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.












Hey PJ! Thanks for all your recommendations, they have been a ton of help! Just looking for a little validation in the tickets I bought. I was able to get Loge 134 Row E for $150 including fees for Opening Night. Did I over pay? Or should I continue to look for cheaper Loge tickets and resell the ones I bought?
Hi Kathy, you’re welcome! Looks to me based on current averages for that night that you got an excellent deal for that seat. You can see all the prices for comparable seats if you go to Ticketmaster, click on that section until it enlarges (such that you see individual seats represented as blue and red dots) and hover your mouse over any dots. P.J.
Hey PJ, I have a couple of potential data points for your price chart! As of this afternoon, I see a standard ticket for Friday night on Ashe listed at $715 (Section 7F), and a price reduction on a standard ticket for Sunday day on Ashe: was $1,145, but is now $1,065 (Section 60F). I got inspired to do some tracking of tickets myself after panicking that 2021 might sell out earlier than past years, as opposed to 2018-2019, when great single tickets for Labor Day weekend could still be found last minute. But just as you suggested might happen,… Read more »
Chris! First of all, huge thanks for those very helpful data points! Between this and the incredible contributions of fellow fan/blog contributor Tom, we’re piecing a lot of the mysteries together 🙂 I’ll update my chart tomorrow. And I’m so stoked to hear the blog has been helpful and that you’ve had such great experiences in Armstrong! At some point maybe next year, treat yourself to a front-row behind the server seat on the S side of Grandstand, which I also love. Have you ever tried section 8 at Armstrong (the mirror opposite of 17)? I need to pay closer… Read more »
I was aware (thanks to your page!) that Section 17 at Armstrong gets less shade than Section 8 (which is continuously shaded from about 1:30 PM onward), but your question about the shade was driving me crazy, because I have photos showing Section 17 in full shade at 1:20 PM, while your page has photos showing it in full sun at about 2:30 PM, a whole hour later! What the heck is going on?? It bugged me so much, I got really (really) nerdy and pulled up a couple of online sun/shadow tools to solve the mystery. So here’s the… Read more »
Chris, this is spectacularly helpful information – thank you!!! P.J.
You’re very welcome! And for anybody else weighing Section 8 vs. Section 17, there are two reasons I still really like Section 17 despite the extra sun. First, it’s on the “TV view” end of the court, and second, it’s near one of the two player’s boxes (which are located in the first few rows of Sections 12 and 16, respectively). I got to see Coco Gauff’s parents reacting in real time from not too far away, plus I spotted Sascha Bajin once just a few seats over in Section 18, scouting a match!
Great info, thank you Chris!!
We are kindred spirits, Chris!
I didn’t think anyone else did this other than me and PJ!
Haha, always fun to encounter a fellow data geek, Tom! (Meant in the best way – data geekery is what made this page so incredibly useful!)
Chris,
Would it be possible for you to analyze the path of the Shade on Grandstand? The Grandstand has the scrim to it on the western side. From personal observation, I’ve noticed that the South side (Sec. 21) has the last bit of shade to it early in the late-morning. But for the most part throughout the day, the stadium is in the sun, until when the sun begins to set, and the shade sets in from the West.
But I was hoping to get data to back me up!
Hi Tom, thanks for the fun exercise! Your recollection seems confirmed: Section 21 does have a high wall directly behind it that may provide some brief shade in the morning, but virtually all of the reserved sections at Grandstand are in full sun until 3:00 PM or later. Only the general admission sections directly under the awning get any shade much earlier than that. Section 21 in particular won’t get afternoon shade until about 5:30 or 5:45 PM. The consolation is that it mostly comes from behind you/over your left shoulder, and won’t be as intense after 4:00 PM or… Read more »
Chris,
This was absolutely amazing and very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to go through those calculations and outline everything. It’s a fascinating read, and such a valuable contribution to PJ’s blog.
Hi PJ..!!! Great information, thanks for sharing with all of us who need help I have questions. I would like to ask you if there is a way to buy all tournament sessions in the first and second row seats. I have been going to the U.S. Open for the past years and I have purchase first and second row sections 52 – 57, paid around $5000 each ticket. Is there a way to purchase this kind of tickets through do US open webpage or Ticketmaster, or are these tickets being re-sold by resellers every time. Thanks in advance
Hey Francisco, thank you for your kind thanks! For Armstrong and Grandstand, I believe so (for next year’s tournament, not this year’s, if you subscribe for the entire tournament); they have released some standard seats in front row for both stadiums, which leads me to believe that subscribers who had them from last year didn’t renew so they’ll be available for 2022. However for Ashe, I believe unfortunately the only way is through corporate sponsorships or through upgrading over many — potentially MANY— years (beginning with Promenade, then to Loge, then to Courtside). If any readers know of any different… Read more »
Hey PJ! Thank you for this incredible post! I cannot recount how many times I keep coming back as I am browsing tickets and planning! This will be my second time to the US Open, but it has been so much harder to decide this time because there are just too many options! My first time going was men’s semi in 2017 and I only had one day in NYC 🙂 This year I will be in NYC 9/2-9/11, and will be joined by a friend during labor day weekend. I plan to attendone or more other days solo. I… Read more »
Hey Patricia, music to my ears that it’s been helpful, thanks! 1. Friday is a great choice for t hose days! 2. For Friday lower rows in Ashe Loge section, looks like a resale price around $350 before fees would be reasonable. Check out 103D – great shade and perceptive there 3. I personally would favor the switch you propose to an Armstrong Day/ Ashe Night combo (and Monday is ideal for that if you do on same day)… Here’s another option: Thursday Armstrong DAY (there are some SWEET courtside single front row standard seats in North and West side… Read more »
Thanks so much PJ! I ended up picking up an Armstrong courtside ticket for Monday! I think I will keep my Ashe lodge seat for Thursday and hold off on night sessions until the schedule comes out to make sure they are matches I really want to see.
Thanks again for all the great advice! And great point on financial/budgeting – definitely easy to loose sight of in the moment.
That is awesome!! I’ll be there that day in Section 7 and/or 8 (around 2d and 3d row, we have a lot of seats and will probably be swapping around so people can spend time with each other) so hopefully we can say a quick hello! PJ
“Then do Ashe Evening Tuesday Sep 7 during SEMIS” – I think PJ meant to say Quarter-Finals..
Yikes! I absolutely did – huge thanks for catching that, Sandeep!
Huge issue with getting Ticketmaster at all. Javascript issues on every mobile and desktop device in the house. Had to buy on Vividseats but that seemed to work out well. Just a heads up to any others having this issue. This is the most helpful article about any event (sporting or otherwise) I have ever read!! Thanks a million!! As newbies, we are so excited to go…since we can’t get to Wimbledon…yet. 😉 Cheers! Dawne (Princeton, NJ)
Hi Dawne, so sorry to hear about those issues – wonder if any other readers have had them? I’m gratified to hear the blog has been helpful, thank you for letting me know! Have a wonderful time! P.J.
Hi P.J.! I am on the hunt for tickets and have a few questions 🙂 Which seat do you think would be better in Armstrong for day sessions: 9E (front row, behind baseline on north end) or 15B (front row, along the baseline on east side? What about for night sessions? If you’re sitting in a GA seat and need to run to the bathroom, is it appropriate to ask the person sitting next to you to save your seat (and offer to do the same for them)? Or is all of the GA seating “you move, you lose”? If… Read more »
Hi Tracie! You’re so welcome, thank you! Personally would unquestionably favor 9E for any day sessions, and would opt for 15B for any night sessions (either would be GREAT for night). Yes on the GA question – you will make new friends and hopefully be able to return the favor. 🙂 On Uber/Lyft ease: depends on the day… 8pm probably a better time than most, but the first week — especially Thurs-Mon night of first weekend — is generally just a pain. The address I put in for pickup depends on whether Mets are playing a home game… If they… Read more »
Great, thanks so much! I’ll be there September 3-8, so luckily no Mets home games! After reading your post, I was planning to take the LIRR to a stop about a mile or so from my hotel, then take an Uber to the hotel. But if I can schedule a pickup with Riverside, that’s definitely preferable since it would be a lot faster! Do you know the approximate cost? Thanks!
Hey Tracie, sorry forgot to reply on that one! I don’t remember their general rates, just remember it wasn’t much more than an Uber (esp when Uber does surge pricing during high-demand times, which happens during the open). I’d try calling a few services and asking for quotes to your hotel (and maybe also ask them about if they have experience with drivers picking up at US Open, just to gauge how good their customer service might be based on their answer). Sorry not to be of more help on this one! PJ
Sounds like a plan. Thanks!
Any fans looking at Labor Day weekend 4th round, Sun and Mon: very similar scheduling each day, but Mon is quite cheaper in general, plus the Armstrong session gets you 4 singles matches on one ticket. Good deal! Plenty of shady seats, great views from everywhere, even from the food concourse. As PJ says, mechanical system is so noisy! – but that’s LA’s only drawback (besides not seeing topmost seeds).
Hey Kevin! Exactly right. However, in 2019 they put only one Men’s round of 16 match in LA on Sunday versus 2 on Monday (and based on the headings in Ticketmaster for Grandstand on Sunday this year, I expect they will likely do the same). So ironically, those who pay less on Monday will get 2 men’s matches versus one on Sunday. To put this in context, however: Ashe only features one R16 match per session throughout LD weekend – so the 2 on Armstrong Monday should be seen as a big bonus. P.J. PS – Just one more note… Read more »
Indeed! Of course, on Sun one could head from LA to Grandstand open seating for the other men’s R16 (weather and crowds permitting). But let’s not count out the women — 2019’s Vekic-Goerges R16 on Mon in LA was the match of the day there, a long and tight one (no offense to Berrettini-Rublev!).
YES! You’re reminding me that I keep meaning to add something in my blog about how spectacular women’s matches can be and how frustratingly underrated they are among fans. On going over to Grandstand, the caveat for other readers is just that it’s no easy feat to access GA seating on Labor Day weekend for men’s matches over there. PJ
Thank you for all your tips and advice. It’s been very helpful. We are looking at going one day either Monday 9/6 or Tuesday 9/7 and getting tickets in Ashe stadium. Why are the tickets higher on Monday than on Tuesday? Labor Day holiday maybe????
Which day do you recommend going?
Hi Cindy, so glad to hear it, thanks. One of the best-kept secrets is that you can attend US Open quarterfinals matches (during day sessions) for less $ than most 3d and 4th round sessions! It’s crazy, and a function of two variables: (1) A ton of tourists plan their visit to the Open during first week and especially Labor Day weekend, so demand for tickets is intense – and prices reflect that demand (2) Prior to QF, there’s more happening on other courts besides Ashe — so people know they will be able to see a lot of tennis… Read more »
Hi PJ, as a first time user of your site I’m very impressed with the HUGE amount of useful info and really appreciate your sharing to make the US Open a truly enjoyable, unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to attend the event. On the use of reliable ticket sites, can you comment on the legitimate resale tickets posted on StubHub if they are also posted on Ticketmaster for the exact same seats? Can ticket resellers list their tickets on multiple ticket sites? Is it worth the lower ticket cost on StubHub vs Ticketmaster for waiting the day before event… Read more »
Hi Gnok, THANKS for the kind words! As fellow fanatic and contributor Tom noted in a comment today, Ticketmaster has introduce a new technology this year that makes counterfeiting impossible. StubHub and other major resale platforms have very strong buyer protections so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed; in the very rare case that something might go south with a seller, they will not only refund you but also help you find a replacement ticket of comparable quality. Note: when comparing prices between what you see on Ticketmaster vs other sites, always be sure to click through to… Read more »
FYI- folks looking for GRANDSTAND tickets… it’s 2:15 am Friday and I see grandstand standard tickets (NOT resale) up on Ticketmaster. I have not seen any until today.
I’m not buying until I see the schedule before tournament starts but I’m sure there are some of you who want grandstand regardless of who’s playing.
Enjoy!
Hey Courtney, thank you! Was about to post a comment along these lines — and ditto for Louis Armstrong. PJ
Hi P.J., I just wanted to add incredible thanks here along with everyone’s—it’s truly difficult to overstate how helpful your guide here has been. So grateful for such a thorough, thoughtful reference! 2019 felt like the peak of the few times I’d gone before thanks to the points and insights here, and it’s heartening finally returning for this year looking ahead—along with just the inspiration behind everything collected here!
Ethan, I’m incredibly grateful for you taking the time to share that! Means so much to me. Thank you!! Hope you have an inspiring, wonderful experience this year! Thanks again, P.J.
PJ: THANK YOU! A checkbox on my wife’s bucket list is the U.S. Open. We play 4.5 hours of tennis a week.
THANK YOU again!
So awesome to hear that, Michael, thank you! So excited for you and your wife to experience the Open! PJ
Hi PJ, thank you so much for all of this helpful info! Question – is Stubhub a 100% reliable source to purchase U.S. Open tickets from? Their prices are certainly attractive, but I’m nervous to purchase tickets from a site that’s not Ticketmaster in case they end up being fake. Any insight on this? Thanks so much!
Hey Valerie, yes absolutely. I’ve used them on numerous occasions and have never had an issue. There is strong buyer (and seller) protection (see their promise here). P.J.
Hi P.J., Many thanks for your detailed guide and time! As SO many people have said before, we’re all super grateful for the time you’ve taken to put this tip guide together and your continued updates and support in the comments! Tennis lifesaver is an understatement 😀 I also had a similar question to Valerie about third party sites. I am also looking into SeatGeek as well, and as I can see there are many different/varying “deliver by” dates. Why is that? Some literally says it will deliver the day before the event. That makes me a bit nervous. Does… Read more »
Hi Hieu, thank you so so much for saying that!! So gratifying to hear. On the resellers: I’m actually not sure why anyone isn’t currently promising immediate delivery this year, because Ticketmaster IS providing immediately access to mobile tickets with barcodes visible (in previous years, there were times when they didn’t until closer to the US Open). It’s probably either that (1) subscribers who posted them a while ago weren’t sure when they’d get theirs (and at the time didn’t have the tickets with barcodes visible) or (2) ticket brokers who are selling on behalf of subscribers and the same… Read more »
Ticketmaster is moving to a new technology with tickets. They are eliminating the possibility of using screenshots to get in, which ensures the veracity of the tickets, Valerie.
In the past, I sold some tickets via third party resellers like StubHub or TickPick or SeatGeek and it was easy to just take a screenshot, and upload that. Now, these tickets will be transferred to the buyer either via email or the respective app. But they are a legit company.
Here’s the article about the elimination of screenshots:
https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/16/ticketmaster-put-an-end-to-screenshots-with-new-digital-ticket-technology/
https://stubhub.community/t5/Selling-Tickets/Transferring-Ticketmaster-SafeTix/td-p/125499
Super valuable contribution as always, Tom- thank you!
Anyone that has tickets can click into the app now, select “view barcode,” and see the very cool new technology at work.
Hi PJ! Hope you’re well. This will be my second time at the US Open. The first time I went 3 years ago I was in the 100 sections of Loge in Ashe, but after reading through your post, I’m thinking this time it’d be better to do courtside in Armstrong instead. Due to travel schedule, I’m only able to be there for the Round of 16 so my questions are: Is there a difference between going on a Sunday or Monday? Is one preferable than the other in terms of seeing bigger names/better matches? Is it better to be… Read more »
Hi Demmi! I would absolutely recommend Monday over Sunday, simply because it’s almost certain to feature 2 men’s Round of 16 on Armstrong versus probably just 1 on Sunday (based on 2019 scheduling and the labeling of tix on Ticketmaster for Grandstand this year, which looks like it will feature 1 men’s R16 match on Sunday – although full disclosure they have deviated from those labels in the past!). Second, I would steer clear of section 14 unless you don’t mind the sun (see my Armstrong shade map) – anything on the West side would be a better choice. Personally… Read more »
Hi PJ! I know you had mentioned that for our first timers, your top recommendation is north or south ends of the court. However, for the same price, I’m leaning more towards the corner seats (section 7 row E) vs section 1 row J just because I think it might be a better view with no one in front of me and there’s still some shade. Does that make sense? Is there any cons that I’m missing? Thank you.
Hey Demmi! Section 7 (rows B-G) is actually where I and friends will be this year Labor Day Monday 🙂 I love that section because of shade, vantage point, and closeness to the players (you feel like you’re on the court with them in the lower seats). But 1J is also an awesome seat (section 9 across also great). Your view would technically be better from 1J (and that’s what most people would consider ideal). And as I mention in FAQ #6 But I think you would love 7E. This photo shows what the view looks like from there. PJ
Thank you so much PJ for all the great tips. I’ll be sure to say hi if I spot you on Labor Day!
PJ,
Does the umpire chair get in the way from that section?
Hey Tom, for me it hasn’t been only a very minor issue from that section – and I personally think the benefits (shade and proximity) outweigh the slight annoyance of not always having a complete view of the player on the other side of the net. See this photo for example. P.J.
Awesome! Thanks for the photo.
I’ll take shade any day on a hot NY summer day!
PJ,
A quick observation: face value tickets went up in price from a few days ago, albeit by relatively de minimis amounts.
Example:
Armstrong 9/5:
Was: $250 (Sec. 8-W)
Now $259
Was: $320 (Sec. 9-M & N)
Now $335
Men’s Final 9/12
Was: $3189 (Sec. 27-J & 11-J & 9-J)
Now $3235
Women’s Final 9/11
Was; $564 (Sec. 124-G & 123-G & 113-G)
Now: $570
Was: $765 (Sec. 117-G)
Now; $778
What do you make of this? I did not think USTA was using a dynamic pricing model.
Hey Tom, great catch. They have actually used a dynamic pricing model in previous years, so looks like they’re doing it again in response to higher demand for those sessions. In 2019, I was surprised to see very few standard prices go down for sessions where there was too little demand (and resale prices were often lower than face-value) – as a result, many standards went unsold for certain sessions (mainly Ashe Promenade and Armstrong courtside during the first few evenings, if I recall correctly). As always, I find it really frustrating that they don’t release their pricing levels for… Read more »
Hi PJ! Your site has been a big help to our family. Thank you. Would you consider courtside seats (section 57 row G) for $670 each to be of reasonable value? Specifically for the Saturday September 4th 7pm Arthur Ashe match. What would you think is good value for courtside seats for this specific match?
Also, how would you recommend selling tickets if I’m wanting to upgrade?
Thanks again! 🙂
Hi Natalie, I’m so glad to hear that, thank you (and you’re welcome)! For that particular night, yes, I think that’s a very reasonable value given what average prices were for that night in 2019 (resales were around $800 that year) and what they are right now (many above $1000)… It has historically been one of the most popular and therefore priciest sessions during the first 8 days of the tournament. For reselling, I generally recommend the tournament’s official Ticketmaster site as a first option because (1) it’s super easy/quick; (2) it’s the site the majority of fans check, so… Read more »
Hey PJ, I know you mentioned that they will continue to release tickets as the US Open approaches. I’ve been checking periodically and mostly am just seeing verified resale tickets in the spots I’m looking (first week day sessions). Do you know if/when they usually start releasing more tickets or when the best time to check for tickets would be. We’re looking to go for three days.
Tuesday: Already purchased morning ashe 100 level tickets for $160.
Two of Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
Still trying to find the best way to see the best tennis affordably.
Hi Dylan, unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether or when they may release new face-value seats for particular sessions. The timing and quantity has been entirely random in the past – and one definitely can’t count on it. In 2019, I recall seeing more pop up beginning in late July (but sales opened a month earlier that year). The only thing I can suggest is to keep checking every day – wish I could offer more practical advice! As the weeks ahead, more people are likely to post tix for resale, which creates more competition among sellers and… Read more »
Hi P.J., I want to echo the posts of how helpful you’ve been to all of us. Thank you. In looking at corner sections in Armstrong – Sections 8 & 17, and to a degree the southern side of section 16 – In section 8, is the white noise that you spoke about in a previous reply to my questions an issue in the lower 5-7 rows (E-L) being the northwest side? In FAQ #4 you talked about the south and southeast seats losing some shade by mid afternoon (the pictures are very helpful). Would it be a case of… Read more »
Hey Kathy, I really appreciate hearing that, thank you!! — In sections 3-8 , noise isn’t an issue at all (I don’t think) in lower 1/2 of the seats. It’s really just pretty egregious in the upper 8 rows (approximately, as memory serves) for those sections. — For section 16 & 17, I don’t believe you’d ever be in a situation where you were actually looking into the sun because of the height of the stadium walls… It’s more just that you’d be in sun, which can occasionally be very hot during the time of the Open but as long… Read more »
New Armstrong is the worst. The first five rows of seats should be sold with the following warning:
“may require you to hike up and down as many as thirty rows in high heat and humidity anytime you leave your seat.”
I would estimate at least 2/3 of the “courtside” seats are situated as far away from the court as the unreserved seats were in old Armstrong (i.e., they would have been above the courtside in old Armstrong. )
The bathroom situation is much improved though assuming you can make it up the steps. LOL.
Hi,
Does anyone know if you can upgrade a nose bleed Ashe ticket for a higher amount Armstrong ticket? How does upgrading work please?
Hi Tamara, for upgrades you have to go in person to the box office at the US Open site on the same day as the session you’d like to upgrade (right by the East Gate entrance). They will give you upgrade options based on availability at that time (there need to be standard tickets available for the session you’re trying to upgrade). I’m pretty sure, but not 100% sure, that you can upgrade from one stadium to another – I’ve never tried myself and haven’t heard definitively from any readers who have done it successfully. Has anyone reading this done… Read more »
I am so impressed with the level of attention you are giving this thread. Thank you so much! Today’s question: I just ordered two Ashe seats for August 30 for our first time to the Open. I am now stuck on a screen that says “Sit tight, we’re securing your verified tickets” for at least ten minutes now. Is this to be expected or should I start over again, (assuming I can safely exit this screen)?
Hi Beth, you’re so welcome! Sounds like it’s stuck – that amount of wait time isn’t normal. I have had the experience on occasion where it takes a little longer (although never that long), then eventually I get a message that another buyer beat me to the tickets… It’s possible that may have happened in your case, but more likely some other technical glitch. I would first try opening another browser window (click “File” then “New Window”) and try again before closing the one you have open. P.J.
Hey PJ, sorry for so many comments this year – I do have a question now about First Round Day sessions. Given your advice about Grounds Passes and how it makes more sense to get an Ashe ticket instead (on days when prices are comparable), I am thinking of getting the cheapest ticket possible for Ashe on Aug 30 & 31 day session ($78+tax+fee). Seems to make sense since there are no standard, non-resale grounds passes available right now anyway. My question is this: During Round 1 day sessions, how hard is it to get into either Armstrong or Grandstand… Read more »
Hey Courtney! It’s usually not that tough to get into Armstrong and GS on Day 1 and 2 – but it usually involves some planning to arrive early before any matches start with big-draw players (Coco Gauff, Nick Kyrgios, etc). My own strategy for those first 2 days is to wait till the schedule is out (the Friday before) for the reasons you outline. And yes, there’s almost always been decently priced upper-level Promenade seats available right up until the match for Day sessions regardless of who is scheduled, although there is of course the strong chance prices will go… Read more »
Thank you as always!!!
Hey PJ,Thanks man for putting so much effort to help fellow tennis enthusiasts.You almost covered all the topics but still one question.What are the chances of getting Ground admission tickets on same morning?I did try that at Wimbledon in 2019,it was a long queue but we’re able to get the tickets.Not sure about the US open.Thinking of driving to NYC on labor day weekend.Thanks in advance .
Hey Inder, thank you! In past years, demand for grounds tickets has been highest (and supply most limited) on Fri- Sun of Labor Day weekend (in 2019 they were totally sold out the week prior for the Fri and Sat of that weekend). This year we’re seeing something we’ve never seen so early: face-value grounds tickets currently sold out for all sessions except Wed 9/1 and Monday 9/7 – with resale prices through the roof. I suspect this is because USTA has released fewer than ever before because of COVID-related crowd size concerns: they may be holding off on releasing… Read more »
Hi, P.J., This is very interesting about the reduced inventory of grounds pass tickets, and also about Armstrong Section 2. Can you please share your observations about other changes that you’ve noticed from recent years, specifically 2019 and 2018. You have a wealth of experience and knowledge about trends and how things were. I am specifically asking about the 2021 price of standard tickets, resale tickets, inventory, and other differences that you may have spotted so far. And, in light of these changes, do you anticipate modifying some of the advice and tips on your site? On my end, for… Read more »
Hi Tom, thank you my friend. I’m currently trying to analyze all the sessions in light of my notes from last year (comparing to this time period and what happened closer to/during the tournament – including super helpful insights and data you shared back then!). It’s a lot to process given the number of sessions/stadiums/tiers within stadium. At the moment, I don’t think there’s much I’d modify by way of general guidance – largely because I have seen so many surprises and unpredictable things unfold. But I am trying to see if I can develop any more granular recommendations on… Read more »
And one more question, I managed to get section 322, row L for the final for $280+fees ($604 total for 2 tix) Do you think these are worth it? Should we even bother going, or just resell them?
Thanks!
Hey Rob, depends entirely on your personal perspective. Say your favorite player makes it into Finals – it might be a thrill for you to be there, regardless of the seat. Row L is 1/2 way up that section – and just being in the stadium during high-stakes matches can be a blast. And who knows, it might be a historic match for some reason, making it all the more meaningful… That said, if you’ve seen top players before and have sat in great seats in Ashe, I can understand the temptation to sell – and right now the going… Read more »
Personally I say don’t. At least not yet. Here’s why… you are fortunate to have been able to get tickets at the lowest price. I managed to get one for $305 plus tax/fee] yesterday when some more tickets were released. I moved quickly and grabbed the best available promenade (sec 317, row k…in the sun, darn it!) because whenever I go to Ashe, I have always moved down to empty seats in Loge. This isn’t super easy but it isn’t very difficult. Prior to 2019 I had never been to a final. Too expensive for me. But in 2019, trying… Read more »
All very solid advice, Courtney, thank you for sharing it! PJ
Another quick question: If you have evening tickets to Arthur Ashe, can you access the grounds during the day?
Hey Rob, Evening session tickets for either Ashe or Armstrong allow entry into US Open grounds at 6:00 p.m. PJ
Thanks so much for this resource — I’ve benefited from your tips and info for many years. One question though. I’m wondering if this year the “Ticketmaster Exchange” site is exactly the same as the regular Ticketmaster. In prior years, the two sites had different formatting, but now they look the same — and so far the ticket availability has been identical. Just curious if you’ve noticed this. Thanks!
Hey John, I’m so glad to hear that, thank you! And you are absolutely correct – I wasn’t 100% sure until yesterday myself and wanted to triple check to make sure I wasn’t missing anything… I’ve adjusted the post to reflect this. It certainly simplifies matters a ton for fans to not have to check both – so glad to see they combined it. Thanks for raising this! P.J.
Hi and thanks again for great help in 2019! This year I’m surprised to see hardly any “blue” seats in Armstrong for labor day weekend sessions, as of today 7/16. In 2019 I know I bought mine in August, with plenty to choose from in rows N-Z (both blue & pink). I guess later-release seats don’t necessarily get snatched up as quickly? Also this year section 2 seems totally off-limits in every session, I wonder what that’s about. Cheers!
Hey Kevin, great to hear from you! Sorry about the delay in responding… Yeah, there do seem to be fewer on average than in 2019. And great observation about Section 2 – it could possibly be that USTA didn’t open much (any?) in that section to subscribers and is holding onto seats in that section for VIPs (similar to “house seats” on broadway) and may release more as we get closer… Wouldn’t want to count on that, but could be the case. P.J.
Thanks for the great article. Question – we are hiring a car back to our hotel after the night matches on ashe (30th and 31st). what time do you recommend we schedule it for? how long can hang around after the match ends? do the bars and restaurants close right when the last match ends?
Hey Josh, that’s a tough one. First round matches on Ashe often are relatively quick because they can be lopsided (e.g. with the #1 or 2 seed playing an unseeded player) – but there are always exceptions. As a rough rule of thumb, I usually estimate women’s matches to be around 90 minutes (but they may end up being 60 min or 120!) and men’s to be around 2h15 (usually at least 2 hours but sometimes 3-1/2 or more). The start time on opening night will be delayed for about 30 min due to opening ceremony. Warmups take about 15… Read more »
Super helpful – thank you!!
PJ, thanks for all the great advice. Im trying to buy first row tickets courtside in Ashe. On ticketmaster, closest I can find is 4 rows back. On secondary sites (Stub hub, Seat Geek) I have found tickets like 54AA but it doesn’t show which seat thus I dont know if it is first or second row in AA. Is there a way to determine what im getting? Does it really matter first or second row? Im trying to get 2 tickets for Sept 4th, am I trying to buy too early?
Hey Chris, best thing to do is go to Ticketmaster, click on any Ashe session, then click on any particular section on the stadium map (like section 54) to open the map view (such that you can see the individual dots for each seat), then mouse over the dots and a pop-up will appear with the row letter and seat number. Section 54 in Ashe has two rows of AA, then two rows of A, then two rows of each letter after that. Note: Section 54 is right behind the umpire chair – so you’d be super close to the… Read more »
Hi again. I just got an email for USOpen (Friday 11:30 am) saying I should buy my Grandstand tickets before they are all gone. Does that mean they won’t release more at some point, or are they just marketing? My plan has been to wait, as you suggest, to see if better deals come along as resale or new releases. (I’m trying to keep up with comments and replies. Apologies if someone already asked this.)
Hi Beth, largely marketing… US Open sends a ton of emails along those lines. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether they will release new face-value seats for particular sessions – definitely can’t count on it, and it’s less likely for some sessions and stadiums. Grandstand has relatively few reserved courtside seats in general, so it’s rare to see standard seats pop up in Grandstand, esp over the holiday weekend. The one thing you can count on is more people posting tix for resale, which means in many cases it pays to keep vigilant and looking. P.J.
This page and message board is AMAZING! Thank you so much for your time and effort in putting this together!
Quick question, when you say they “release tickets” later on, do you just have to check ticketmaster daily? Any way to get an alert?
Thank you.
Hey Rob, THANK YOU! Unfortunately the “releases” are random, never announced, and only for some sessions so you can’t count on them, only be pleasantly surprised if we see them and have to just have to keep checking daily. I know, super frustrating…! P.J.
Gotcha. Thank you and best of luck to us all! 🙂
I check daily and multiple times a day, sometimes multiple times an hour. Have the app ready to look whenever you have a minute. It paid off for me today because I wanted a men’s finals ticket and couldn’t get one when they went on sale. All were gone within the first several hours. And the cheapest Ashe seats went fast). Today I randomly looked at the app and BINGO! Some non resale seats were there. I grabbed one and now can breathe much more easily!
Thank you so much for this blog!! I’m going for my bday and I had so many questions and your post answered all of them.. but I do have 1 question. I can’t be in the sun for long periods of time, but im going to a night game at Armstrong and I want to be as close as possible, but shaded. Do you think I’ll be ok by 7pm if I do sections 1-8 and im seated as close to the court as possible, or should I just play it safe and sit in a top row? Thanks
Hi Candice, you’re so welcome! And yes you will be in great shape by 7 in those sections. Enjoy! P.J.
Hi PJ, thanks for this great site, such a fantastic resource you’re put together.
Based on your rec I scored a nice almost courtside ticket for Armstrong on for Sunday the 5th.
However I was looking at buying a ticket for Grandstand for Saturday the 4th, and there is only reseller ticket options available. Section 17A Row A, almost for the cost of a reseller GA pass.
Do you recommend I wait it out for now until USTA releases more tickets or resellers post more? Thanks so much
Hey Kia, my pleasure, thank you very much. For Grandstand on that Saturday, there is always a lot of demand – and far fewer (if any) standard tix that tend to be released. In 2019, the lowest resale prices never went much below $230 for the day. I’d keep an eye out for other resale posts (I’m sure there will be more) and hope you can score a good deal. That is a great day to have Grandstand reserved seats because crowds are usually intense. P.J.
Thank you so much PJ. Last question. For the Grandstand and Louis tickets (Saturday and Sunday) there are only day session tickets. Does that still mean I can keep the same seat for all the matches that day or just the day portion?
Thank you
Hi Kia, you’re most welcome. That’s correct for all except Armstrong on Saturday, which does have a night session that day. For Grandstand you’d be able to stay for ALL matches on both days, and for Armstrong all matches on Sunday. PJ
Hello PJ, Sorry if someone already posted this or if I missed it in your tips, but it looks like they converted the upper sections on the ends in Louis Armstrong to reserved seating. Only a few rows in each section, but the prices are much more reasonable than in the courtside seating. Obviously not quite the same thrill as being lower, but I would highly recommend for those on a budget. I snagged seats on Sunday the 5th for $158 a piece. Not bad for a full day of matches. Thanks as always for maintaining your site and keeping… Read more »
Hi Lucas, great question. The vast majority of seats in that upper deck remain unreserved, but the tournament does have a small handful of reserved sets in the N and S sections and they occasionally put some of those up for sale — which is what you purchased. That is a great deal indeed for that day I’m sure you’ll be happy you have them when you see the crowds lining up for big matches there that Sunday (and/or if it rains given the Armstrong roof)! P.J.
In 2019, they were reserving some of those seats for season subscribers. I tried to sit in those ends and was told they are reserved for subscribers. I never saw those seats go on sale as individual tickets.
In 2018, the handicap seats in those areas were accessible to those as general admission seating. Now I see they are up for sale, too.
That’s a great spot to be in. I’m sad they don’t allow general admission seating there.
Hello P.J i know you said we can’t predict who plays and when but this is my first time going and i really want to see Nadal or Federer or Novak or Murray or Berrettini and i don’t mind seeing one of them but do you think its more likely that I see one of them in the 8th of September? because i booked and now I’m having second thoughts
Hi Lua, the chances of you seeing at least one of them during quarterfinals on Sep 8 is quite good – however for the reasons I outline in FAQ#1 and on this PDF with details on how scheduling works, there truly is no way to predict. The only thing I can say is that world-class tennis is truly thrilling no matter who you see play – and sometimes it’s the matches with the lesser-known players that deliver the most thrills of all. P.J.
Hey everyone! I had an incredible first time at the US Open in 2019 thanks to PJ’s help, and I want to share 3 key takeaways if this is your first time (or even if it isn’t!) When PJ says it’s worth it to splurge on a Courtside seat just once, listen to him! In 2019, I went to a Courtside day session and Loge night session on Ashe. Even though I had the absolute best seat in Loge (front row corner) and a relatively mediocre Courtside seat (near the net, about halfway up), Loge was NOTHING like Courtside. Sitting… Read more »
Eva, thank you very very much for generously sharing such a vivid and thoughtful account of your experiences! I’m thrilled it all worked out for you and hope you have a spectacular time this year! Thank you again. P.J.
Thanks for the great tips, Eva! And P.J., I absolutely love all the great info you’ve posted here! This will be my first trip to a grand slam and I’ll be there September 3rd through 8th. So if I can only splurge on ONE courtside seat, is it better to buy one now (for whatever day I can find the best seat at the best price) OR use your advice to wait until the day before the match to buy one, so I’ll know for sure who’s playing? Will any face value tickets for courtside be available then, or will… Read more »
Hey Tracie, so glad to hear it, thanks! My answer depends on how much you value the courtside experience versus seeing a particular player. I would check out 2019 schedule of play for the comparable days (day 5-10) — and see the various lineup on Ashe for Day/Eve sessions those days — and ask yourself honestly: would you be thrilled to be courtside no matter who gets scheduled? If so, then finding the best seat you can at the best price in advance makes sense. If not, waiting MAY make sense – however, that comes with a big risk that… Read more »
I splurged for Roger courtside day, and woke up late! Missed the alarm go off! I freaked out, was practically crying, and got to the match when it was halfway over. Never again.
What time would you estimate the grandstand matches will end on Friday the 3rd?
I went a little crazy (lol!) and bought great seats for both grandstand (2nd row behind baseline) and Louis Armstrong 7 PM session (5th row behind baseline.)
Do you think I’ll make good use of both or is this a bit of a mistake? I can always sell my Louis Armstrong Tix.
Thanks!
Hey Justin! It all depends on how competitive the matches are – but they do often go past 7pm during 3d round. I have taken your approach (of buying reserved seats in different stadiums for day/night sessions on same day) on multiple occasions and never regretted it. Those Armstrong seats are going to be very sweet after a day under the sun in Grandstand… Maybe the last GS match won’t be of as much interest to you as the first match on Armstrong… Or maybe you stay glued at GS and miss a lot of the first match on LA,… Read more »
Awesome! Thanks for the advice. I’m definitely excited going to be a very cool experience.
Check out PJs section above called TIP #10. “PAY IT FORWARD” WHEN YOU CAN!
I do whenever I can and it always comes back. 🙂
Thank you, Courtney!
Hi PJ, wonderful blog and appreciate you sharing your knowledge with everyone. I will likely to follow your tip #5 and go for Louis Armstrong for sept 6 baseline tickets as close to front row as possible. From your experience do you know the reasonable price range for these tickets? I see some are available in Sec 9 row E for $540+fees. Wondering if you would expect better offers to possible come up. Thanks
Hey Jay, thank you so much – I get so energized this time of year by all the passion from fellow players and fans, and it’s such a pleasure. That row in Section 9 is actually front row (considered “behind the server”) – and you can’t get much better. Front row always commands a premium because there’s frankly nothing like it. For that particular day, that’s actually historically a pretty good deal. That said, you’ll notice there are some scattered face-value seats still available several rows back for about half that amount and some for $100 less a few rows… Read more »
Hey thanks for the advice, those front row tickets didn’t last long they were gone the next day! I ended up getting Section 9 row F for just under $500 from SeatGeek. Thanks again and enjoy the tennis!
Great Jay!! Likewise, hope you have an absolutely amazing time! PJ
I am going to the US Open for the first time. I need to thank you first as reading your blog made it so much easy to get all the information in one place. As I will be visiting US Open on Labor day weekend and mostly my only visit, I grabbed the tickets for 2 sessions each on 9/4 (Sat) & 9/5 (Sun). Mentioning the ticket prices to get your idea if I overpaid for these tickets or are the prices fair for US Open 2021. Arthur Ashe Tickets (9/4) – 3rd Round Men’s/Women’s [Day] – Section 133 Row… Read more »
Hi Yuvraj, excited for you to experience the Open for the first time! So glad the blog was helpful to you. Yes, just looked at what’s available and also compared to averages for last year – you did very well! The $595 courtside was a particularly good deal for that Saturday night session, when prices tend to be astronomical. P.J.
So. Let’s talk Men’s semis. It is criminal that they split what has always been the best value session into two sessions. Back in the day (2019 and before), I paid about $350 for a lower promenade seat and got one doubles and two semis. THREE great matches. One ticket. Easy Peasy. This year, to get the same, I paid $450 ($250 am & $200 pm) AND I have the added inconvenience of having to exit Ashe and hang around doing nothing on the grounds where there are no other matches going on, so I can go back into Ashe… Read more »
Hey Courtney, yeah it’s hard to see that single session go. 🙁 P.J.
P.J.
Thank you again for providing such useful information!
My question is about the courtside (behind the server) boxes at AA. You mentioned that some of the rows begin with ‘E’, are these double rows (ie two rows of E, two rows of F, etc, etc.)? If I purchase a ticket in section 35 row G, would that be 3 rows up or could it possibly be 6 rows up?
Hi Steve, yes, section 35 starts with E — and there are two rows of each letter. G is 5th or 6th row (8 rows total in that section). P.J.
Hi P.J Do you recommend being as close to the court as possible in Armstrong? Looking at 5-7 rows from the court. Preferring the shady side is the umpire’s chair a major obstruction or manageable? Or would you recommend a bit higher? I would prefer corners but at this time only seeing sideline seats if that effects your opinion. Also, will there be more Armstrong seats released today or in the coming days? I saw a small rush this morning then not much this afternoon. Thanks
Hi Kathy, I personally love sitting in the very front rows in Armstrong even on the umpire side – but it’s a preference. I think most people prefer low rows behind the server (N or S side). The umpire chair is never a total obstruction but some may find it an annoyance in the lowest rows (although probably not an issue by row 5 or higher) — see this photo as an example I took from 2d row in corner of Armstrong. I personally don’t mind this for reasons I mention in my FAQ#7. We can never predict whether they… Read more »
Good morning P.J., Thank you again. My apologies for taking your time during a busy time. After my post I reread your site information regarding the umpire chair. I regret not jumping on the tickets when available. Could you give me an idea of a decent price for resale tickets in Armstrong for the holiday weekend (Sunday or Monday) close to the court? I am debating on whether to buy standard tickets now to guarantee a seat although higher up or wait. I assume higher tickets, Row S or higher, are still good seats. Kathy
Hi Kathy, my pleasure – no apologies needed! $260-$356 are appx prices of face value for lower 1/2 rows in Armstrong on those days ($215-$239 for upper rows, a bit higher for Sun), so I consider anything under $500 resale for amazing seats in very low rows on those days to be a great deal. Sun and Mon Armstrong Day are very high-demand sessions. I also made this note in 2019 and keep meaning to add it back in: Because of some “white noise” caused by a buzzing generator near the West side of the stadium–combined with the concourse-level chatter… Read more »
P.J. – Thank you for the ticket price information to look for. Would it usually be closer to the tournament, mid August anyway, before the resale prices go down (or hopefully not up)? I may look at other/alternate sessions as well per your recommendation for Armstrong 9/1-9/6 (Tip #5). As always, thanks again.
Hey Kathy, you’re very welcome. It’s unfortunately impossible to predict with any certainty – I’ve seen it go in different directions over the years based on the session. Generally we see more good deals emerge on the resale market as we get closer to the tournament – but have been times when average prices don’t budge much (or do go up) because demand is so high. Personally, I budget a certain amount and hold off to see if I can find something within that budget that aligns with my priorities. And my strategy may differ from session-to-session based on how… Read more »
Hi P.J., Thank you for sharing your experiences. It is very helpful and gives great insight. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to find tickets within my comfort level and priorities. Not being limited to a specific day or session is a plus as well. Kudos to you for taking family and friends to the Open.
-Kathy
Ashe upper deck tickets $40 less than resale ground pass tickets! Great tip and thanks for saving us some money lol
Glad to hear it, Corey! PJ
Great article to refer PJ! Got both the semifinal- mens tickets . Noon session for 630 $ (including tax) loge section 120, row K and evening session for 289 $(including tax) Section 321 lower promenade row F. Do you think that’s a reasonable deal? All the information you posted proved super useful! Thank you!
Hey Jacques, thank you! For Day Semis: yes, you paid the price of a standard ticket in that section/row – and that’s a great vantage point. Same for evening: you paid the standard price and resales are going for more. You will have a great day/night of tennis!! P.J.
I just read that there is storage for $10. Perfect! Do you reserve that ahead of time?
Hey Lisa, apologies for the slow reply to your first message – yes easy to do on site and no need to reserve ahead of time! P.J.
Hey P.J., quick follow-up question on the bag storage.
If the night session goes until 1 AM, will the storage area be open to retrieve our bags?
Hey Yuvraj, yes the bag areas stay open for a good amount of time after the last match ends. P.J.
Is there a limit on the size of bag you can have and does it ever fill up?
Hey Nick, no limit – and I have never heard of it filling up. P.J.
PS– Fellow fan Courtney also recommends this site for comprehensive list of luggage storage options in NYC: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/luggage-storage-in-nyc/
Ok so my plan is to go aug 30-sept 3 what would be the good days to go and what sessions , I’m going with my 2 children (13-17) one plays and lives for tennis
Hard to answer without knowing what kind of budget you have in mind or how many of those days you want to attend… My general inclination is to focus on quality over quantity – especially if one of your kids isn’t a player. One possible itinerary: 1. Aug 30: Buy cheap Ashe Day session seats (available starting at $74 each now) and plan on spending most of the day walking around and seeing play on the different “field courts” for matches that look most interesting to your child who plays (see my Tip #1 and 2 for rationale). Only plan… Read more »
We scored tickets to the day session on Friday September 10th. We fly into LGA at 10am. We are staying in midtown. We would like to go to the open from the airport. Any suggestions on where to keep luggage? Do any hotels offer that even if you aren’t staying there?
Thank you!!
Hi PJ! Thank you iam visiting NY from the Domincan Republic, not sure if its a good idea to Buy the Ticket for the 30 august at the Us open Ticket door or should i try to purchase it online? I read very carefully your bloq and i was watching the prices of the ground pass and they are at $60 dollars per ticket and when i watch other prices of the stadium they are minimun $140 each. Not sure which one should i decide.
Hi Abraham, there actually are high-row seats available in Ashe for August 30 for around the same price ($74) as a grounds admission ticket. I’d recommend the Ashe tickets for reasons I mention in my Tip #3. P.J.
Hi PJ, Love the article. I’m going to be in New York From the first Thursday until the end of the tournament. My plan is/was to get a grounds pass on Thursday and try to get a grandstand ticket in the first couple rows for Friday. I tried to purchase during the sale this morning but they were sold out. Should I just keep checking the ticket re-sale to see if some come available? Thanks!
Hey there, thanks so much! For Thurs, there are currency grounds passes available – but also tickets in Ashe the same price, so I’d recommend those instead for reasons I mention in my Tip #3. For Grandstand, it’s typical there are very few (if any) standard face-value tickets available for that Friday – mainly just resales (there are several available, but pricey). I’d keep monitoring in days/weeks ahead to see if you can spot a good deal. P.J.
Thank you for our response. I must have missed that part. Ashe is actually cheaper than a grounds pass right now!
How far up are the seats on Grandstand if I don’t get reserved seating. Just curious if it’s worth it to pay $200 to get a reserved spot or if i can just try to get there super early to get an early spot.
Cheers!
My pleasure! There isn’t a bad seat in Grandstand – fantastic, intimate stadium. There’s often competition for those general seats depending on the day and featured match – so can be a godsend to have a reserved seat, especially on Fri-Sun of Labor Day weekend. But it’s absolutely not necessary if you’re willing to get there early and sit through a match that isn’t so popular before one that draws big crowds. P.J.
I agree that the GS for the most part doesn’t have a bad seat. (Though the plastic barriers that can block site lines I can do without but that issue is not unique to GS). I even like how you can stand around the walkway up to the top and get a nice view down to the court (if security isn’t shuffling you along, which is always hit or miss). But it can get mighty hot on the east side. On a sunny day the sun will start hitting you directly in the early afternoon and there is no where… Read more »
Hey Billy, yes totally agree with your assessment – esp that hot East-side sun! P.J.
I LOVE this blog – I’ve used it every year we’ve gone to the Open to guide my decisions – thanks so much for pulling this all together for us fans! I have a question regarding staying in Louis Armstrong between day and night sessions. I just purchased 2 tickets for the Louis Armstrong Day session Fri, Sept 3 and I’m wondering if I’m understanding correctly that if we wanted to stay for the night session in Louis Armstrong, we would just stay in the arena (but out of our seats) and be able to head up to the top… Read more »
Hey Whitney, THANK YOU for letting me know that, means a ton! I’m actually not 100% sure about your question- hoping some other readers can weigh in with experience in 2019… I am pretty sure they only clear the courtside seats after the day session and don’t force those ticketholders out of the lower Armstrong concourse area – so if that’s the case again, theoretically yes you’d have an advantage going up to the GA seating. But I don’t remember for sure. Anyone else have that experience in 2019? P.J.
On Wednesday of the first week in 2019, it rained all day. We had General admission tickets and got to gates before they opened. We ran to Armstrong and sat in the front row of the Armstrong GA seating area for the entire day and saw some great matches (Nishikori, Venus, Svitolina, Keys). They did clear everyone out after the day session. Since there was already a line of people waiting to get into the night session (due to rain) and we knew we wouldn’t get those great seats anymore, so we just left early for the airport. BTW we… Read more »
Thanks for sharing that experience, Tamara!
You do not need a night session ticket for general admission sections in any of the stadiums. They will have you leave the lower sections and you cannot enter until a certain time (usually around 6ish) with night session tickets.
Hey PJ,
I got a ticket to Arthur Ashe Men’s Final 318 lower promenade F section for $299.50 including taxes.
Putting it here as a reference for you to predict future tournaments.
Thank you so much for this blog. It helped me a lot in gaining a perspective of what to expect in the US Open and how to book tickets.
Hey Soham, great work, congrats! So glad the blog was helpful! P.J.
Hey, quick question, there is also a women’s double final at 1 pm, suppose I go for that, will I be able to get out of the Arthur Ashe and enter again for Mens Final?
Hey Soham, your ticket is valid for both Women’s Dubs and Men’s Final matches on Sep 12 (there’s only 1 session) – so can leave and re-enter as much as you’d like (and they will not be clearing the stadium between the two matches). P.J.