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.












Do you know if the Amex radios can be used multiple days? I got two last night, and have friends going back tomorrow. I’m trying to avoid the waste if possible.
Hey Becky, from one environmentalist to another: THANK YOU for your question! Yes, 99.9%z sure it will work fine (please let me know if it doesn’t!). P.J.
Hey P.J. is there much down time between men’s doubles and the first semi-final? AM session starts at noon but it says the first match won’t start until 4ish. Why so much time between doubles and semis? It might rain tmrw and trying to think of how to kill time after doubles are over.
Thanks!
Hey Courtney, yes I believe there will be probably a couple hours of down time between the two. I’m getting on a plane from Chicago shortly and will be there later this afternoon… SO bummed to be missing the opportunity to see Cabal/Farah live. AAARGH! Go see the Women’s Doubles Semis and wheelchair matches on Armstrong in between! P.J.
What direction do the players face during the award ceremony? Is it toward the referee chair?
Hi there, the winners are lined up near the net and face towards the South –I.e., such that they are facing those sitting in the President’s Box (section 2). P.J.
Hi again PJ! I’m SO PSYCHED about Serena being back in the women’s final!! So.. the good (great) news: My partner and I got one courtside ticket for the women’s final and one nosebleed Pomenade ticket. Wish we could sit together but that’s the best we could do with our budget and at least we’ll both be able to see some of the matches courtside. Questions/concerns: 1) I’m in section 9 for the final. Although this is a great corner seat, I’m worried that it’s located on the opposite side of where the trophy ceremony will take place. Does this… Read more »
Hey Crystal, likewise super psyched about Serena in the final! Awesome about your seats. 1. The winners are lined up near the net and face towards the South –e.e., such that they are facing those sitting in the President’s Box (section 2) – or at least they did last year. So section 9 is GREAT. 2. Officially you are supposed to stay in your seat. Informally, if you see an empty seat near you that’s been empty for a long while, you might take a chance to move into it as long as you are ready to move immediately (!)… Read more »
Oh this is very reassuring! Thanks so much – really, you are the world’s #1 expert on attending the US Open. If there is any way for us to support you and your generous work (besides buying tickets through your affiliate links :), do let us know!
Crystal, thank you! I’ve learned so much from all the readers over the years who have shared a million tiny details, so it’s really about all that collective knowledge. Honestly hearing from individuals like you that the information helped you is the greatest support of all and fuels my passion – both for continuing to update this page, but also for tennis in general. It brings me more happiness than I can express every year to go to the Open myself and feel like I’m sharing it with so many fellow fanatics who engage with this page. Thank you!! P.J.
Day 18. Very peaceful. Nice moments. Roddick giving a lesson on behalf of some USTA charitable entity to a very lucky kid with very generous parents. Matteo practicing on GS in front of maybe 15 people after playing in front of 15,000 yesterday. Juniors are always fun. Try to guess the next champ. Alcott wins, again.
18 down, 3 days to go. Who’s the Serious Fan ? ?
You are, you are! Though I’m serious enough to be leaving a business meeting early in Chicago and coming directly from LGA today to support Matteo, so… 🙂 JK – you definitely have me beat by a mile. Much respect! P.J.
After Serena’s match tonight, i’m thinking of making the journey up from DC to see my first US open match for the Ladies final on Saturday. I’m baffled by the prices on Ticketmaster, Exchange and StubHub for tickets in the lower levels and 100 levels. I’m guessing my pockets will only be able to afford 300 level tickets for my boyfriend and I. How terrible in the view from up there? Will it be worth the effort (Bus from DC/Hotel in Manhattan) for a 300 level seat? Any change the Lodge/100 level tickets will drop significantly by game time on… Read more »
Hey Marie! The view is not terrible and it’s really exciting to be physically present for big matches like that. It’s all relative – I think for big matches where other fans are super into it, it’s really exciting and worth it. Yes, there’s a chance last-minute buyers will lower prices in Loge. If it were me, I would literally wait until close to Noon (start of the session) to check and make the decision on tickets. Set a budget ceiling for yourself, and get the best you can. Note: Ticketmaster closes ticket sales exactly 1 hour after session begins… Read more »
Will ticket prices drop if Rafa and Serena lose in the semi finals?
Hi Skip, almost certainly. PJ
Yes.
Info about men’s finals at big screen at kimpton hotel plaza –
http://bigscreenplaza.com/us-open/
FREE and starts at 4 pm
Look at the link to see a picture of the plaza. Bring a cushion to sit on! It should be free.
Crowne plaza beer garden I’m sure you’ll have to buy something.
Thanks for your tips PJ, what do you recommend for a solo woman visiting men’s singles semis
Most welcome! If you mean for tickets, I’d check the sites under Box 2 beginning with Ticketmaster and search for “1” so it displays just those options for single tickets on sale. If you’re targeting tickets in Promenade or Loge, I’d probably wait until tomorrow morning to pull the trigger on tickets as several sellers may lower prices as we get closer (keep in mind that Ticketmaster will close sales at 12:59pm ET tomorrow for the Friday session). Public transportation very safe (both 7 train and LIRR) so a good option. P.J.
hey PJ, do you know generally when StubHub and other sites stop selling? When I have sold tickets for concerts, they usually stop selling at the concert official stop time.
Thanks
(and not an urgent question so please don’t feel like you need to answer right away).
Hey Courtney, Ticketmaster stops exactly 1 hour after session begins (ALL Ashe Day sessions start at Noon, so 12:59pm is literally the last minute, even for Semis today, Women’s final tomorrow, Men’s final Sun). Other sites like Stubhub sometimes keep up longer – I feel terribly I haven’t done systematic investigation on this (about to get on a flight without Wifi and won’t be able to check next few hours) but how other sites deal with Men’s Semis tickets today should be a good indication of how they generally approach things. P.J. PS: Ticketmaster SOMETIMES keeps sales open past the… Read more »
I’m looking at Ticketmaster now and it’s actually possible to buy seats still. At 1:15. Prices are of course standard Ticketmaster prices so those aren’t going to go down but I’m waiting for them to shut down sales so I can then know for sure what better seats have not been bought so I could go and sit in one of those. it’s killing me that nearly entire courtside sections are unsold. my next mission this year or next is to find out how to get down to the courtside level for one of those unbought empty courtside seats. I… Read more »
P.J.,
My wife and I attended our first US Open last week on the first day of the tournament. We attended both the day and night session that day and got to see all of favorite players play or practice. 13 hours of tennis and we loved every minute! I wanted to say thank you for all of the information and insight that you are providing here as I came to this website multiple times before our trip and the information that we were able to gain ahead of time was extremely helpful.
Robert, I am thrilled to hear it! Thanks very very much for taking the time to write this kind note, means a lot. P.J.
PJ!! Thank you for providing all of this invaluable information!
If I purchase tickets for Friday to Ashe Stadium does that include all games played there for the day beginning at noon?
Hi Nita, you’re welcome! YES — all 3 matches (men’s doubles final at noon followed by BOTH men’s singles semis beginning at 4pm) for that one session tomorrow (Friday)! PJ
Hey P.J.!
Love your sight!! Have been going to the US Open for past 4 years and LOVE IT!!! Your site has helped me over the years and want to say Thank you! We are going to the men’s semis and have decided to drive in. You posted if you drive a Mercedes you get free parking. How does that work and do you know where they park you?
Thanks Tami
Hey Tami, thank you very very much! You totally made my day 🙂 I’ll be at there tomorrow too – cannot wait. Parking is free for anyone driving a Mercedes in all of the paid lots. Normally that would include the Citi Field lot, which is the main one, but tomorrow is a Mets home game so there will be tons of staff and police directing incoming traffic from all directions to lots that have space. They just won’t charge you in any of the lots. Have an awesome time! P.J.
Thanks PJ! Excited for Grigor just hope Medvedev is feeling healthy so we get a good match!! Team Grigor!!! We will be in section 58. Maybe we will see ya! Tami
Likewise!! And I love section 58… Not sure yet where we’ll be – holding off on tix until the last minute tomorrow, but hoping very much we can swing courtside. I’ll let you know once we know 🙂
Looks like Rafa is heading for a win (phew!)… curious what are your thoughts are for ticket prices for Men’s SF. They are already quite low… do you think they will go up tonight/tomorrow with a Rafa win? Or, could they possibly still go down as people who wanted Fed/Djoko continue to offload tickets? All speculation, i know 😉 I have never been able to go to a SF bc of the price, and even still i could probably only afford promenade seats, but i haven’t seen prices this low for a SF so i’m wondering if I should buy… Read more »
Wow those first couple sets were exciting – really admire Schwartzman. I think what you see now is probably the ceiling (now that people know who’s playing) and suspect that a good number of available tickets may drop in price in the final hours as sellers look to get something back. The exception is the standard-priced seats (blue dot on TM). I’m going tomorrow for sure and still haven’t bought myself… P.J.
The first 2 sets were so awesome, there has been no shortage of amazing matches this year for sure.
BTW I did decide to wait on Men’s SF tickets earlier, and I’m still checking TM for cheaper seats hoping for more price drops on the single tickets which are harder to come by. fingers crossed!
Dinner tip. There were over 20,000 people on the grounds when I left Ashe at the end of the day session. There were so many people in line in the main food court that I could barely see the restaurant booths.
I bypassed all of that and went to the Backyard x17 food court area near court 17. I walked right up to the Creperie counter and placed my order! There is also a dumpling place and a franks and fries place there.
Great one, Roy, thank you!! P.J.
Yes, great tip. Better to go to the stands by Grandstand or behind court 17 or in the stadiums. Less variety but the lines at Food Village are nuts sometimes.
Have to go at off-peak hours or just bypass eating. That’s what I do.
If one enters the grounds for the free day session tommorow and holds evening tickets for the ladies semis will we be required to exit and then reenter?
Hi Neil, no – they’ll just scan your ticket at the Ashe entrance before the evening session. Enjoy! P.J.
P.J. Many thanks for the incredible amount of help your site has been. Came across it in time for last year’s Open and then returned again this year. What a great resource!
Hey Jim, thank you so so much! Really appreciate hearing that! P.J.
Hi Pj – could you repost the caveats : advice about moving to lower seats?
Hey Seema, a few things about moving to lower seats, which technically is not allowed but is commonly done: (1) The possibility depends so much on how sold the session is. The other night, I was there for the R16 night session with Rafa and there were very very few resale seats available as the match was getting started – and it felt like everyone showed up. So moving up that evening during Rafa’s match was not a possibility in most sections. (2) For sessions where there are several empty seats, it’s generally pretty easy to move up to empty… Read more »
Anyone who might want to come for Nadal match, have a promenade ticket that I can transfer. 335 row f.
Hi, PJ,
DId you know that eTickets took one of your photos for their website?
https://www.eseats.com/sports_tickets/USOpenSeating.html
Hey Linda, thanks for letting me know. While they didn’t ask, they at least attributed it to me so no worries! P.J.
Any suggestions for how to listen to commentary during the matches if you’re not an AMEX cardholder (i.e., not able to get one of their earpieces)?
Hey there, one option is to bring your own headphones, log into the US Open App, hit “More”, then choose “Radio” — which will het you the “US Open Radio Presented by American Express.” P.J.
If you’re going for more than one session, often people leaving throw them in the recycle bins or leave on the Amex kiosks. I grab some when I leave to have for when my friends come later and don’t have AmEx cards.
Hi P.J.,
I came back to say a quick thank you. Thank you so much for the detailed tips you have provided. It was my first time at US open. With your suggestion, we waited until the schedule came out and booked the day tickets for Ashe, Sep 1st, Which had both Federer and Serena. Used vividseats for booking which was a little less than ticket master. The experience was electriying. The Uber drop off address you provided was handy and much helpful too.
Hey Subha, I’m so happy to hear it was helpful and that you had a great time!! Thanks a million for letting me know. P.J.
Hi PJ! How much time you recommend allotting to (1) getting through security to enter the grounds and (2) getting through the line to Arthur Ashe for tomorrow night’s semifinals?
Hi Seeta, I don’t anticipate any major bottleneck tomorrow night at the grounds entrance as it’s the one night during the tournament when grounds admission is free all day – so evening ticketholders don’t have to wait as normal until 6pm (you’ll just need your ticket to enter Ashe). I’d strongly recommend arriving earlier to check out some matches on Armstrong and other outer courts (see schedule here). I’d probably head over myself to Ashe around 6:20 so you have plenty of time to get up to your seats, grab any snacks/food/drinks, and be there in time for the warm-up… Read more »
Ok, wonderful!!! Thank you again so much for being so helpful. You are truly appreciated.
A pleasure! Have a great time – will be a really exciting night! P.J.
PJ, went to the semifinals last night and needless to say it was amazing. Thank you for all your help with this process. Going to the final tomorrow- when can we enter the us open grounds? Can we enter sooner than 11am?
Seeta, so sorry for the delay in replying – I was there last night too and didn’t get home until very late. Had an extraordinary time myself. Those first two sets of Berrettini Nadal were ones I’ll never forget. You probably already learned at this point, but official “gates open” time today is 11am (sorry again not to reply sooner). HAVE FUN today! Will be watching on TV 🙂 P.J.
No worries PJ! We got there super early, a little after 9am and queued up to enter the gates. THANK YOU SO MUCH again for all of your help. Honestly, you helped make this a seamless process and one of the best experiences ever. We even won one of those emirates seat cushions! Lol. We had an absolutely wonderful time. A weekend I will always remember. 🙂
Seeta, you are most welcome! Thank YOU so much for making time to come back and write such a nice note, really appreciate it – so gratifying to hear. All the best! P.J.
Hi PJ, just wanted to provide one more suggestion for viewing the Open if you’re in NYC. The courtyard space at Metrotech Center in downtown Brooklyn has had a big screen going for the past few years for some of the days. I personally haven’t seen it in person so not sure just how big the screen actually is, but for those fans in Brooklyn who don’t have ESPN coverage themselves at home, you can check it out at: http://downtownbrooklyn.com/events/sports-screenings-on-the-commons PS – also lots of quick food options in the courtyard & neighborhood (Pret, Chipotle, Korilla, Shake Shack, Potbelly, sushi,… Read more »
Amazingly helpful, thank you! Will add to my real-time updates section above now. Thanks again, P.J.
I also heard they were showing on big screens over at the Vessel/Hudson Yards, but haven’t checked it out personally.
It is a big screen but not massive. I don’t expect crowds. But there will be maybe 50 people there. Free and BYOB (keep it in a bag). One issue is they usually don’t keep the screen up late so the 2nd match of the night they may stop showing if it goes late Be prepared to be frustrated. Last night’s fed-dim match went till midnight. Metro tech would never keep the screen up that late. And if weather is iffy and possibly rainy they will shut it off. It’s there mainly for the workers in the area to come… Read more »
For those without ESPN at home, sign up for 7 day free trial of Sling TV then cancel.
It is $15 for the first month after that first 7 day trial.
I will be paying for the first month because it is the right thing to do, then cancelling.
All seats in Armstrong are free today! Multiple doubles matches scheduled.
Hey Roy – it is indeed– however everyone please be advised you still would need an Arthur Ashe Day Session ticket to get into the grounds (which is no longer being sold). Tomorrow is free grounds entry all day. Then Friday/Sat/Sun, grounds admission is once again required ($25) P.J.
Semis ticket prices update: After Roger’s loss last night?Semi finals ticket prices have dropped waaayyy below face value. Same seat I paid $360 for is now$100. Promenade lower but again.. there are going to be lots of empty loge seats to sit in (please read PJs caveat about this). Btw last night I moved to a loge row a seat. No one around me was the actual ticket holder. Everybody moves down! so for those who have never been to “primetime under the lights at the US open !!!” Now is your chance. Prime and lower promenade reseller tickets are… Read more »
I couldn’t underscore this more. Today it was KILLING me I had to stay at my desk for work and miss out on $200 courtside tickets for the Berrettini/Monfils match – and that I will be in Chicago tomorrow/Friday and can’t get out to take advantage of the lower prices. I’m disheartened by how many folks think tennis becomes less exciting when icons like Federer aren’t involved… It’s often quite the opposite, given the extraordinary talent pool in both the men’s and women’s game. P.J.
$200 courtside?!? Really? oh snap! I understand the reasoning. Roger may retire at any time. I never saw him until this US open. This could be his swan song. All the other players will play for many more years (at least 5 if not more) med, dim, ber. & le monf you can see for less money at other tournement. US open prices are a rip off. USTA needs to understand that they will lose fans of they keep prices so high. Esp the poorer New Yorkers who come out to the nosebleeds and sing all night! Also many people… Read more »
Couldn’t agree with you more on the prices. They sell tickets at high prices to people that don’t show up and as long as the USTA sells all the tickets they claim victory but don’t care about atmosphere. See my tweets on this and please like it to get the word to the USTA.
https://twitter.com/mahesh_freedom/status/1167970405551722496?s=21
I liken the wanting to see “stars” at the US Open to when people go on their first trip to Europe.
People want to see London, Paris, Rome.
But after you have been, you realize that you would love to spend a relaxing two weeks in the Italian Lakes away from the crowds. 🙂
That’s a perfect analogy, Linda!
Some of the best matches I’ve seen at the US open have been relatively unknowns (only to a diehard fan) or lower ranked players who battle it out. I’ve gone for over ten years to several sessions each time. Sometimes my favorite player didn’t get past the third round while I had hoped for QF or SF. I still enjoyed watching matches with people I didn’t really know like Rublev and Berrettini’s matches this year…exciting surprises. I still remember a five-setter a few years ago on Court 17 between Raonic and Gasquet that went past 1 am. I enjoy watching… Read more »
Hey Maura, thanks for sharing that. I’ve had very similar experiences — it’s still always a thrill for me to see “the greats” live, but there is a special thrill when you get to see those unexpected duels among the lesser known players. Yesterday I was riveted (when I should have been working on a big work project) by the Berrettini-Monfils match and so happy for the breakout Berrettini to advance to his first Semi in a major. And there are so, so many men and women coming up the ranks who have interesting stories, great passion, play incredibly, and… Read more »
I saw courtside for $100 and $119 before that match. Was killing me to miss out because of work.
Where were you looking? TM or StubHub or elsewhere?
Thx
P.J. – Is it a free access day tomorrow, Thursday Sept 5?
Hi Dynah, Yes. For some inexplicable reason, USTA has not promoted this year… But I have triple confirmed from three USTA senior officials plus the Box Office (even their new staffers didn’t initially know) that grounds admission is free tomorrow (Thursday Sep 5). Incredible opportunity to see the top doubles players in the world on Armstrong plus exciting wheelchair and juniors matches on field courts. Gates open at 11:00am. There won’t be big crowds so don’t worry about arriving much earlier. See 2018 schedule Day 11 for a general idea of what to expect – and look for actual schedule… Read more »
Thanks much! Will the schedule come out in the US Open website? I am going alone- so if you want to catch up at some point – that would be fun 😉
You’re welcome! I unfortunately am on a plane to Chicago tomorrow to do a talk for work so have to miss it – so bummed, would have loved to. It’s one of my favorite days to go out there. Yes the schedule should be out by around 2pm on the app and the open website. Have a great time! P.J.
Oh, sorry you’ll miss it – take care and hope to catch you next year 😉
Do you have any suggestion/s for catching the Semi Final/Finals in Manhattan?
Hey Jenny, a couple possibilities according to the NYT:
1) Take the 7 train to its last stop in Hudson Yards, “where matches will be broadcast on large screens in a beer garden at the Crowne Plaza HY36 (320 W 36th Street).”
2) “At the Kimpton Hotel Eventi (851 Sixth Avenue, between 29th and 30th Streets), there is a plaza with a 30-foot screen on the side of a building. Known as the Big Screen Plaza, it too will be showing the matches.
P.J.
Where are there viewing screen set-ups in Manhattan?
Hi Jodi, two options this year (according to the NYT):
(1) “At the Kimpton Hotel Eventi (851 Sixth Avenue, between 29th and 30th Streets), there is a plaza with a 30-foot screen on the side of a building. Known as the Big Screen Plaza, it too will be showing the matches.”
(2) Take the 7 train to its last stop in Hudson Yards, “where matches will be broadcast on large screens in a beer garden at the Crowne Plaza HY36 (320 W 36th Street).”
P.J.
Hi, I haven’t seen any information about Community Day this year. Is it still happening? Can we still watch Doubles SF at Armstrong for free? Thank you.
Hi Monique, Yes. For some inexplicable reason, USTA has not promoted this year… But I have triple confirmed from three USTA senior officials plus the Box Office (even their new staffers didn’t initially know) that grounds admission is free tomorrow (Thursday Sep 5). Incredible opportunity to see the top doubles players in the world on Armstrong plus exciting wheelchair and juniors matches on field courts. P.J.
Thank you PJ. What time should I arrive? Do you have a schedule recommendation- who to watch and what time?
Hi again! The action on Armstrong tomorrow for various Semifinals Doubles action is going to be insane. Recommend trying to sit behind the server (South or North sides) for best view of Doubles. Cabal/Farah (Wimbledon champs) are ridiculously awesome. In addition, definitely check out some wheelchair tennis to support the athletes and for serious inspiration. And watch some of the juniors – you may see a future US Open champion in the making. P.J.
Thank you, PJ. I’ve been going the last few years, but couldn’t find any info on the USO website this year. Thanks again!
Sure thing! Yes, it’s really disappointing USTA didn’t promote this year. It’s such a great day. Have fun! P.J.
Hi there! If I buy a ticket for tomorrow’s evening session, at what time I am able to enter to the grounds? Is that very strict? I also want to see the Colombian doubles couple playing at 4 pm. Thanks a lot.
Hey Jaime, technically it’s 6pm tomorrow. They may be less strict because there are no grounds admission tickets available for purchase tomorrow, but that’s only a hunch. To be sure, you might consider getting a $30 Ashe Day session ticket. PJ
What are the headsets in the stands for? Only the one game on.
Hey Lisa, Amex provides them and they enable you to listen to the ESPN match commentary. P.J.
Hey P.J. , Useful information, much appreciated. As it did help me secure good Loge level tickets for Rafa match tomorrow (I was gonna buy the Promenade level as usual but your thorough research and advice helped and i waited till i got a good deal on Loge for around same price) Ok, so i had a question. I only have one ticket for myself, my wife (& a toddler) are neither fans nor wanna see the game but are Insta addicts and do wanna get inside, i assume buying a ground pass or a cheap ticket on that day… Read more »
Hey Nick, so glad to hear it! No problem having your Insta-addicts use your ticket to enter Ashe then give back to you so you can enter, as long as they are in the grounds with a Day ticket. Here’s the tricky part: there are no Ground Admission tickets sold for tomorrow, yet a ticket is required to enter the grounds… the only option is an Ashe Day session ticket – and fortunately you can get standard super cheap Promenade Ashe tickets on Ticketmaster for only $30 for that session. To be on the safe side, make sure you buy… Read more »
Super-helpful , much much appreciated. Your advise is certainly valuable. Buying the day session ticket now & yup toddler is under 24 months, Thanks for pointing that out (since that would change next year 🙂 )
do you know whats the latest (kinda last entry) one would be allowed to enter if holding Arthur Ashe day session ticket? Since my tickets would be for evening session, dont wanna spend too imuch time with the young one out in open if i dont have to.
Hey Nick, my pleasure! Latest you can enter grounds with a Day session ticket is 6pm. Have fun! PJ
Hi, I was able to catch Nadal yesterday and it was an amazing experience. I had to fly out of New York today but I’m still spellbound by the match yesterday. After the amazing experience I want to visit again for the finals on sunday but the ticket prices are out of the roof. Is there any chance that the prices might fall or they are only going to increase from here on?
Hey Varun, I was there too and had the same feeling… amazing. It all depends on who makes it. Right now, I’m watching Federer and Dimitrov neck-in-neck and biting my nails. If Federer loses, prices should go down substantially. If Fed and Rafa were to lose in quarters or semis, prices will plummet. If Federer and Nadal both make it to finals, prices will likely stay the same or go up. P.J.
FEDR lost and I was psyched the online scalpers got burned, again. Prices fell on crap Uppers (to use as a reference point) from $440-ish pre-match to about $200, below face.
Hi! Thanks for all of the amazing tips! One thing that I didn’t see covered (sorry if I missed it) is how to dress for finals matches. I saw to dress in layers but is attire typically a little more dressed up for finals or still fairly casual? We’ll be there for 9/6 and 9/7 matches (day and evening) and just wondering what to pack. Thanks much!
Hey Stacy! You’re so welcome. Everything remains very casual with the US Open. Some folks like to get a bit dressed up — especially if sitting courtside — because it can be a fun occasion to do so. But my strong recommendation: wear whatever is going to make you have feel great, have fun and be comfortable and enjoy. There is zero expectation to dress up – very very different from, say, Wimbledon! P.J.
Hello P.J., I just wanted to say thank you so much for your tips in this article! My dad and I had been dreaming of going to the US Open for many years, and I was finally able to arrange things to be able to take him this year. It was the 1st US Open experience for us both. We were also at Armstrong during the day session on Monday and got a real treat with the Vekic/Berrettini matches, and I took your advise and splurged on courtside Ashe tickets for the night matches. It was an incredible experience! Your… Read more »
Alexander, we were on the same schedule yesterday!! Armstrong Day, Courtside Ashe evening… what a day. That Berrettini match was probably my favorite- but that second-to-last Nadal shot around the post last night will be etched in memory forever. So glad you had a great time!! Means so much to me to get your note. Hope to have you guys back in NY soon! P.J.
I had reserved Grandstand seats for the day session and was initially bummed because of the rain, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We got over to Armstrong in time to get a great view and saw some great tennis. The Berrettini score read straight sets, but you would have never known from watching it live. That man hits a heavy ball! As for the night matches, I have never jumped out of my seat so fast when Rafa hit that shot! Cilic played great, but Rafa turned his superhero on and it was so cool… Read more »
Yes yes and yes!! Agree on all counts. Those Rafa superhero leaps were so awesome to see live!! So glad you had such a great time! PJ
I was at that Berrettini match (mostly due to weather). Good stuff. The match against A-Pop the round before was better all factors considered, IMO.
Good advice and tips on this website from P.J. A tough question that the USTA, WTA and ATP are not answering is the status of matches played this Thursday September 5th during the day. Barring any inclement weather on September 4th the men’s and women’s doubles semifinals should be played during the day on September 5th. However there is no official “community day” with free grounds admission for 2019 on September 5th. The second Thursday of the tournament in 2016, 2017 and 2018 did have a scheduled free community day but not in 2019 because there was a full fan… Read more »
Hey Thiago, I know it’s been totally confusing and have zero idea why USTA has failed to promote this or clarify. Even some box office staffers have been confused.
Please see my not under “Real-time updates” in last box in my post. While not branded “Community Day” or promotes this year, grounds admission is indeed free this year Thurs Sep 5 with same planned schedule as last year for matches. Have several confirmations. Grounds open at 11. Enjoy! P.J.
Yes I read your real time update before I posted but it was for September 4th which is a typo but it placed doubt as to what would occur September 5th. Thanks for your quick reply and the September 4th schedule is now out on the website showing all 6 doubles matches will be in covered Armstrong during the predicted storms tomorrow. I will now let others know to go there September 5th since you did your research and spoke to officials to get the info but expect a low turnout due to a lack of information provided by the… Read more »
Hey Thiago, oops yes wrote Thurs Sep 4 accidentally – meant Thurs Sep 5 and corrected. And yes thank goodness for the roofs on Ashe and L.A.! Enjoy Thurs – so bummed I can’t go myself this year due to work. PJ
I bought a ticket in the promenade for today’s day session. Unfortunately I bought it before I read your shade guide and got a seat in the sun for the ladies match. Since there were a good number of open seats, I was able to move to a shaded seat with no problem. My real seat is now in the shade for the men’s match. Really been enjoying the tennis these past two days. Thanks again!
Hey Roy, so glad it worked out for you – thanks so much for your kind thanks! P.J.
PJ – is there haircut place close by the Open? Daniel
Hey, Julien Farel actually sets up a salon for the players during the tournament within the interior of Ashe (exclusively for the players)… maybe your friends in player management can hook you up?! Apart from that, no clue, sorry! P.J.
PJ – Thank you for making possible basically the best day of my life. This was my first Slam event and I had only one day (Aug 30), so I followed your advice and went for it – 6th row seats in section 58, day session. The tennis gods smiled upon me and scheduled Roger, then Serena, then Krygios in doubles. All this 15 feet from me. Now I can die happy.
Fred, that is so awesome to hear!!! I love that section so much and I can totally imagine what it was like. Thank you very very much for taking the time to write and let me know. Hope your next magical tennis experience comes your way soon! P.J.
Hi PJ, Keith again. We are going back tomorrow night to Ashe (we went to Armstrong yesterday), and the schedule was just posted with Nadal being the second match after the women’s one at 7pm. Not sure if you know much about the trains. But yesterday we took the LIRR, which was very nice. I was checking the schedule and it says the last train leaving Mets-Willets is 12:09am. Do you think they run later trains if the match goes later than that?? Thanks!
Hey Keith, awesome you’re headed back. Yes there will be a 1:11am tomorrow and Thurs night this week getting into Penn Station at 1:29am. They won’t add any more beyond that, but the 7 train will be running too just in case… P.J.
Hi PJ — this is a inane question but am I allowed to wear my dslr camera (with lens attached) around my neck while going through security or should I place it in my transparent stadium-approved bag at that point? Thanks again for all of your insightful help!!! 🙂
Hi Seeta, you’re so welcome! You just need to put it in a bowl as you pass through metal detector. No need to put in a transparent bag like at airports. P.J.
Ok, perfect. Thank you!
Hope you had a great day yesterday at the open, and some really great tips on here .. Think I may try to go to the free day this Thursday .. thanks thanks thanks !
Thanks Kevin! Yesterday was perfection for me. From 11am until the very end of the Taylor v Bianca match. GO THIS THURSDAY! If I didn’t have to work I’d be there in a heartbeat. Such a great opportunity. And please spend at least a bit of time supporting the wheelchair athletes – they are all amazing and hugely inspiring. P.J.
Fernandez and Alcott (Quad) are both trying to complete a calendar Grand Slam.
Amazing!!
Pj – I am picking a few tickets from the will call office, left from me from a player management team, how does that work ? Do you know?
Hey Daniel, they should just be at the Will Call window at the regular box office area at the East Gate. If not, they would have been left at the special NORTHWEST gate player facilities entrance (for players and credentialed folks). P.J.
FREE ticket for Ashe TODAY. Not night session.
Ticket also serves as a grounds pass for day and night.
Have only ONE ticket. it’s a mobile transfer.
it’s a seat in promenade. I Feel pretty sure that there will be many empty seats in Loge today that you could probably sit in (see my post further down in the comments)
If you want it I can transfer it if you have a smart phone with you and a Ticketmaster account.
let me know. 🙂
Hi PJ!
So I’m thinking of just popping in to the Wawrinka match at 2 (looking at tickets now, I assume prices would come down). Assuming it goes 2.5 hours or so, would it be a stretch to stay for the Serena match at 7pm too? (Understand need to buy another ticket). That’s a lot of time in between!!
Hi Teresa! FYI tickets will stay onsite on TM until 12:59pm today. Sometimes they (without warning) extend this window, but usually cut off promptly at 1pm. Check out 38 E front row resale… I would totally stay for both if it were me. Hopefully Stan’s match will probably be more like 3 hours. Some great doubles matches (and juniors, amazing) you could watch between, leisurely grab food… But that’s me, I just can’t get enough when out there! PJ
Hi PJ! How much did the 38E sell for just curious (if you remember?) It might have been out of my budget lol. So I just came back down to earth 😉 I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being patient and answering all our questions! you are completely right, I went to the Wawrinka/Med match thinking that I’d be twiddling my thumb afterwards and before the Serena/Wang Qiang, Fed/Dimitrov match and I’m so glad that I stayed! There were SO many matches in between and I even caught Serena practicing too. I ended up walking around, laying on… Read more »
Teresa, this is all music to my ears!! So so happy to hear it.
I looked back at my notes from that day (tried to capture average prices day-of this year so I could do an analysis for next year) and didn’t note that seat specifically but there were some right around it going for $385+fees on the resale market, which is well below face value for those seats.
Thank you very much for taking time to loop back and share your experience – means so much. Hope you come back next year! Safe travels, P.J.
Hi P.J. – I have a couple questions. This is my first time going to the US Open. I bought courtside tix to the women’s finals – Section 17 Row F. Which entrance is the closest to me? I read there’s a special entrance for courtside ticket holders. Is this accurate? My plan is to have someone drop me off and pick me up. Will it be easier if I took the LIRR instead, especially when leaving? I’m assuming it will be pure chaos when leaving. I’m coming in from out of town and staying in Roslyn. Thx!
Hi Sonya, fantastic – you will have such an amazing experience! (1) To enter the US Open grounds: the South Gate entrance is closest to Ashe, but if you come via the LIRR you may just want to just see the East Gate entrance. Note: technically no special entrance at East Gate for courtside ticketholders, but try asking the person directing people into lines on the far right line (VIP line) if you can use that line because you have courtside – have heard people have tried that and it has worked (but it’s not a formal rule as far… Read more »
Agree with comments about plastic water bottles, don’t have to be clear, from our experience this year and last year. Our plastic bottle of choice is the green squeeze Gatorade bottle. Vendors willing to fill up with ice too. Water stations at various spots around the grounds are key.
One other feature of the squeeze bottle – can squirt a small mist of water on your face when it gets hot…my daughter figured this one out…
Hi P.J–I am trying to get tickets at Arthur Ashe and wanted to know which seats would give you a view most similar to TV? I figured it would be Loge seating in row A behind the baseline. I realized I loved this view when I went to see a match on court 17….there were no more seats available, so I ended up having to go to the very top and stand–but the view was great. I could see everything and had better perspective on the speed of serves, strokes etc. I’m just concerned that the Loge seats are actually… Read more »
Hey Christy, Yes, “behind the server” is exactly the perspective of TV — the main cameras are located in the second-level suite area (ESPN booth) just below Loge Row A section 101. Sections 118-119 on North side will give same view. (There are additional cameras for close-ups in Courtside section, but that birdseye view you see during point play is from the camera just below Loge Row A).
So glad you saw Fed during R2 courtside!! P.J.
Ok great I will be on the lookout for seats in those sections. Thank you so much!
A suggestion for Tuesday Day Session for the poor people – a cheap strategy for a good view. But first, PLEASE, read PJ’s caveat about moving to a better seat. Right now there are entire ROWS in Loge sections 133 and 134 unsold. These are Ticketmaster standard tickets (not resale). There are over 50 unsold seats in those sections in Rows K, L, M at $160 + fee. Add in unsold resale tickets there are nearly entire rows unsold in 111, 115, 128, Plus all the random other unsold tickets. There must be at least 200 unsold seats in Loge,… Read more »
Big shout out to P.J. for putting this together. I was a first timer who went Thursday/Friday this year. Took the advice in this post and bought Ashe promenade day tickets both days. Great decision as it allowed me to see Rodger and Serena on Friday. I will say that the seats were actually better than I thought they would be up there. Now, you are still far away but I was expecting to watch a few points and leave for the outer courts based on some of the comments – not the case! We stayed for both matches and… Read more »
Daniel, THANK YOU for the shout-out and for the awesome, practical tips!! You’re fantastic to take the time to write them down. Seriously appreciated, and so glad you had a great time! P.J.
How accurate are the practic schedules?
Weather conditions withstanding, are there no-shows?
Hi Linda, unusual in my experience to have no-shows and haven’t heard of anyone being disappointed about missing anyone in recent years. Anyone else? P.J.
In my limited time at practices (2 hours) everyone showed up on time who was scheduled except for one exception – Nick Kyrgios showed up early and was on the wrong court – but maybe that’s because Rafa was scheduled to be on the same court right after him 🙂
LOL, of course Nick went to the wrong court! Seriously, thanks for weighing in. P.J.
LOL about Kyrgios and Nadal.
Thank you for the firsthand experience.