to experience the magic of the Open without spending a dollar on a ticket.
The week kicks off Sunday August 23 with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. If you have kids, this is a great day to go with lots of interactive games, music, activities.
Then, the Qualifying Tournament (Monday August 24 – Thursday August 27) is an amazing opportunity for serious fans to see major rising players and incredible tennis up close. 128 of the world’s best male and female players (whose ATP and WTA rankings were just shy of qualifying automatically for the US Open) will compete for the final 32 spots (16 each for men and women) in the singles draws. In 2021, #150-ranked qualifier Emma Raducanu went on to win the US Open women’s singles title – the first Grand Slam champion in history to come through qualifiers. Maja Chwalinska came close to doing the same at the 2026 French Open. Read why Fan Week/Qualies are so special in this excellent piece by Steven Kutz.
Throughout the entire week, there are opportunities to see some of the top-seeded players and biggest stars in unofficial practice sessions (details posted on the practice schedule the morning of).
Note: Fan week also features four special events that require paid tickets: including Mixed Doubles Rounds 1&2 (Aug 25 10am); Exhibition play with Roger Federer (Aug 25 7pm); Mixed Doubles Semis and Finals (Aug 26 7pm); and a “Stars of the Open” exhibition (Aug 27 7pm).
IMPORTANT: TO GAIN ADMISSION DURING FAN WEEK, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR A FREE FAN ACCESS PASS.
The US Open is much bigger than Ashe Stadium. Get the lay of the land before you make your plan.
Most people think of Arthur Ashe Stadium when they think about the US Open—and understandably so. It’s the largest tennis stadium in the world (almost 24,000 seats) and home to many of the tournament’s biggest matches. But the US Open is so much more than Ashe. Think of it as a massive tennis festival spread across an entire campus. On a typical day during the first week, world-class matches take place simultaneously on Ashe plus 16 other courts.
In fact, some of the most exciting tennis during the tournament happens on Louis Armstrong Stadium (almost as big as the main show courts at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open with around 14,000 seats plus a retractable roof in case of rain), Grandstand (with 8,100 seats), Court #17 (2,800 seats) and the smaller field Courts #4-16.
Some important basic rules about how entry and seating works:
- Any of the almost 80 ticket options gets you access to the entire US Open grounds — you’ll find every option laid out in the ticket chart below (2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices).
- Once you’ve entered the US Open grounds, you can access unreserved seats (on a first-come basis) in Armstrong, Grandstand, and on every other court except Ashe stadium. Ashe Stadium has no unreserved seats, so you need to buy an Ashe-specific ticket if you want to get in. Armstrong and Grandstand have both reserved ticket options and unreserved seating. Courts #4-17 are entirely first-come, unreserved seating.
- Grounds entry times vary depending on your ticket: A grounds pass or “Day” session reserved ticket for either Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand allows entry when gates first open (usually 9:30am). If you only purchase an “Evening” session ticket for a particular day, you’ll have to wait until 6pm to enter the grounds. Once you’re in the US Open grounds, you can stay as late as you want until closing.
Learn how player and match scheduling works to raise the odds of seeing your favorite players.
Most fans coming to the Open dream of seeing their favorite players in action. But what many first-timers don’t realize is that it’s impossible to predict which players will play on which days, on which courts, or at what time until the detailed “Daily Schedule of Play” is released shortly before the actual match day. So if you buy a ticket to the Open prior to that – which most people do – you’re buying access to matches in a particular round of play, not a guarantee that you’ll see any specific player.
The good news is that having a clear understanding of how scheduling works can dramatically improve your odds of seeing the players and matches that matter most to you. Taking a few minutes now to review these things will put you ahead of the game:
1. Start by getting the big picture of the tournament’s schedule – here’s an overview:
>> You can find a comprehensive, day-by-day breakdown of the schedule and every ticket option here: 2026 US Open Ticket Options
2. Get a sense of what day-by-day match scheduling looks like by reviewing last year’s “Daily Schedules of Play” to get a feel for what types of matches are played on which courts during the various rounds. Keep in mind this is just illustrative: for instance, just because a player was scheduled for certain days or played on certain Ashe Day or Night sessions does not mean you can expect the same for this year!
3. Go deeper: see the FAQ “How can I predict when and where my favorite player will play?” below — it explains how to make educated guesses about who plays when and where.
How to Choose the Right Tickets and Spot Good Deals
One of the most common questions I get every year is some version of: “What’s the best ticket to buy?” The honest answer is that there are many “best” tickets — it simply depends on your priorities and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have. Some fans want the energy of being with 24,000 others in an Arthur Ashe night session. Others are happy spending an entire day roaming the grounds in the early rounds, hopping from court to court. Some want to treat someone special to courtside seats in a final round. Others want the most tennis possible for the lowest price. So the goal is simply to find the ticket that’s best for you.
Below are my top recommendations—followed by a time-saving chart I built to help you compare all the options, benchmark average prices and comparison shop, and make decisions with confidence.
Don’t miss the chance to see world-class players and great matches up close on the other courts beyond Ashe Stadium.

It was awesome seeing Ben Shelton up close for the first time in 2022 on Court #10 in Round 1 (v. Borges)
For my first US Open, I spent about $250 per ticket for a seat in the upper portion of Ashe Stadium for a night match so I’d be guaranteed to see at least one Top 10 player live. While it was certainly thrilling to experience the electricity of an evening Ashe match, I still felt somewhat distant from the action (it’s a mammoth 24,000-capacity venue) and spent much of the time watching the match on the huge video screen. Moreover, because the tournament prioritizes putting the biggest stars on Ashe over the best match-ups, the matches I saw weren’t terribly exciting.
Since then, I’ve become addicted to the unparalleled thrill of seeing many world-class competitors from a few feet away in epic duels on several of the smaller non-Ashe courts (Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand Stadium, the very cool Court #17, and other outer courts #4-#16). Once you have this experience you’ll likely get addicted too. While it’s rare that you’ll see the Top 5 players on those courts, you WILL see other awe-inspiring players in very competitive matches –including seeing rising stars before they become household names, and feel the excitement of “discovering” new talent to cheer for. Over the years I’ve seen countless “next-gen” players up very close for the first time on outer courts before they were super famous — including Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, Dominic Thiem, Sasha Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and many others.
While I recommend everyone experience Ashe Stadium at least once, I also can’t recommend more strongly that you make time to explore the opportunities to see thrilling tennis in more intimate settings on the other 16 courts.
On a tight budget but want to see a lot of tennis? Consider going during Rounds 1 and 2, and aim for an affordable Ashe Stadium (or Armstrong Stadium) DAY session ticket — often comparably priced to a Grounds Pass, but a much smarter buy.

Be sure to take in some Doubles action too. Here was Casper Ruud and his partner William Blumberg during Round 1 in 2024.
Rounds 1 and 2 (Sun–Thurs of the main tournament’s first week) are a great chance to get maximum bang for your buck. There’s so much action across the entire US Open grounds, with matches happening simultaneously on 17 courts all day — and some play stretching into the evening. Crowds are heavy but not as intense as Labor Day weekend. It’s one of my favorite times to be out there.
Many fans assume a Grounds Pass is automatically the cheapest way into the Open — but often it isn’t. Before you buy one, always compare it against Ashe and Armstrong DAY-session tickets. During Rounds 1 and 2 those are often available for a similar price (sometimes less!), and they give you everything a Grounds Pass does — early entry when the gates open in the morning, the run of the whole grounds — plus a reserved seat and rain protection (both stadiums have roofs). You may end up roaming the outer courts more than sitting in that seat — but it’s there when you want it, and it guarantees you a spot inside if one of your favorites gets scheduled in that stadium. And keep in mind: a Grounds Pass won’t get you into Ashe at all (every Ashe seat is reserved). So if having Ashe be part of your experience matters to you, a cheap Ashe day ticket in the early rounds is often the most affordable way to do it.
And because a DAY ticket lets you stay on the grounds into the evening, you’ll get hours of extra tennis on the outer courts well past 6pm — all for the price of one ticket.
If your budget can swing it, I strongly recommend getting a courtside reserved seat in Louis Armstrong stadium (especially between Sep 4 – Sep 7) and/or in Grandstand (especially on Sep 4 or Sep 5).

Me spotted on Netflix “Break Point” series cheering on Taylor Fritz and Brandon Holt at the 2022 US Open – front row during awesome match on Grandstand
As a general rule, I encourage fellow fans to budget their time and money in ways that maximize the possibility of a few magical experiences versus a ton of forgettable ones. For instance, if you’re opting between multiple days of cheap nosebleed seats in Ashe’s Upper Promenade versus applying the same budget towards excellent seats on Armstrong or Grandstand for a couple sessions, I generally recommend the latter.
Louis Armstrong (14,053 seats) and Grandstand (8,125 seats) are the other two main show courts after Ashe Stadium – and they offer a much more intimate experience. A reserved courtside ticket for either can give you access to thrilling matches and players up close that you’ll never forget.
The first time I did this in 2010 I saw an unforgettable marathon slugfest between David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco from the first row of the old Armstrong stadium… It gave me a memory I will treasure forever. Ever since, I’ve made it an annual tradition to go with friends to get excellent courtside seats in Armstrong during the 3rd Round or Round of 16. In 2019, I got to see Matteo Berrettini crushing balls in the Round of 16 on Armstrong from the second row (and my phone exploded with texts when my friends and I were spotted on ESPN frequently cheering for him). I’ve had similar transporting experiences in Grandstand over the years – including sitting first row behind-the-server for a match between Auger-Aliassime and fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov.
Both stadiums also feature general admission seating on a first-come basis, but getting good GA seats can be tough and involve long lines for the higher-profile matches — so having a reserved courtside ticket gives you the dual benefit of skipping long lines plus incredible proximity to the players.
If you’ve never done it, consider splurging once on a courtside Ashe seat.

Me caught on ESPN cheering very loudly for Carlitos from front row Ashe (lower left) during 2024 Round 2 (v Botic van de Zandschulp)
After dreaming for years of the possibility, I finally bit the bullet to invest in Arthur Ashe Stadium Courtside seats in 2011 for the first time. It was bliss. Ever since, I’ve made an annual pilgrimage to experience Ashe Courtside with a few close friends at least once.
What most people don’t understand about the mammoth Ashe stadium until they’ve been in person is that even Loge seating is fairly high up because (a) the stadium is very vertically oriented (seating is on a sharp incline) and (b) there are two levels of suites above Courtside before the first row of Loge even begins. So when you’re down in Courtside, you feel like you’re in another world. The feeling of being that close to greatness in Ashe’s electric atmosphere is pretty amazing.
Here’s a video I shot of Federer from the front row in 2011, the very first time I sat courtside at Ashe. I found a great deal on a resale ticket on Labor Day during the Round of 16 and got to witness Federer perfection from a few feet away. Best money I’ve ever spent.
Before you compare options, get clear on what matters most to you for this particular visit — seeing a favorite player, incredible proximity, atmosphere, the most tennis for your money, shade, flexibility, or certainty. The more familiar you become with the market, the easier it becomes to recognize real value when you see it.
Here are 4 steps to making sure you make your decision with confidence:
- Know the benefits/restrictions of each type of ticket – read “What Each US Open Ticket Type Gets You” below.
- Review the day-by-day ticket options and average prices in the chart below. It will give you valuable context for smart decisionmaking, including up-to-date price ranges of what to expect for every single ticket option plus benchmark ranges from last year’s Open.
- Comparison shop — best done on a computer. For my full step-by-step process — which sites, how to read the maps, what to avoid — see “Which ticket site should I use?” under Before You Buy below.
- Scan the topics below under “Before You Buy — Common Questions” to dive deeper into many important questions that may impact your final decision about what’s best for you.

Before You Buy — Common Questions
▸ Should I buy now or wait? Will prices go up or down?
The frustrating reality is: it depends — and it’s impossible to predict with certainty. Buying US Open tickets can be a bit like investing in the stock market: knowledge and good judgment dramatically improve your odds, but there are always surprises because so many variables are involved.
One thing many first-time buyers don’t realize is that the inventory they see today may look very different tomorrow, next week, or later in the summer. Much of the market is driven by resale, because the USTA typically makes relatively few Standard tickets (“blue dots” on Ticketmaster) available, with most inventory pre-allocated to subscribers — and even Standard tickets are dynamically priced rather than sold at a fixed “face value.” As a result, prices can move in unexpected ways.
Historically, some sessions get cheaper as more resale tickets hit the market and sellers compete, while other high-demand sessions rise substantially. Who gets scheduled on which days, courts, and sessions matters too. Last year (2025), schedulers surprised everyone by putting the blockbuster Djokovic–Alcaraz semifinal in the day session rather than at night — so day prices spiked and night prices dropped.
Resale tickets are almost always available until the last minute, so patient buyers sometimes find great deals — but waiting trades certainty for risk. The best advice I can give: familiarize yourself with typical prices for the sessions you’re considering so you can recognize a good opportunity when you see one. The chart above is built for exactly that — every option, this year’s average ranges, and last year’s day-of benchmarks (for context, not prediction). One clue: if you enlarge the Ticketmaster map and see few tickets, scarcity often signals prices may keep rising; abundant inventory often means more downward pressure.
▸ Will the tournament release more Standard tickets and Grounds Passes?
Sometimes yes — but in a completely unpredictable way. The USTA has historically released additional Standard (“blue dot”) tickets throughout the summer for some sessions, sometimes for surprisingly good seats. There has never been a reliable pattern for which sessions or ticket types get more inventory, and Grounds Pass inventory can fluctuate too. My advice: check periodically, especially in the mornings, but don’t count on it for any specific session.
▸ Will I still get good tickets if everything looks expensive right now?
Usually, yes. One of the biggest misconceptions among first-time buyers is that the inventory available when tickets first go on sale is all there will be. In reality, more resale inventory appears throughout the summer, and the USTA often releases additional standard tickets too. The market keeps evolving right up until the tournament begins — and sometimes even on the day of the matches.
▸ Which sessions are the best deals?
This varies year to year, and some of the best last-minute deals turn up when the lineups aren’t what people expected (last year, for example, a marquee semifinal landed in the day session instead of the night). Still, here are a few sessions that tend to be overlooked and have historically offered relatively good value:
- Armstrong evening courtside, week 1 — exciting under the lights in a big stadium, but demand is lower because many fans choose day-session tickets instead (understandably, since a day ticket lets you in as soon as gates open, so you can catch as much tennis as possible). The trade-off: an evening-only ticket won’t get you onto the grounds until 6pm. But it can be an affordable way to see bigger names from a far better vantage point than the upper tier of Ashe.
- Quarterfinal day sessions — the biggest-name lineups almost always go to the night sessions during the quarterfinals. With many tourists gone and locals leaning toward evenings, day tickets here are often cheaper than the Round of 16.
- Labor Day Ashe evening — historically cheaper than other Round-of-16 sessions, since many tourists have headed home and demand dips. You still get great matches, and it’s a great time to experience Ashe at night.
▸ How do I see the exact location of seats I might buy?
Use the “Map View” on Ticketmaster for any particular session provides the best reference for the exact location of specific seat(s). After you click on the session/stadium that interests you, choose Map View, then mouse over or click any of the dots to see the exact section, row, and seat number. This is also helpful if you’re comparison shopping with Stubhub or other resale sites, whose maps may only feature sections and zones and not individual seats.
KEY SEATING CHARTS AND SHADE MAPS
ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM
- NEW 2026 Arthur Ashe Seating Chart
- My NEW 2026 annotated Ashe Stadium SHADE map
- Ashe “Interactive Seat Viewer” (updated for 2026) to give you a sense of what view is like from specific seats – which from my experience tends to make seats look like they’re closer than they actually feel when you’re there, but helpful nonetheless.
Update on the Renovated Loge Section
In previous years, I recommended prioritizing the lower half of Loge when Courtside wasn’t in the budget, because even the front rows of Loge were already relatively high up. With the new design, the front rows of Loge now sit meaningfully farther from the court (only 5 of the original 13 rows of Loge remain) – so sitting in Loge is only marginally better than lower Promenade, making it hard to justify paying much of a premium.
A warning about the first row of the new Loge section: The roof of the luxury suites just below juts out like a sore thumb from the front row, both creating a visual and emotional barrier to the court. Here’s a photo I took from the new Section 231 Row A.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM
- Louis Armstrong Stadium Seating Chart (Official)
- Louis Armstrong Chart (with my annotations)
- Armstrong Interactive “View from Seat” Map
- My annotated Armstrong Stadium SHADE map
GRANDSTAND
▸ What’s different about Ashe after the big 2026 renovation to Ashe Stadium?
A lot. 2026 brings a huge change to Ashe: a major renovation added 2,000 new Courtside seats and removed around 2,800 Loge seats to make room for the expanded courtside area and newly designed luxury suites between the Courtside and Loge levels. Promenade remains exactly the same.
My initial observations after spending a few days watching play from various sections of Ashe in 2026:
The New Courtside
- Courtside seats (even higher rows) remain qualitatively much, much better than Loge and Promenade, which now feel even more remote. Overall, though, courtside feels far less intimate. And more numbers create intense crowds in the “Club Level” corridors (where you get drinks and food).
- Noise levels are worse than ever in the stadium due to the larger numbers of people in courtside and folks in suites, many of whom are drinking heavily and carry on conversations at full voice. All it takes is a few loud conversations to spark a chain reaction: background conversations become white noise, and everyone feels permission to talk loudly.
- Gone are the days when you would be embarrassed for standing in an aisle except during changeovers. The longer stairways — coupled with the highly questionable elimination of the continuous walkway at the top of Courtside — means people take too long to get to their seats.
- The addition of two cordoned-off Courtside rows (“100A-100E”) with walkway behind the umpire chair feels, to be perfectly frank, obnoxious. One the one hand, I applaud the move to put Players’ Boxes into the first row on this side (section 100A) and directly opposite (105AA). And I understand the need to reserve parts of these rows (especially 100G) for VIPs like Billie Jean King and provide special security for them. But selling the rest of these seats to ultra-rich subscribers — many of whom skip matches in favor of hanging in suites or resell the seats at out-of-reach, exorbitant prices — is infuriating to someone like me who has spent hard-earned savings on those seats in the past and literally been moved to tears of joy and appreciation to be in them watching favorite players.
The New Loge
In previous years, I recommended prioritizing the lower half of Loge when Courtside wasn’t in the budget, because even the front rows of Loge were already relatively high up. With the new design, the front rows of Loge now sit meaningfully farther from the court (only 5 of the original 13 rows of Loge remain) – so sitting in Loge is only marginally better than lower Promenade, making it hard to justify paying much of a premium.
A warning about the first row of the new Loge section: The roof of the luxury suites just below juts out like a sore thumb from the front row, both creating a visual and emotional barrier to the court. Here’s a photo I took from the new Section 231 Row A.
I’ll update the FAQ on views from seats as soon as I can with a few more photos, but wanted to share this update in real time (Sep 3, 2026).
▸ Which seats get the most shade?
ASHE STADIUM
The roof creates a huge amount of natural shade all day for many seats. The most shade is in the South and West sections. Next-best is the North. The most sun (to avoid for Day sessions) is on the East side. See my Ashe shade map. I will update this with more details after I’ve experienced Ashe post-renovation in person during Fan Week this year.
GRANDSTAND
Much less shade overall, but South and West are again better because the sun is more at your back. GA seats higher under the overhang — especially the Southwest corner — get the most.
ARMSTRONG STADIUM
Sections 1–8 (South and West) are best overall for shade, with Section 2 the best (in shade all day). Sections 11-16 (East) are the worst and sit in direct afternoon sun (however the top couple of rows are shaded all day due to the overhang from the upper deck). See this basic overview of the Armstrong shade pattern – then see these additional photos showing how various sections are impacted throughout the day. Additional details:
- Section 1 is fully shaded until around 12:30pm, then some rows and some seats in the first 8-10 rows start getting some sun). See this photo.
- Sections 17-18: Fully shaded until around 12:30pm, then lower rows start getting sun. By about 2:15, many of the first 8-10 rows (rows E-O) are getting sun – see this photo and this photo. By 3pm a few more rows in 17 and 18 get sun – see this photo. By around 4pm (not sure exact time) all of 17 and 18 are shaded completely again
- Sections 3-8 (West side/Chair umpire side) is in full sun at 11am, but the shade gradually moves down to blanket more and more rows such that by 12:30pm the top 10 rows (appx) are in shade and by around 1pm all seats are fully shaded.
- The last 2 rows in the lower bowl around the entire stadium stay shaded (under the overhang from the upper bowl).
- Sections 8-11: Rows U and above are always shaded, most other seats always in direct sun.
▸ Which sections and seats have the best views?
Most people consider “behind the server” seats (the North or South ends of the court) the best — and prices reflect it. For first-timers, that’s my top recommendation. It’s the angle used for broadcast: you can follow point construction and see the court from the perspective of the player on your side of the net, without moving your head side to side. Here’s a photo of the same perspective (from higher up seats) in Armstrong. Here’s another photo from Ashe courtside front row.
Corner sections are also widely considered to be highly desirable — and for good reason. They carry many of the same advantages of the above, with the added benefit you can see the player on your side of the net from the front as their hitting the ball not just the back. Here’s a photo from the new Armstrong from that perspective.
As a serious player myself, I personally love sitting courtside as close as possible in lower rows of sections where seats are practically on the court, perpendicular and near to the actual baseline (e.g., section 120 in renovated Ashe) because it gets me physically even closer to the players and more on the same level. Sitting in the lower rows, I feel even more like I’m on the court with them. I feel the speed of the game. In these seats, I personally enjoy watching one player at a time sometimes to see their footwork, how they prepare for the next ball, etc. Here’s a photo from Ashe courtside from that perspective.
For Loge or Promenade in Ashe, I generally recommend the lowest rows you can get regardless of location, since Loge — and especially Promenade — are already quite high up.
For Day sessions, factor in shade (West, Southwest, and Northwest get the most relief; see the shade question above). The umpire chair is never a real obstruction, but in very low rows on that side it can be a minor annoyance.
▸ Which seats in Promenade have obstructed views?
There are a handful of specific seats worth avoiding in Promenade based on reader reports in the comments over the years and posts on “View from my Seat.” Two recommendations based on every obstruction complaint I’ve ever heard about the Promenade:
1. Avoid aisle seats in Promenade rows A-E (due to large glass safety panels at the bottom of aisle stairways).
At the bottom of every aisle staircase, there’s a clear safety panel (with a metal support bar) to keep people from stumbling over the ledge. These sit at the ends of the rows, all the way around the stadium. If you’re in one of the first several rows (roughly A through E) AND in the seat or two directly beside an aisle, that glass and bar can cut right across your view of the court. Fans report this year after year, always in the same spots: the aisle-adjacent seats in the low rows. A few rows up, or a few seats over, and the problem disappears. The added bonus of skipping these seats: you’ll avoid fans walking up and down the aisles (which they’re only allowed to do in Promenade).
2. Unless you are fairly tall, avoid Row A in Promenade due to the metal safety rail. The front row of the Promenade has a horizontal rail along it. For many adults it’s a non-issue — you see right over it. But if you’re on the shorter side, or bringing kids, the rail can sit annoyingly close to your sightline to the near baseline. My advice for most folks is to avoid the first row altogether. Rows B and C give you virtually the same view with zero rail, and Row A’s extra legroom probably isn’t worth the tradeoff.
Check out photos from other fans of particular seats in Promenade at “View from my Seat.”
Note: I am not able yet to address questions about structural obstructions in the newly renovated Courtside and Loge sections – I’ll update after I’m there this year.
▸ Day session or evening — which is the better value?
For most fans, day sessions offer better overall value. You’ll typically get more tennis, more scheduling flexibility, and grounds access from morning until late evening. Evening sessions often feature big names and a special atmosphere under the lights, but you’re usually paying for fewer matches. Which is “better” comes down to whether you care more about the quantity of tennis or the energy of a showcase night session.
▸ Is a Grounds Pass worth it?
Sometimes — but usually not. Many fans assume a Grounds Pass is automatically the best value; often it isn’t. Before buying one, always compare prices for Ashe and Armstrong day-session tickets. If they’re available for a similar price, you get all the same grounds-access privileges plus a reserved seat and valuable rain protection from the stadium roofs.
▸ Should I buy a subscription or multi-session plan?
For most serious fans, I don’t recommend it. Most multi-session and first-time subscription plans are only for Promenade seats — so high up in that huge stadium that you’ll watch much of the match on the Jumbotron or through binoculars. It can take years to upgrade to Loge (only available with the very expensive full-series plan). For the price of a full-series plan (well over $2,000 each) you could buy several amazing seats across the tournament — or two excellent seats for the Men’s Final. And there’s always a glut of Promenade Ashe seats on the resale market, so an entire series of Promenade seats can be hard to resell.
▸ Which ticket site should I use? How to comparison shop?
Start with Ticketmaster, then compare resale. My process:
- Consult 2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices: How to Spot a Good Deal to learn the average price ranges for the sessions you care about.
- Always check the official Ticketmaster US Open site first — on a computer for the fastest navigation. Use “map view” (click any section), try different sortings, and use multiple tabs to compare sessions. Ticketmaster shows both Standard tickets (“blue dots” — face value, most often Promenade, occasionally Loge/Courtside) and resale tickets (“red dots”). Surprisingly, resale red dots are often the best value, because resellers undercut each other. Tickets stay on sale up to 59 minutes after a session starts if inventory remains, and both Ticketmaster and StubHub make it easy to relist if your plans change (you need a US bank account to re-list on Ticketmaster).
- Compare availability and prices with StubHub and any other preferred resellers to see if you can find an even better deal for comparable seats. Other sites I’ve never had any problems with include Viagogo, VividSeats, SeatGeek, or Ticket Liquidator. I personally no longer recommend TickPick after two very poor experiences. My “2026 US Open Ticket Options” chart linked above links directly to every specific Ticketmaster and StubHub session ticket option.
- Only buy resale tickets that specify the exact Section, Row, and Seat (or seat range) matching the stadium seat maps in this post. Double-check what you receive matches what was advertised; reputable resellers refund a misrepresented ticket (but then it’s on you to find another).
- Never buy off Craigslist or classified sites — too many scams, and NYC law bans “scalping” within 1,500 feet of the venue (effectively everywhere off the subway), with undercover police on site.
- Going with friends? Consider buying a mix of cheap and amazing seats and trading off time in the great one (Promenade vs. Courtside, or across stadiums) — I do this every year. All tickets are mobile-only; if you don’t have a smartphone, Ticketmaster customer service can move yours to Will Call.
- For package deals (tickets + hotel/transport/VIP), trusted options include Championship Tennis Tours, Grand Slam Tennis Tours, and Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.
▸ Are resale ticket sites safe?
Generally, yes — provided you use reputable marketplaces. In some cases resale tickets are actually better values than standard tickets, because sellers compete on price. Before buying, always verify the section, row, and seat numbers, and make sure the ticket is clearly marked for mobile transfer.
▸ How can I predict when — and where — my favorite player will play?
While you can never be absolutely sure whether your favorite player will be scheduled for a Day or Night session (or on which court) until the Schedule of Play is released the day prior to matches, you CAN predict which DATE your favorite players will play if they advance after the Round 1 schedule is announced. Here’s a chart showing which players would play on which days after Round 1 if they advance (based on the pattern from the first two days of Round 1).
To be absolutely sure you see your favorite player, consider waiting until the schedule is published the day prior (start checking frequently early afternoon, usually out by 5:00pm), then immediately go to the official Ticketmaster US Open site or other resale sites like Stubhub to grab a resale ticket. This strategy requires, however, that you monitor the ticket situation closely in the days prior and are prepared to act immediately when the schedule is announced. Also, if you see tickets becoming scarce and prices going up in the days prior, you may conclude it’s worth taking a chance and purchasing based on an educated guess.
Another way to see your favorite player up close is to watch them when they’re scheduled for practice on the practice courts. See Tip #9
- Only the biggest superstars (like Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff) are sure to be scheduled on Ashe – others might be scheduled on Armstrong, Grandstand, or field courts. Schedulers have been known to put even the #1-ranked player in the world on Armstrong or Grandstand, as they did in 2021 with then #1 Simona Halep during Round 1 (on Grandstand) and then #2 Aryna Sabalenka (Armstrong).
- There’s never any sure way to predict whether players will be scheduled for DAY or NIGHT sessions. Officials try to spread the wealth and be fair to players by alternating players between Day and Night sessions. Contrary to popular belief, they do not always schedule the biggest stars at night. The one exception to this is Quarterfinals, when biggest stars are almost always scheduled for the night sessions.
- For Men’s Semifinals, we learned last year (2025) never to assume that the biggest starpower matches would be put on the Night session: they shocked everyone and put the Alcaraz v Djokovic match on during the Day session, and Sinner v Auger-Aliassime at night.
How to Get the Most of Your Visit
The night before you go, check the Schedule of Play
1. Download the official US Open Everywhere App (search “2026 US Open Tennis”) for the latest schedule, scores, and live updates. I also recommend SI.com’s tennis page for terrific day-to-day coverage and analysis.
2. Be sure to check the Schedule of Play here (or on the App) to identify the matches that most interest you and build your plan around that.
3. If you are targeting the first match of the day on either Grandstand or Armstrong and if you don’t have a reserved seat, aim to get in line early at either the East Gate (for Armstrong) or South Gate (for Grandstand) so you can be among the first to enter when gates open at 9:30am. Then speed-walk over and grab the best seat you can.
4. If you’re a player, you might be interested in reading my ten ideas for watching a pro match to help improve your own game— some of the ways I challenge myself to watch live tennis more deliberately from the perspective of a player who wants to improve.
Check out the practice courts for close sightings of the superstars
Check the practice schedule here (or on the US Open App) the night before and the morning of your day at the Open. Note: the best time to see top players practice without fighting as many crowds is during the Fan Week (see Tip 1).
Don’t drive unless you really have to — here’s how to get there
My top recommendation is to take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to “Mets-Willets Point.”
It’s super fast (under 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan) and drops you literally steps from the US Open’s East Gate. You can take it from either Moynihan Train Hall (8th Avenue between West 31st-33rd) or Grand Central. Look for “Port Washington” train on the monitors (signage may say “GREAT NECK” or “PORT WASHINGTON” — double-check the train number.) See 2026 LIRR schedule here. Download the MTA TrainTime app to purchase tickets. Important: the Mets-Willets LIRR stop is NOT accessible for fans with disabilities — exit instead at Woodside/61st St and transfer to the 7 train (or just take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point).
The subway #7 train is also a convenient (and the least expensive) option.
Takes a bit longer, but runs 24 hours. Stops include Grand Central. Download the MTA App for train time and routes. If you must drive: See the US Open’s driving directions and parking details. Plan extra time when the Mets are home (Aug 24-30 and Sep 4-6); I recommend arriving no later than 8:30am on Mets’ dates to be on the safe side. A good alternate parking option is the Shops at Skyview – about a 10-minute walk to the East Gate (and you can reserve a spot in advance for a discounted rate here). Consider buying a resale parking pass on StubHub for a specific lots. Fellow fan Harry notes street parking under or south of Highway 495 is viable if you don’t mind a walk.
Thinking of using UBER/ LYFT/ TAXI? They’re great getting out to the Open – but can be a nightmare coming back after a night session.
To the Open, set the destination to “Billie Jean King National Tennis Center” (drops near the South Gate) or “Mets-Willets Point” (near the 7 train, then walk the footbridge to the East Gate). After a night session, be ready for long waits and heavy surge pricing — thousands of people will be trying to do the same. Alternatives: reserve a car service in advance (I’ve used Riverside), take the LIRR or 7 into Manhattan and hail a cab there, or hail under the 7 train on Roosevelt Ave (or use the Curb app).
Consider staying nearby in Queens and walking or biking.
Fellow fan Mark stayed at an Airbnb on Queens Boulevard about 2 miles away: flat terrain, good bike lanes, and bike racks across from the South Gate — “a fun and hassle-free way to make the commute.”
Coming directly from Laguardia?
It’s only a 9-minute cab ride — or take the Q48 public bus to the “Roosevelt Av/Willets Pt” stop (around 30 minutes). You can check your bag at the US Open before you enter the grounds.
More Common Questions - Good to Know Before You Go
▸ What can I bring — and what’s not allowed? (No backpacks!)
Be sure to review this official complete list of prohibited items before going! To help clarify some common confusions:
- You CAN bring a drawstring bag (click here for example) but NOT a backpack with two straps
- You CAN bring a digital camera with video capabilities (however they do NOT allow “Video cameras or recording devices”, which includes GoPros)
- You CAN bring a plastic or metal water bottle 24 oz or less to refill on site (but NOT anything glass!)
- You CAN bring a fanny pack: but if you do you’ll still need to go through the “with bag” security line
- You CAN bring sunscreen in lotion form only, NOT aerosol cans
- According to the US Open bot on the website: “Outside food or beverages (excluding alcohol) CAN be brought into the US Open grounds, but must fit into one sized bag. There are no exceptions.”
- There is storage outside both East and South Gate entrances if you need it: (in 2025 it was $10 per locker, $20 for large items including suitcases). Bag check for American Express cardholders is discounted (1 bag per card).
Be prepared to wait in a potentially long security line if you have any bag at all (i.e. an enclosed object that doesn’t fit in your clothes), whereas you can breeze through a separate express line for those without bags.
Before Leaving, Don’t Forget…
- Download your mobile tickets to your mobile wallet (e.g. Apple Wallet or something like WalletPasses on Android)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (lotion not spray)! If you forget, La Roche offers free samples just inside the EAST gate entrance.
- A backup phone charger (e.g. a Mophie) if you have one – although there are Chase-sponsored free chargers on site.
- A lightweight white towel (and/or lightweight neck gaiter) to protect exposed skin from sun or to sit on when in unreserved seats, which can get hot and uncomfortable.
- Reusable plastic water bottle (to refill using any of the many water fountains).
- A small umbrella if rain may be in the forecast
- Dress in layers as it can get hot during the day and occasionally chilly at night
- Contacts wearers: A very small bottle of contact lens solution in case you get something in your eye
- FYI: There are two entrances to the grounds: (1) the main entrance, the “East Gate,” located near the Subway/LIRR; and (2) the “South Gate” entrance near the iconic World’s Fair “Unisphere” (globe) – see map above. While lines tend to be shorter by the South Gate, the wait may end up being about the same because there are fewer attendants and metal detectors.
▸ Can I exit and re-enter the US Open grounds?
DAY SESSION ENTRY TO US OPEN GROUNDS (Gates open usually 9:30 most days, 11:00am Finals weekend)
- With either a Grounds Pass (Day) or a DAY-session reserved ticket in Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand), you can enter the US Open grounds as soon as gates open (usually 9:30am, 11am on Finals weekend)
- Enter the US Open Grounds through security with your ticket scanned at the East Gate or South Gate; if you have a reserved stadium seat, your ticket is re-checked entering that stadium. Once you enter the US Open grounds with any ticket, you can stay as late as you want until closing.
- Note: DAY-session reserved tickets for Ashe or Armstrong only entitles you to that seat for the Day-session matches — after which you will have to leave your seat but can remain on the US Open grounds and access general unreserved seating on every court except Ashe (which has no unreserved seating).
- You can exit the grounds and re-enter as much as you’d like before 6:00pm (you can’t re-enter the Grounds after 6:00pm).
EVENING SESSION ENTRY (6:00pm)
- If you only have an Evening session ticket, you have to wait until 6:00pm to enter the grounds.
- If you are already in the grounds and also hold an Evening reserved tickets (for Ashe or Armstrong) for the same day, you do NOT need to exit and re-enter the grounds.
- If you’re in Armstrong for the Day session (courtside or GA), you’ll leave your seat between sessions while they clean, but you can stay in the Armstrong concourse.
▸ What if it rains?
The good news: since both Arthur Ashe and the new Louis Armstrong have roofs, far more fans can keep watching even
if it rains.
The bad news: if you’ve invested in Grandstand seats or just a Grounds Pass, there’s less consolation. Keep in mind weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable and change by the hour — there’s always hope showers pass quickly.
In the rare event of an all-day rainout (or under 60 minutes of play), the session may be rescheduled to the next day and your ticket honored then — or, if you bought directly from Ticketmaster, you may be able to trade tickets for another session this year or next (see the US Open’s somewhat complicated 2026 Inclement Weather Policy).
Worst case, look for the silver lining: you’ll be among thousands of fans you can grab a specialty cocktail with, huddle under shelter, and watch an Ashe match together on the big screen.
▸ Is grounds admission free on the second Thursday (Sep 10)?
One of the best-kept secrets: for years the US Open has quietly offered free grounds admission on the second Thursday of the main tournament (gates usually open 11am or noon; you must arrive before 5pm) — a chance to see the Men’s Doubles Semifinals plus all-star wheelchair players, the world’s top juniors, and standout collegiate players.
If you’re a serious fan — especially a doubles player — this is a day not to be missed.
▸ Food
FOOD: There are a bunch of options on site, but they aren’t cheap! See my chart outlining examples of the food stands by area on the grounds.
- This PDF includes several menus from past Food Village stands. Every year there are some new additions and substitutions, but many of these will still be around in 2026.
- Korilla BBQ is one of my favorites, but lines are usually among the longest.
- Poke Yachty is absolutely delicious and lines move quickly because they’ve nailed their system.
- Oyster Bar behind Grandstand has killer ceviches and lobster rolls.
- Hill Country BBQ, Curry Kitchen, Fish Shack and Fly Fish are also delicious.
- Restaurants in Queens not on the grounds
▸ What are perks for cardholders?
- AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDHOLDERS: Bring your Amex card if you have one! See full Amex Benefits at US Open here. Perks from 2025 likely to be repeated in 2026:
- (1) Amex Card Member Lounge on the 2d Level of the Amex “Fan Experience” (where anyone can also play a “Glow Tennis” mixed reality interactive game and get a complimentary manicure with tennis themed nail art).
- (2) Centurion Suite in Armstrong (Exclusive to Platinum and Centurion Members). Book in advance on Resy
- (3) Book complimentary court time in NYC area at over 500 tennis and pickleball courts and unlock special access to peak reservation times when using your Amex.
- (4) Check your bag for a reduced fee at East or South Gate
- (5) Get a one-time $20 statement credit when you spend $100 with your enrolled card at participating US Open merchants
- (6) Get a free earpiece/radio to hear ESPN match commentary
- (7) Skip lines and grab concession items quickly (checkout-free shopping) at the Amex Shop in South Plaza .
- CHASE CUSTOMERS? Check this Chase site for updates on perks for 2026.
- Click here to make a reservation to access the “Chase Lounge”
- Other past perks have included offering cool video+mobile “Chase Charge & Watch” chargers
▸ Recommended places to stay?
This is not an area of expertise for me, but I trust fellow tennis fanatic Melissa, who maintains a great list of hotels appealing to all budgets here.
Fellow fan Mark recommends staying in Queens and biking, based on his experience: “We packed our bikes and stayed at a nice AirB&B on Queens Boulevard, a little over 2 miles from the stadium. Queens has a great network of dedicated bike lanes and a friendly attitude toward bikers, and best of all – the terrain is flat! Once at the grounds, there are bike racks across from the South Gate entrance and in front of the security tent that handles baggage claim. It is a fun and hassle-free way to make the commute for anyone that so inclined!”
▸ Grounds access on Finals Weekend?
Grounds Admission tickets usually get issued at some point over the summer for Finals Weekend (Fri-Sun Sep 11-13) on Ticketmaster.
You can’t access Ashe with these tickets, but you can walk the grounds, see juniors and wheelchair finals, and watch Ashe matches on the big screens.
Final Tip: Pay It Forward When You Can
If you have the opportunity, consider a random act of kindness for fellow fans during the tournament. Our tennis community is big, but in a way it’s small — and our passion is infectious; do something kind for someone today, and they’re likely to pay it forward.
For instance, if you’re leaving your great Ashe (or Armstrong or Grandstand) seat for the day/night while matches are still going, as you exit consider consider gifting it to a fan who’s waiting outside the entrance hoping someone like you might offer. Giving someone on grounds your seat when you’re done isn’t as easy as it used to be, given tightened Ticketmaster restrictions preventing transferring after the ticket is scanned and preventing screenshots from within the Ticketmaster app… But with a little creativity and effort you can pretty easily make it happen, and the gesture might create a lifelong memory for someone else. Here’s how:
- Take a screenshot of your ticket in your phone’s WALLET (Ticketmaster will block screenshots from within the app).
- For Armstrong or Grandstand, simply text someone else the screenshot and it should hopefully suffice.
- For Ashe:
- If gifting to someone already IN the stadium, a screenshot from your wallet should suffice — including if you’re leaving the Courtside/Club level area entrance and you want someone already in Ashe to benefit from your seat (from Loge or Promenade.
- If gifting to someone already in the Open grounds but not in Ashe already: You’d need to walk with them to the Ashe entrance, re-scan your ticket (telling the ticket scanner that you’re letting your friend go to your seat) AND give them a screenshot (which they’ll need to show to ushers or for entry to Club level); OR you’d need to walk with the friend(s) as if you were going to re-enter with them, hand the friend your phone to get scanned, then have the friend discreetly pass the phone back after they are “in” (then just turn around as though you changed your mind about entering themselves at this time).
I’ve gifted a lot of tickets over the years, and it always feels wonderful.












Hi P.J., good to be back on your blog, and super excited about the US Open. A couple of questions: with the Arthur Ashe day session starting at noon now, can a person with that ticket get in to the ground when gates open at 9:30? Is there any way to buy the ticket (online, of-course) without paying the service fee? The actual ticket price isn’t that bad, what kills the deal is those astronomical service fees.
Thanks,
Nasrullah
Hey Nasrullah, great to hear from you and thanks! (1) yes absolutely – and I strongly encourage those with Ashe tickets to arrive early and take advantage of seeing play on outer courts before entering Ashe (which you can enter and leave as you wish, you don’t have to go in right at noon). (2) Fees are quite low for the standard seats (blue dots on seat map view) on Ticketmaster; they go up sharply for resale tickets. The only way to avoid altogether is to purchase on site at the box office by the East Gate IF there are… Read more »
Hi P.J., Just pulled the trigger and got great seats at Armstrong for Saturday 9/3 day session. Based on past history of Day 6’s at the open, it seems like they always scheduled 4 matches. With the new evening session at Armstrong do you think that’ll change to 3 matches for the day session? Curious to see if you have an idea Also, if the last match ends up going past 7pm, would they kick everyone out and suspend play for that match for the night session people to roll in? Has that ever happened at Ashe? Thanks for the… Read more »
Hey Rob, prior history of Armstrong scheduling only has partial relevance to the approach for the new stadium. They have announced that this year, Armstrong will feature three matches during the day session, and two matches during the evening session for Mon-Sat of week one. Beginning on Sunday Sep 2, there will only be one session (with at least 3 matches, possibly more). I believe it is safe to predict that there will never be any more than one men’s and one women’s singles match during any Armstrong Day session. Because the Armstrong Day Sessions Will begin at 11 AM… Read more »
Great guide P.J. We want to watch a first round match on Monday, 8/27.Is there an actual physical box office at the Ashe tennis center where I can buy tickets on site? Or is it online sales only? And if we want to watch a big star practice (like Federer,Serena or Sharapova),about how many hours prior to their practice time should we show up to get a good seat? I assume for practices, it’s first come, first serve. Thanks for your valuable info.
Hey Chet, thanks! There is a physical box office at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center – right near the East Gate entrance. Normally I recommend getting tickets in advance to avoid lines and to have total visibility into the options – especially if you see standard (non-resale) tickets available on Ticketmaster, as is the case for that Monday day session (there are Promenade seats going for as little as $70, Loge for $130, and even Courtside for $380). The only advantage to the physical box office is you avoid most service fees; however, the service fees on standard tickets… Read more »
If we wanted to buy two tickets to both of the men’s semis and the finals what would be the best approach. Good seats low down but not the best.
Thanks very much.
Hi Paul, this is a tough one. Those are, by far, the most expensive two sessions of the tournament. And right now, prices are as high as I have ever seen them. Last year, they remained quite high until Federer lost to Del Potro during the Quarters (the night before semis). Prices dropped significantly for both semis and finals thereafter. I would keep an eye on all the sites I list above and monitor average prices so that you know when to spot a good deal. See also my chart of average prices so you understand the going rate for… Read more »
P.J., Love the blog…and thrilled to see my ticket stubs photo so prominently displayed!
What’s the best play for Sunday afternoon, 9/2?
Michael Levin
Hey Michael, great to hear from you again! I remain so grateful to you for sending those fantastic ticket stub photos and your willingness to have them shared on this post! Sunday is round of 16, so there will be great matches on Ashe, Armstrong, and Grandstand. If your priority is to see one of the biggest stars, Ashe is the way to go, with the best seat you can afford. If you’re ok not seeing Federer or Nadal, but want to see great matches up close, investing in a courtside Armstrong seat would be my recommendation (that’s where I’ll… Read more »
This is simply THE BEST info on the ins and outs of the US Open. We have been going for years and you have covered everything and then some. Thank you! One question though: If I have reserved seats for Grandstand one day and Armstrong the next, will there finally be a line to get back to my seat if I have to leave to get lunch etc? I’ve always had to wait on the same line with the people who are going in for unreserved. Thanks in advance.
Hi Doreen, THANK YOU so much!! It’s a labor of love and I keep feeling like it’s getting so long and unwieldy, so really appreciate the kind words!
Do not worry: with reserved seat tickets, you absolutely will not have to wait in line again. You will only have to wait momentarily for changeovers to go back to your seats. That’s one of the huge advantages of having reserved seats for GS and LA. P.J.
Thanks again! You are a 4.5 player in my book. Maybe even a 5.0! ??
Hi PJ, Thanks for all the info on this site – it has been extremely helpful as I will be attending my first US Open this year! There are a number of players I’m hoping to see ranked 10+ but my main goal is seeing Federer play. I have purchased tickets for the evening sessions at Arthur Ashe on Aug 29th and 30th in hopes that he plays in the evening on one of those days. My plan for the daytime would be to pick up promenade tickets for Arthur Ashe so that I have access to other matches in… Read more »
Hey Brett, you’re very welcome, thank you! Good strategy to bet on the evening sessions for those two nights. Yes, if history is a guide then prices will increase even during early rounds significantly if Fed is slotted to play. Last year, prices for the round 1 evening session he got scheduled for went up sharply right after the schedule was announced. However, the good news is that prices probably won’t go up as high for DAY sessions on Wed and Thurs because most tourists aren’t in town yet and demand is much higher for evening sessions and those beginning… Read more »
Very helpful, PJ. Thanks for the advice!
Brett
My pleasure!
Hello! What a great site!! My son and I will attend for the first time beginning Wednesday Aug 29 through Sat. Sept.1, coming from WI. We have purchased Ashe tix for Wed DAY (sec 132 row J). We want to increase likelihood of seeing “big name” players, singles, and are willing to spend time at practice courts, seeing the venue, etc. In other words, we don’t expect to have tix for every session or even every day. We are trying to decide on the next best two advance ticket purchases (particularly Sat night and maybe Wednesday- or should we look… Read more »
Hey Gail, thanks so much! You will definitely see big name players in singles matches on Ashe during the Wed Day session. And practice courts will be filled with great players on Wed. I’d suggest adding Thursday Day Ashe session because: (1) Thurs will be the second day of Round 2 action and feature players from the half of the draw that didn’t play on the previous day — raising the odds that you’ll see a big-name player you want to see (e.g., Federer and Nadal will be in different halves of the draw based on their ATP rankings) See… Read more »
So my husband and I were halfway clueless when purchasing tickets, he left it up to me and we have labor day weekend evening ticket plan for the 31,1,2,3 in Arthur Ashe. Can you give me any ideas on the good/bad of our ticket choice? as in likelihood of seeing some of the big names? This is our first experience and semi overwhelming. Thank you!
Hey Emilee, those are all great nights to go to the Open. You will see 3rd round matches on Fri and Sat night, and 4th round (“round of 16”, i.e. the last 16 players) matches on Sun and Mon night. Each night you’ll see one men’s and one women’s singles match. If you click on the same nights on last year’s schedule, you’ll get a sense of the kinds of matches you will see. If you go to Ticketmaster for any date (Ashe session) and click on any section number for detailed view, you’ll be able to find the individual… Read more »
Hi, P.J.! From fan to fan, I really appreciate what you’ve done here. Thank you. I really mean it. I’d be totally lost without you, man. 🙂 That said, this will be my 1st US Open. So far, I haven’t had the chance to see Roger Federer playing; so, that would make my experience much more special. With that in mind, after reading your post, I decided to buy Ashe tickets for Aug 27 (day and night sessions) and 28th (day session). Knowing a bit about Roger and studying former years OOP, I have an educated guest that he may… Read more »
Oi Claudio, muito obrigado!! It’s always a dilemma, because there truly is no way to predict. I’d recommend that you start by checking the schedule page on Saturday Aug 25th around noon (keep refreshing the page every 30 min or so) to see whether Federer is scheduled for Aug 27. If he isn’t scheduled for the 27th, it means he will play on the 28th– however, there’s no way to predict Day or Night session (even though there has been a strong tendency to put Fed on night sessions whenever they can justify it). Under that scenario, you have two… Read more »
Thanks, PJ! Loved the tip about checking schedule from Sat noon. Will definitely do that and won’t risk waiting till monday!
All the best! 🙂
Hi P.J.
Just wanted to take the time out to say thank you for consistently providing the most up to date info regarding the US Open. I’ve been attending the past five years and I always refer back to this site before purchasing my tickets. You provide a great service for so many of us. Thank you!
John, I deeply appreciate you taking the time to write and say that— thank you so much!! P.J.
Thank you very much! You helped me a lot to understand how it works (not an englisch-speaking native).
We (my 13 year old son and me) have now Grandstand-tickets and are looking forward to a great match.
Perfect presentation!
Yours
Doris
Dear Doris, I am so grateful for you taking the time to share these kind words. They mean a lot. Have a wonderful time at the Open! P.J.
Great informative info P.J. It is very in depth and detailed. I just want to see one player play- Maria Sharapova- in a first round match on either Monday, 8/27 or Tuesday, 8/28. Is it safe to say that she will play a night session rather than a day session in the first round?
I would also like to watch her practice session. If a player has a night session match on Monday, do they normally practice earlier that day (Monday) or do they practice the day before (Sunday)?
Thank you for your help
Hey Maria, thanks! Unfortunately, it’s not safe to predict that she will be scheduled at night. When you look at the trends over multiple years, there’s no clear rhyme or reason to how they approach. They do, however, usually (but not always) alternate: i.e., if a player is scheduled during Day session one day, they’ll be scheduled Night the next time they play or vice versa.
Players often schedule practice both the day before AND the the same day that they play. Practice on same day usually takes place around 1-2 hours before they expect to play. P.J.
Thank you for your quick reply P.J. I will follow your advice.I hope to finally see Sharapova play. I had tickets for the Miami Open earlier this year but she pulled out. So i had to sell my tickets for a little bit of a loss. Then the same thing happened for Cincinnati as well. Hopefully, the 3rd time is the charm. Thanks again
You’re most welcome! Keeping fingers crossed for you 🙂
Hi P.J. I’m going to the US open with my brother and dad (first timers), and can use some help for what other tickets to purchase next and when. I purchased tickets for Sat Sep 1st Evening session at Louis Armstrong for the three of us (seatgeek purchase, row L). I also purchased loge tickets for Arthur Ashe for Monday 3rd, evening session too (Ticketmaster, standard price, section 133, row L). I’m yet to purchase tickets for Sun 2nd and Tuesday 4th (quaterfinals). If we have another $400-$600 in the budget (for each of us), how do you suggest we… Read more »
Hey Jeronimo, no matter what else you choose to do it’s clear you will have a fantastic first experience at the Open based on choices you’ve already made! I looked at what’s available and average prices for various sessions. Here are two options, both of which appeal to me for different reasons. If I had to choose one, I’d choose option A… But truly you can’t go wrong either way: Option A (what I would do) Invest all your budget in one session only: Tuesday Quarterfinals DAY session on Ashe. That session is one of the best deals out there,… Read more »
Hi, P.J. Your blog has been invaluable to me. I’m going to buy three tickets for the September 3 night session on Ashe. I’d like to get courtside, even though I know its going to cost a small fortune. But, it’s a bucket list item for us, so I’m going for it. I’m checking a few times a day on both Ticketmaster and StubHub for the best seats for the best price I can find. I’m leaning toward section 14 or 15, as I like that vantage point. That side of the court so as to not have the umpire’s… Read more »
Hey Kelley, I’m so glad to hear it has been helpful! Those are great sections. As I’ve mentioned to some other folks, that area is probably my favorite place to sit because you can get closest to players and I like seeing their footwork and strokes from that view. I’m not the majority, though: most would say sitting behind the server is even better. I love sitting there too, and generally just decide based on budget. I will be there courtside that night too – one of my favorite things to do all year. Hope you all have a fantastic… Read more »
Thanks for the wonderful page!
I see that you have listed a link for food ideas at and near the US Open. I also noticed that you thought bringing a backpack with sandwiches/food inside may not be a great idea because of security lines. Can you comment on some of the food options available inside and the relative price points for some typical offerings? I’m bringing my parents (both almost 70) and I’m trying to keep them as comfortable as possible and anticipate some of their needs!
Thank you!
Hey Jason, you’re welcome! Every year they seem to have better and better options and they rotate in new vendors each tournament. Most people choose one of the stands in the “Food Village” area just across from the Armstrong entrance (there’s a long row of great and diverse options and plenty of seating outside them, from lobster rolls to really good ethnic food to farm-to-table BBQ). BLT Fish Shack and Hill Country BBQ are ones I’ve gone to a lot in the past… The Food Village is the cheapest and fastest option. If you’re at the Open for just one… Read more »
Hi! You have awesome info on this site!! I have NEVER been to the U.S open and I am super excited! I have a couple of questions about tickets I’d like some help with. So, I plan on going the last day of the tournament to watch the mens finals. I am on a budget so the cheapest is far up for about 312/ticket excluding fees. Now, the question is…Is a corner seat worse than a seat more centered? And, is it worth getting a far seat on the main court? Are there going to be other tournaments on the… Read more »
Hi Linda, thank you! (1) Corner is generally considered a better vantage point than a more centered seat. (1) Yes absolutely worth it – the only things happening are external courts are juniors and wheelchair finals matches, which are really cool but probably not what you’re hoping to see. Click here (day 14) to see last year’s schedule for that final day. P.J.
P.J. – Quick question for you. I have womens finals loge corner 107 row K, but no seat numbers. What does this mean? Standing? First come basis for seats?
thanks!!
Hey Lee, don’t worry – your seller definitely owes you a reserved seat! All seats within Ashe are reserved .They just didn’t indicate which seat number in that row. Do you have a “promised by” delivery date? How did you purchase them? Whenever they transfer or send to you, you will find out which seat. P.J.
Hi PJ- Thanks for this site, it is amazing. I have spent several hours on it and using the links to check and research ticket prices, etc… My son (21) and I are coming in Friday morning @ 11:30 (8/31) and will be there until Tuesday morning. Planning 2 days for the open. So we would be open every day except on Sunday we couldn’t get to the open until about 2:00 pm. My son is a tennis player and he knows a lot more about it than I do. His preference would be to see Rafa or Roger (which… Read more »
Hey Andy, great to hear from you! Your son will love this regardless of what you do. Option 1 (what I’d do): (1) Sat – Get $120 Grounds passes (Standard). Normally I don’t recommend a grounds passes, but Ashe reserved prices are ridiculously high on Labor Day weekend and there are standard grounds tickets still available. Go early (8:30am if possible), get in line, and based on schedule released the prior day go directly to grab general admission seats in whichever stadium (beyond Ashe) has matches that appeal the most (probably Armstrong or Grandstand). One of you can leave occasionally… Read more »
Thanks for all the useful information. I’m going to be in New York for a week from 29 August. Please email me if you would like to hit with me while I’m there.
Hey Brendan, thank you! Would love to say hi at the Open. Between juggling the Open and work that week, I unfortunately don’t think I’ll have time to hit but really appreciate the offer – otherwise would have loved to. Email me at roadto45@gmail.com and we can hopefully figure out a time to say a quick hello at the tournament if you have time. P.J.
Hey P.J.
Great information. Question on the parking. Do you have to pay to park at Citi-field when the Mets are not playing?
Hey Troy, thank you. And thanks for asking – Just realized I needed to update that section of my blog because looks like there’s a slightly different plan this year. The Mets are only playing Fri-Sun of finals weekend this year, so looks like US Open will use Citi Field as the primary lot (“Yellow Zone” parking) for every day except finals weekend. I can’t find pricing info anywhere, but last year it was around $20. P.J.
PJ, thank you a million times over for helping us all have a better US Open experience. Your site is absolutely amazing. I am a tennis fanatic and will go to the US Open this year for the first time (!). I accidentally purchased 2 tickets for Armstrong 9/3 and need to resell. I saw your remarks about Armstrong tickets possibly being overpriced this year. Do you have any advice or comments on 1) resale pricing strategy; and 2) overall strategy for remaining time we are there (Saturday + evenings Sunday and Monday)? I suppose I could also use the… Read more »
Hey Lois, thank you so very very much for the supportive words – made my day! Guess who else accidentally purchased tickets in Armstrong on Labor Day? Yours truly. My best friend is coming into town for her 50th anniversary with her entire family, and in my excitement (but very late one night when I was extremely overtired) I accidentally bought all nine (9!!!) tickets for Monday instead of Sunday because I had their arrival dates wrong on my calendar. So when I say I empathize, I seriously do 🙂 Mine have still not sold, but I know from previous… Read more »
Thanks so much PJ – ! The only reason I have those awesome tickets is because I read your blog.
My question that was confusing: I have Ashe day tickets on Monday + the Armstrong day tickets purchased by mistake on the same day. Should I consider using both? You know, going from Ashe to Armstrong? Especially if they are not selling well? What do you think?
Cheers, Lois
Hey Lois, oh cool! It’s a lot of money… There will definitely be two very strong round of 16 matches on Ashe (one men’s, one women’s) that Monday afternoon. On Armstrong, there is likely to be one men’s, one women’s, and two doubles matches – but there’s no way to know in advance how they will set the order of play; it could end up that the men’s matches end up happening simultaneously, ditto the women’s matches — or, it could end up that you could conceivably see a great men’s match on Ashe, then catch another on Armstrong (likewise… Read more »
Hi PJ, We were able to get resale tickets SENT to us via Stubhub, and have them due W of Ashe court in Loge section. Ticketmaster was not helpful in this regard. So looking forward to it! Thanks again for your help. We will be staying at a hotel 4.5 mi to the west of the center and are trying to plan out how to get there Fri AM, 8/31. Two questions: * Would it make sense to take a taxi (or even park) west of Grand central parkway (to Queens Zoo, NY Hall of Science, or even Queens Museum)… Read more »
Hey Chip, good to hear it worked out with StubHub! That’s a very sensible drop off point for a taxi. Here’s a map of what your walk would look like – I’ve included a note showing where the South Gate entrance is (which would be closest). P.J.
Makes sense. Yes, it’s a lot of money given uncertainty. I am feeling a lot better about selling given your previous response. Thank you again for taking the time to answer all of our questions! You are a star!
Thank you, Lois! It’s a total pleasure connecting with fellow fans who care so much about our sport! P.J.
Hey P.J. First, congrats for your amazing site! And thank you so much for keeping it updated and answering to all the questions in this section!!!!! This is my first time to NY, and of course to the US Open. I’m really excited to be there! Especially because I’m coming from Argentina, and I don’t know if there will be a “next time”… 😉 I’ve already purchased an Ashe evening courtside on Friday 8/31. And now I’m planning to buy a day session at Ashe on the same day, but a cheaper seat. Budget reasons. And also because I like… Read more »
Hola Sandro, mil gracias! Between those Promenade sections it won’t matter too much, but I would probably recommend 337/338 first. I do think the extra $40 for Loge is worth it mainly because if there are empty seats within the same section as your ticket it’s relaricleu easy to move into them until the ticketholders arrive — whereas it’s not possible under most circumstances (or advisable) to try to move from Promenade to an empty seat in the Loge section. But otherwise row C in Promenade isn’t bad! Saludos, P.J.
Hi P.J. I am in a similar situation. First time at U.S. Open on a budget. I have a friend who wants to get the cheap seats and I’m pushing for lower promenade (row c) or cheapest in loge (row n). It’s about a $70 difference per ticket. Hoping we can move around in the loge section but of course that’s not guaranteed. Do you think it’s worth it? This is for Monday, 9/3 PM. On the flip side, if we decide to purchase in promenade is it worth paying extra to secure the first few rows or buy any… Read more »
Hey Lina, thank you! So yes, you can never count on being able to sneak up to better empty seats… It’s officially not permitted, so it’s really a matter of using judgment and discretion within your section. When seats have gone unoccupied for quite a while and you know you could leave on a dime the instant that actual ticket holders arrive, some fans will understandably take the initiative to try to move into those seats (note: casually moving once will not draw the attention of an usher, whereas trying to move more than once might). Also, it’s usually much… Read more »
Hi P.J.
Quick update. We splurged a little extra per ticket ($80) for Row E Loge (not quite first row but better than row N) vs the first rows of Promenade. Hopefully that was a good choice and money well spent. Thank you for your quick reply and tips!
Hi Lina, thanks for the update! I think you made a wise decision. Eager to hear your impressions once you get there. Do take a walk up one of the Promenade sections so you can get a sense – I think you’ll find it really makes a big difference. Hope you have a wonderful time! P.J.
This is awesome, PJ. I’m so glad I stumbled on your site. My husband and I are huge tennis fans and are going to the Open for the first time ever and plan on taking our kids… 2.5 and 6 months old. I know its not traditional, but we will just be excited to be there (Grounds pass – for Friday Aug 31). We are taking my parents too, to help out. Questions – 2.5 year needs a ticket, I believe? How are they with strollers? I’m planning on bringing a double stroller. Also are there restaurants in the complex?… Read more »
Thanks Laura, much appreciated! I’m not sure whether your 2 year old will need a ticket to enter the grounds – I’d be surprised if they did (unless you were going into Ashe or reserved seating of Armstrong or Grandstand). Also not sure about strollers (can’t remember seeing any) – so you might call the US Open Box Office just to double-check: 718-760-6363. For Food: Every year they seem to have better and better options (albeit pretty expensive), and they rotate in new vendors each tournament. Most people choose one of the stands in the “Food Village” area just across… Read more »
Thank you. Yes, it turns out. Anyone over 24 months old needs a ticket. Which I guess is a bit crazy since he will have no idea what is going on. But something tells me its so people like me don’t bring kids. lol. We opted for the grounds pass, maybe hit up a match during nap time while my parents have the babies in a restaurant or shaded area. Appreciate all the great info on this blog.
Hey Laura, thank you so much for the update – really helpful as I’m sure you won’t be the last person to ask! Hope you guys have a great time. P.J.
Hi,
If you had the choice between cheap Ashe Saturday afternoon tickets or Sunday afternoon tickets (only can afford to go for 1 day), which would you do?
Would we be able to see the first set of an Amstrong quarterfinal (not sure if they exist there) before going over to Ashe or not really?
Hi July, Saturday will be round 3 play, Sunday will be round of 16 (Quarterfinals don’t start till the following Tuesday). If you plan on trying to see a lot of matches on outer courts besides just Ashe, Saturday would probably be the better day because more will be happening – however crowds will be intense both days. For quality of matches, Sunday would be best. P.J.
Thanks for this great site! Do you think that Armstrong will be completely emptied after the day session is over, or just the reserved level? I’m wondering whether an early arrival Ashe night session ticket holder will have a chance at getting in to Armstrong for a non-reserved seat, or whether all 7000 of those seats will already be filled by Day Session folks (Ashe, Armstrong, Grandstand and Grounds combined), who decide to stick around for more tennis. I guess time will tell, since in previous years I believe Old Armstrong would have only one “evening “ match scheduled for… Read more »
Hey Bill, I can’t say for sure and haven’t seen anything written on this – I suspect they may clear out the entire stadium to create the most fair conditions possible, but we’ll have to see how they deal with it on the first day of the tournament. P.J.
Hi PJ
I’ve read this info over and over, it’s so great! I still have a question though. I have 2 “free” sessions in the Promenade of Ashe for Saturday and Sunday Sept 1 and 2. I can choose to use them for the day session OR the night session. Which should I do? I plan to buy tickets for the other session.
Thank you!
Hi Kimberly, thanks! If it were me, would probably use them for the day session, which tends to be more expensive (and when you can use them to see play on non-Ashe courts too), then devote your max budget to good evening Ashe tickets. But double check prices first just to confirm that’s the case for sections in which you’d ideally like to sit. P.J.
Fantastic site! Thank you! So much great information
Thank you so much for taking the time to say so—- much appreciated! PJ
Hello PJ, Thank you for doing this, it has been very informative. This will be my first time attending the Open. In addition and thanks to my awesome work, I will be in NYC for all those days. One important question is should I wait for the draw to occur before buying tickets for the 2nd week ? Or should I buy them in advance ( before the draw )? I am undecided if I should splurge when the stars play on loge or courtside seatings ( is it worth waiting for better values on the exchange ticket) or just… Read more »
Hi Huang! It’s very hard to give firm advice on that question for the reasons I mention in FAQ #3 above. If you have a particular player you are dying to see, it probably makes the most sense to wait until the day 1 schedule is out (from which you can predict in which days they will play – see FAQ #1). But even then, you will have to buy both Day and Eve Sessions because it’s impossible to predict whether they will be scheduled Day or evening. Also, unless it’s Fed, Nadal, or Serena you’re aiming to see, there’s… Read more »
Hey PJ, Thanks for putting together this amazing information, I haven’t seen anything this in depth for another sporting event ever! Looking forward to attending this year for the first time. Will definitely take your advice and get reserved seats in one of the stadiums instead of a grounds admission. Right now the plan is to attend Wednesday or Thursday the first week, debating between day and night session. Are there other night matches other than the ones at ashe and Armstrong? Will an ashe night session get me into Armstrong night session in the general admission seats? How many… Read more »
Hey Tim, those are great days to go (second round) in part because there are SO many mathches happening on outer courts well into the evening. Check out the 2017 schedule (linked above) to get a sense of what will be on. However note that this year there will only be 2 day session matches on Ashe (and 2 eve as before), with 3 on Armstrong Day and 2 Armstrong evening. In short, if you get a day ticket you will be able to see tons on outer courts after day session concludes. For that reason, if you have to… Read more »
Thanks so much for keeping such up-to-date details on the US Open. I’ve just been to the CitiOpen in DC and can imagine your scenarios and understand the terminology (ie. ground pass for entry not seat) so much better. I am amazed at the lengths you’ve gone to explain the ticket prices/vendors/process, stadium seating and all of the “bests” that you’ve amassed over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Hoping to make one, maybe two days this year – in large part because you have taken so much of the mystery out of attending this major.
Thank you Elissa! Very grateful for you taking the time to say that, means a lot!! P.J.
Hi PJ, I’ve been going to the US Open for several years now (I live in NYC) and this year, I decided to buy a series plan for Ashe since there was an option for row C of promenade ($2400) not a nosebleed row. I thought what the hell…guaranteed seat and I figure I can sell some of the ones I don’t use, give to friends, etc. One perk includes a special section in the new Armstrong that is first-come, first-served and only for full series pass holders. I wasn’t expecting the section in Armstrong so will be interesting to… Read more »
Hey there, great to hear from you. Thanks for much for your kind, supportive words. And big thanks for that important new bit of info! That’s very cool. If you think of it and have time (even after the Open), please let me know how that goes. Would love to add that to my post for anyone contemplating subscription seats next year. Thanks again and have a blast this year! PJ
PJ,
Definitely will do. I am trying to keep a table to see what regular tickets would cost for my row/section and see which I use/sell whether I break even or not. I bought a couple courtside Ashe for Labor Day weekend so hoping I see Delpo up close and personal. I’ll also let you know about the Armstrong section experience and any other perks (I know I have special access lines and can enter stadium earlier I think…I have to reread all the material they sent me). I’m getting excited as it gets closer. Maura
Hi! My husband and I plan to attend our first US open this year on opening day. I see what appears to be a reasonably priced pair for the night session in Ashe on StubHub. What do you think is reasonable to pay for Courtside seats? We don’t have a great frame of reference since this is our first year attending. I want it to be enjoyable so that I can get my husband to keep coming back with me! Our budget is probably $400-450 each.
Hi Emily! For opening night, under $500 courtside should be do-able in upper rows. I have rarely seen anything for courtside under $400 for any session, as face value is already very night (see my chart on face value prices linked in the final box above). If a ticket on resale is at/around face value (or less), you know it’s a great deal. P.J.
Hello, First of all, great article. I am a bit confused and hoping you can clarify something. When i go on Stubhub and search Louis Armstrong tickets for day session on Fri Aug 31st, there are tickets showing up as “general admission” for far less than the reserved seating. When you go to Ticketmaster, the only tickets for this stadium/session are reserved seats. In your opinion, is StubHub letting people list grounds passes as tickets to Louis Armstrong stadium? My impression from your article was that you either pony up for reserved Armstrong seats, or you join the maelstrom and… Read more »
Hi there, I’m jumping on a plane and can’t check the exact listing right now — but as far as I know there is absolutely no “GA” ticket for Armstrong — so either a sketchy seller is trying to dupe someone or a grounds admission ticket is confusingly listed under Armstrong. Your understanding is correct! P.J.
Hey, Very helpful article. Have gone the first Saturday the last 3 years, grabbing nosebleed Ashe Day tickets to protect against rain / guarantee seeing a top player + running around the grounds as well. Didn’t realize there were only 2 day matches on Ashe now and wondering if our strategy should change? My sense is no given an Ashe ticket will maximize seeing Fed/Nadal/Djok and Armstrong has a ton of new GA inventory you could post up at as well with an Ashe ticket? All of the new Armstrong seats might even make it easier to score a better… Read more »
Hey J, agree – I think Ashe is best bet to max seeing the top players and give you flexibility to go elsewhere. Hard to predict what scene will be for GA seats at Armstrong and GS… They are definitely releasing more grounds passes this year, given the increased size of Armstrong, so it might end up being similar to previous years… But regardless, with your Ashe ticket you can enter grounds as early as 9:30, head to an outer court for an 11am match that appeals, then enter Ashe whenever you want (Ashe matches will start at Noon), then… Read more »
Very much appreciate the validation.
Hello PJ!
I have to tell you, and to others, what an extraordinarily informative and helpful blog you administer!! It’s really incredible!!
I plan to make it to the Open along with my wife on Friday the 31st, for the entire day, and wonder what type of tickets we should purchase. The budget is $500 for both of us.
Thanks so much for your advice,
Christian
Hey Christian, thank you for the super nice words! I would apply your full budget to Day session Ashe tickets, best possible you can purchase in Loge section (see my shade map), sections 101-103 or 134-136 would all be ideal. With that ticket you can enter grounds as early as 9:30, head to an outer court for an 11am match that appeals, then enter Ashe whenever you want (Ashe matches will start at Noon), and after that session you can go enjoy outer courts as late as you want. On Ashe you’ll see 2 matches (one men’s and one women’s)… Read more »
Hi, I have the option of Grandstand tickets block 12A row S but just wondered if disabled seats/wheelchairs are likely to be placed in front of these at the barrier seems further forward than other seats as if there is space being left for them.
Thanks for your help,
Graeme
Hi Graeme, there would never be chairs placed in front of any purchased seats in those rows. There is just more space for patrons with disabilities who purchase seats in that area and need it. P.J.
Hi PJ, Was so amased with your detailed and very helpful information about US OPEN. As a first timer and just to experience the feeling of inside the stadium, your informations really helped me a lot and it widens my knowledge on how this really tournament really works. See i’m not the US, and it so happened that me and my family will be visiting new york this aug, and fortunate enough to be around on the first day of the tournament. Since i only have one day tonspare and that is Aug 27, im very excited to see the… Read more »
Hello Pia, so glad it was helpful! To clarify, there is no entry of any kind the day before matches. Any reference to 6pm entry should be understood as follows: (1) If you purchase an Evening session ticket (available only for reserved seats in Ashe of Armstrong stadium), you may enter the US Open grounds at 6pm on the same day as the evening session you purchased. Matches begin at 7pm. (2) If you purchase a Day session ticket (either a Grounds Admission ticket or a reserved seat at Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand), you must enter the US Open grounds… Read more »
Hi there,
I purchased two general admission tickets for the third round at BJK. I’m wondering when I can plan to be back in NJ that night. Is there an approximate time that it’s over? I understand it begins at 11 A.M. and can probably leave whenever, but how long does it typically go?
Hi Maggie, it’s hard to say exactly. There will be matches going on Armstrong during 3d round until quite late (probably 11:30pm), because this year there’s a separate night session that starts at 7pm featuring two matches (probably one men’s and one women’s) — and your GA ticket will enable you to access non-reserved seating in Armstrong (albeit probably with a wait). On other courts, most matches during 3d round will probably be wrapped up by around 8pm, but there are always exceptions. It also depends on whether there are rain delays, which can postpone matches and force play to… Read more »
Hello PJ, Thank you so much for writing such a detailed note for US Open! My wife is a huge tennis fan and her favorite player is Novak Djokovic. We went to Indian Wells two years in a row and got to see several top players’ (including Federer, Murray, and Del Portro) games up close. However, we haven’t had the luck to see Novak. We are going to the US Open the first time this year (one item on her bucket list!) and I know she would be so thrilled to see Novak in action. We are coming to watch… Read more »
Hey there, great to hear from a fellow Nole fan! I’m one of his biggest. Saw him win Indian Wells in both 2015 and 2016 from amazing seats, watched him on Court #1 at Wimbledon in 2012, and at numerous US Open matches… I’m always the crazy American yelling “Haj’de Nole” from the stands to the amusement (or disdain) of those around me 🙂 I do think you’re probably best off to wait until the draw and day 1 schedule come out — (see my explanation under FAQ #1 re: why the draw itself isn’t enough to predict which day… Read more »
PJ, you are a God-send to the tennis community! Thank you so much for the input! It eases my jitter for the strategy I have planned – now I just have to calm my wife so she is not freaking out (lol, she loves to plan things in advance!). I will hold out in this case. Can’t wait to finally see Nole playing!
Thank you!!
Hi PJ,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a comprehensive US Open Guide, and continuing to update it and answer questions!
I bought day passes in Louis Armstrong for Day 1 and Ashe for Days 3 and 4. I was wondering, if we leave the grounds in the evening for dinner, would we be able to get back in? Or are you only allowed to stay on the grounds with a day pass if you don’t leave?
Thanks so much!
Hey Bonnie, really good question. I think (think!) as long as you enter the grounds before 6pm with any Day ticket, you should be able to get something from one of the ticket takers at the entrance (either a stamp on your hand or some piece of paper) that enables you to re-enter later even if after 6pm. (The only clear written rule is that Day ticket holders must enter before 6pm). Since I’m not 100% sure, you should definitely ask the guards when you get there to be on the safe side. Please let me know how it goes!… Read more »
Hi PJ, All the info you share on this site is really helpful, I visited the US Open last year for the first time ever and did everything according to all your recommendations here, great experience! This year I luckily have another chance to go and just like last year, used the different websites that you suggest for looking for tickets, but it turns out that if you purchase a mobile ticket from StubHub, you must have an App Store account from USA, otherwise the StubHub app isn’t available in other countries’ App Stores… You should add that note to… Read more »
Harumi, thank you so much for letting me know, so sorry you had that hassle! I will add a note about this right away. However, I believe this issue isn’t limited to StubHub — it would affect you no matter which seller you choose, because mobile tickets all will be linked to Ticketmaster (which will always be the original issuer, because they are the official seller). So the issue, I believe, is whether someone outside the US can access a Ticketmaster account. You should be able to access your mobile tickets through an internet browser on your mobile device without… Read more »
Hey PJ, I tried using the my.ticketmaster.com with the same email address but it didn’t work either, it wouldn’t show any upcoming tickets that I had purchased. I do have to use the US Open Account Manager which looks like it goes through Ticketmaster, and that works fine when I accept the ticket transfer because now it shows that I have an upcoming event, but then I have to use whatever website’s app I used to purchase the ticket to actually see it. I looked on forums to see if other people had this problem with StubHub and everyone outside… Read more »
Hey Harumi – ugh, this is so frustrating to hear. I would try first calling the US Open Box Office at 1-718-760-6363 and explain that you accepted mobile tickets transferred to you and can view from US Open Account Manager (i.e. they should be able to view too) but you can’t download Ticketmaster app to display and wonder if they could either print physical tickets for you for Will Call or some other option. They also offer live chat via this link. If you can’t get it resolved, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help. I’m… Read more »
Solved!!
So I called the box office and they said that yes, I could pick it up at will call if I brought proper government identification that showed the same names that I wrote in when I purchased the ticket OR I should also be able to view it in the US Open app itself, which I can! There is a section on the US Open app for tickets, I put in the US Open Account Manager username and password and the ticket appeared right there. So much easier than having to go through will call. Thanks for your help!
Hurray!!! That’s awesome news. So glad. Thanks for the update! P.J.
Great site P.J.! It’s been so helpful. My husband has finally agreed to go to the Open! We’re going over Labor Day Weekend. We already have Friday night Armstrong tix. We also want to go for one day session. Trying to balance seeing the most on various courts and having a rain option all at reasonable price. I see Labor Day Monday has better Ashe promenade tix. What are your thoughts on Sat, Sun or Monday for the day? Thanks!
Hey Michelle, thank you very very much – great to hear it’s helpful! First, Friday Armstrong will be great (I’ll be there then too!). For Labor Day weekend, it’s a tradeoff: Saturday is 3d round, so they’ll be more action on outer courts (albeit a lot of crowds) – see last year’s schedule as a guide for what to expect. However, Sun and Mon are round of 16, so matches will be more competitive (but less happening on outer courts). Monday Labor Day tends to have some better bargains (esp evening session) because a bit less demand given tourists are… Read more »
Very helpful! We’re decided on Monday. There is still a lot going on around the grounds and we found decent tix in Ashe. Appreciate you sharing all you’ve learned over the years. Thanks again!
My pleasure! Have a great time!
Hi P.J. over from Scotland and took your guide a while back to go Ashe day ticket first Monday.
Thing is, our man Andy is on Armstrong ?.
With Ashe tickets do we still have a shout at getting into Armstrong ?
Not keen to spend more and burst budget but happy to get there early if there was a
Chance. Cheers. Colin.
Hey Colin, absolutely. Your ticket gets you into the grounds when gates open at 9:30am. And the good news is that a women’s match is on first, which — while I find it unfortunate — is never as popular as a men’s match. So if you get in line early for Armstrong (like at the start of the Halep/Kanepi match) you should be able to snag a good seat in the non-reserved section. Also, since you’re coming all the way from Scotland, I feel a duty to welcome you properly to the US… I’ll be there myself in Armstrong courtside,… Read more »
Hi P.J. That’s an amazing offer, thank you. Awesome and overwhelming.
Thing is I’ll be there with my wife and son too.
Really nice of you and I’ll ping you a text when there anyway.
So it’s true our Ashe tickets cover Armstrong if you can manage to get there on time? No further charge?
And what happens to our Ashe tickets?
Many thanks PJ.
Colin from Scotland
Hey Colin, well I’ve got 2 tix so we’ll figure it out somehow to get you guys down there for at least a bit! I’ll email you… And yes, Ashe tickets entitle you to queue up for general admission (non-reserved) seating at all the other courts on the grounds, including Armstrong and Grandstand. Your tickets will be scanned first at the entry gate to the grounds (East or South Gate entrance, see map at top) — after that, you can use them to enter and re-enter Ashe Stadium for your reserved seats as many times as you’d like. P.J.
Well that was the day that was and what a great day. P.J., thanks again for your insights and generosity. My wife, son and I had a great time. Took most of your advice and forgot to take some. I’ll say what in a second. We took Ashe Day which gave us a little of Stan v Grigor on Ashe, but jumped into 13 to see a set of Kyle Edmund, then after Halep collapse, our main event – Andy Murray on Armstrong. Great seats, and a great feeling for us Scottish fans to see Andy win a five set… Read more »
Hey Colin, great write-up, thank you so much for sharing that!! And you aren’t the only one to get confused on the backpack front – I saw at least 5 people yesterday as I was entering get asked to check their backpacks, and several of them tried to argue they saw something different online… I took a photo of the sign posted and will add to my post above to help people better understand what’s allowed. So glad you had a great time. Have fun in Boston! P.J.
PJ the advice, support and generosity from you are overwhelming.
Really buzzing ? about tomorrow! ? ???????
Huge thanks.
Colin
Awesome resource PJ, and thank you for taking the time to engage with all of your readers.
Question for you. I’m looking to buy two Loge-level tickets to the Men’s semis on Friday. I’d like some sort of package option that offers access to a tent, restaurant, bar, etc.
Do you know anything out there that’s not quite as pricey as the Steve Furgal packages?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there, and thank you! I don’t really know of any others that offer the combo of Loge tickets + amenities for less $. USTA (via Ticketmaster) is selling special premium seats for semis that are over $5K each for courtside – the ones they had for Loge are sold out. I would, however, encourage you to look carefully at all the various sites I link to above to see whether you could spend about the same or slightly more on courtside seats for semis on your own, knowing that the exclusive courtside-level perimeter offers a bit of an oasis… Read more »
Thank you so much for this! My fiance has always wanted to see a grand slam tournament so I am going to surprise him with tickets! This was beyond helpful and saved a lot of time (and headache) with trying to figure out what is what. Especially since I a trying to get the best bang for our buck, since our wedding is around the corner. So thank you again! I did want to ask…For someone on a budget, but also trying to give a nice gift does it make sense to splurge a little and get the next level… Read more »
Hey Jenna! First, your fiancé is going to be blown away and so happy. Awesome. Second, yes there is a very big difference between sitting in the Promenade (highest level) versus Loge (second level above courtside and suites). So in cases where someone is really into tennis, it’s worth pushing the budget a bit if you can. P.J.
Thanks again for all of the great information, P.J., it really is invaluable; had one question – I know if you purchase and Arthur Ashe ticket for the daytime matches that you can then stay on site that same evening and attend matches at venues other than Ashe, but is the reverse true, i.e., if you purchase an evening ticket for Arthur Ashe Stadium, can you come during the day on that ticket and watch matches from the venues other than Ashe? – Jim
Hey Jim, you’re welcome! Unfortunately not – with a Night session ticket (Ashe or Armstrong) you can only enter grounds at 6pm. PJ
Wow! So glad I stumbled on this site. So informative! Thank you so much!
Thanks Rebecca!
Hey PJ – Wow! I’m blown away by how much time and energy you put into helping people (such as myself) make the most of our US Open experience. Thank you so much! My husband and I will be coming to the US Open this year – our first major tennis event – and we are so excited. We will be at the Open Thursday 8/30 and Friday 8/31. Our total budget for two days worth of tickets for us both is around $400-500. Do you have any recommendations for the best way to spend that money over the course… Read more »
Hey Dana, thank you!! Deeply appreciate your kind words. First, the easy question: for grounds tickets, it’s frustratingly confusing… On Ticketmaster you need to look for “Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.” Here is direct link for Thurs grounds and Fri grounds. As I mention above, I strongly recommend always going for cheap Ashe tickets instead if you’re considering grounds simply for the insurance against rain; the price of cheapest Ashe tickets is usually close, and for me the peace of mind is worth it. For Thurs and Fri, you’ll be seeing the 2d day of round 2 (Thurs) and… Read more »
Hello all! First things first- I would like to congratulate every reader for finding this blog. P.J, you’ve done a fantastic job compiling everything there is to know. For assurance to everyone else, I followed this blog last year, and scored courtside seats in Grandstand for the first Saturday day session, as well as Loge seats for an Ashe night session. Got to see Del Potro beat Bautista-Agut, Dolgopolov beat Troicki, the Bryan Bros beat Kyrgios and Matt Reid- and the big prize- Federer beating Lopez. Didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing until I visited this… Read more »
Hey Paul, thank you so, so much for the very kind words! I’m so glad it helped last year! Lower Promenade definitely better for Ashe (the closer you can get to first row the better, it’s already quite high). Avoid the sunny sections at all costs (see my shade map, aim for seats in south or west side of stadium if you can) I used to live in DC (and Boston) so took the bus often. I mainly took the Bolt. Here are the various options. I’d aim for one that goes directly to (over very close to) Penn Station,… Read more »