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.












sorry for this basic question but will a granstand ticket give u access to outer courts…ps..great info and thks
Hey Guy, no worries! Yes, any ticket (including for Grandstand) gets you entrance into the US Open Grounds — and once you’re in, anyone can access general unreserved seating in all stadiums/courts (except Ashe, in which there is no unreserved seating). P.J.
All of this information is so helpful, thanks! I have day and night session tickets for Ashe for the first 2 days (bad seats), are you able to do the open seating at Armstrong for the night session with the ashe night ticket? I’m guessing the first few rows of Armstrong open seating will be better than my Ashe ticket reserved seats. Thanks!
Great to hear that, thanks! Yes absolutely – once in the grounds with any ticket, anyone can can line up for GA seating in all the other courts/ stadiums, including Armstrong night sessions. P.J.
thank you for providing all this valuable information! i am traveling in a group of 5 around labor day weekend (friday – monday). we are planning to attend friday and saturday day sessions. do you recommend purchasing a mix of armstrong and ashe tickets for each session (e.g., 3 armstrong + 2 ashe) and sharing it amongst our group, or purchasing a mix of seats for ashe (e.g., 3 upper promenade + 2 loge)? is ashe stadium generally pretty empty during the day sessions?
Hi Katie, you’re welcome! Ashe is generally packed Saturday of Labor Day weekend. My answer depends a lot on your group’s dynamic/priorities… If everyone cares about seeing the same players and types of matches, it’s risky some might end up with some hard feelings if they feel like they missed out on some key matches or portions of them. However, if you’re all in agreement that it could be cool to divide and conquer — and set some clear ground rules in advance — then I’d definitely consider doing it for at least one of the days. Maybe try the… Read more »
Hey PJ. Looking at Ashe tix first couple nights and my jaw is on the floor. $400 for courtside row A. Feel like same tix a few days ago were like $700-1,000.
what do you think explains this rapid price drop? Just fed/delta? Do you think prices might rise again on some good news (e.g., Nadal hopefully announcing his participation)?
also, given that these seats are still prohibitively expensive for later rounds, do you think it’s worth it to just spend the money to view a (likely less competitive) match super up close?
thx so much
Hi SG, yes I think it’s predominantly the Delta factor plus Federer dropping out — and yes, I think Nadal confirming could potentially fuel some demand. It’s always hard to predict these things, this year more than ever. I absolutely DO think it’s worth having a courtside Ashe experience that you can afford in early rounds – in fact, I’m taking my parents-in-law on Day 1 for that very reason 🙂 It’s always a thrill, and you’re guaranteed to see some of the biggest names close up in those early rounds, day or night. (And while both Day and Night… Read more »
Thx boss. You’re the man. I have a few other random questions (PS you should rly consider charging small fee for your answers I know I’d pay lol) 1) thoughts on Armstrong sec 9 row E seats 1-3 for day? Shade? It looks from the virtual pics that there’s a little glass barrier sitting atop the front row surrounding Armstrong – would that impede the view/is it better to get a higher up seat? 2) thoughts on grandstand sec 1 rows N&0 seats 9-10? shade? Good deal for $100 for days 1 & 2 or better to spend 3x that… Read more »
You’re most welcome! 1) I’ve sat in that section/row and love it – amazing to be in the front row from that vantage point. Shade isn’t really permanent anywhere in Armstrong, but that section gets quite a bit (see my Armstrong shade map as an indication). Honestly I’m not 100% sure on the relation of the little plastic barrier(s) in that section – I don’t recall seeing them at all over there, just on the opposite side near the camera. The virtual photos on that US Open site are renderings and I think were there from even before the stadium… Read more »
Thanks a million, PJ! So incredibly helpful 🙂
I’m going the first two nights, then again Sep 6 Armstrong day & Ashe night. Also went a little crazy and got a bunch of (relatively) inexpensive tickets with some friends for opening week to just have max flexibility for any potentially awesome matchups lol (Grandstand Mon, Thurs & Fri; Armstrong Tuesday). Mayyyy have overdone it ever so slightly haha.
Will buy you a drink if I run into you at the open!!
That is so fantastic to hear, I’m so psyched for you!!! I overdo it every year… and I will tell you I’ve never regretted it. No need to buy me a drink, but I’ll be there on Sep 6 same itinerary (section 7 2d row Armstrong, the section 58 Ashe evening) so hopefully we’ll run into each other to say hello! P.J.
Hello PJ, this is amazing. So much information can be found here.
I was looking at the pattern, and looks like Novak will play a morning session on day 1 at the ash? 2020 night game, 2019 morning game.
any thoughts?
Hi there, thank you! There is actually no way to predict at this point either which days any player will play (through Quarterfinals), or whether they will be scheduled day or night sessions. See my FAQ#1 for why along with this background note). P.J.
Hey! We have tickets to semifinal evening session. Do we know what seeds usually play the evening session? Looks like Novak will be seeded 1 and Nadal 4. My question is, if its decided that the higher seed gets the evening session for the semifinals? Thank you for all the tips!
Hi Marc, my pleasure! Generally speaking there’s no rhyme or reason — depends on the whims of the tournament director and team making the decision on a daily basis. (On a related note, see my FAQ#1 and my explanation of how seeds/draw factor into overall scheduling here). That said, for the Quarterfinals they have historically always put the match featuring the biggest headline name(s) at night — and I would put a lot of money on them doing the same this year for Men’s Semis this year, now that there’s a night session. P.J.
I bought a night session arther ashe ticket. What do you recommend I do during the day. Can i go and see other matches during the day at other stadiums and practices
Hi Rahul, unfortunately a night session ticket only allows you entry into the grounds at 6:00pm. P.J.
Hi PJ! Thanks so much for the great info! Practice sessions during the qualies are closed to the public. I assume that includes the practice sessions the weekend of the 28th/29th?
Hi Ruzz! Yes, unfortunately that is also the case this year. I think the tournament is understandably laser focused on protecting the “bubble” to protect players, officials, staff, etc. that week and reduce as much risk as possible. P.J.
7pm Friday 9/3 at Ashe
Pj. Would you recommend $900/seat in section 66, F, 1-2, $650/seat section 13, C, 1–2 or $610/seat section 13, E, 1-2?
Hey Peter, personally I’d go with 13 C 1-2. Those 66F seats would be really really sweet – but hard to justify the additional $250 as 13C are fantastic. The extra $ between the C and E rows in 13 is absolutely worth it to my mind. Keep an eye on 23-A seats as well – if price goes down a bit, those would be awesome if you can get 2d row. But again, 13C will offer a phenomenal experience. P.J.
Hey PJ, this post is amazing. Couldn’t locate my question below so asking here. Men’s Finals tickets hovering around $400 right now for promenade (can’t afford the $1k+ for loge). Is this fair price to lock in now or you think they’ll get much cheaper in coming weeks? (or more expensive)
Much appreciated
Thank you! Normally I would not give strong advice on a question about ticket price timing… But between the trends around the Delta variant impacting travel plus the recent pullout of Federer — and the potential for Nadal to withdraw or not make it through to finals– my recommendation to anyone considering finals tickets is to hold off in anticipation of some resale prices going down (potentially waiting until even the second week of the tournament). While I certainly can’t guarantee anything, I think it’s a reasonable bet to think that you will be able to get a much better… Read more »
Ticket prices for uppers are pricing in Djokovic making the final but not Nadal. If Nadal makes it to week two and looks in good form prices will start rising. If Nadal makes the final upper prices may jump to levels as high as they did when Fed made 2017 QFs and uppers rose from about $200 week one to around $600 in anticipation of Fed-Nadal final. (Only to crash back when Delphi won). Even with Nadal out as long as Djokovic is alive I don’t think prices will move down and may move up as CYGS hype grows.
This site is awesome! Thank you so much for all the work you put into it! I am headed up on Weds Sept 1 with some girlfriends. We want to spend the day there and I am looking for the best options. We have a decent budget but im not sure where to spend it. Do we get Ashe tickets for both sessions that day or do something else/just wander around during the day and splurge for the night session? (We fly in the morning of the 31st so have the option of going that evening as well but wasn’t… Read more »
Hi Volree, thank you and you are most welcome!! My strong recommendation: allocate the bulk of your budget to the best Ashe evening seats you can afford (courtside level if possible), and just get a super cheap Ashe Day session ticket (like upper Promenade) to enter the grounds, have rain insurance, check out Ashe if anyone you care about is playing — but plan to spend the day wandering around outer courts, taking it all in.. then treat yourself to a magical night experience on Ashe. Let me know if you have any questions! P.J.
thank you!!!
Hi PJ! Thank you for your site, it has become the bible for US Open fans and I used it a lot during the 2019 US Open. I just wanted to let you know that Amex has a new space called Amex Patio near Court 17 and reservations for the Centurion Suite (for Platinum and Centurion cardmembers) are for this year already open through Resy (and going fast!).
Alejandro, huge thanks – both for the kind words and for this great update, which I hadn’t been tracking! Will update the post now. Deeply appreciated! P.J.
Amex will have 3 lounges for this year’s open: 1) Amex Patio (by court 17) 2) Amex Card Member Lounge and Patio (2nd level of Armstrong) These 2 will be accessible to Amex cardholders by displaying an Amex card to prove one is a cardholder. Alejandro, correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe the Resy reservation website entitles one to make a reservation for either (1) or (2). I don’t believe there is a reservation system, but of course, capacity limits will be enforced so there will be a wait to get in. Now, the third lounge, is… Read more »
Brilliant, Tom, thank you so much! P.J.
Hi Tom! Thank you for expanding my comments on the Amex lounges. You´re right, the only Resy reservation needed is for the Centurion Suite (former Centurion Lounge) in Armstrong. I think the Amex Card Member Lounge in Armstrong (which seems to replace the Amex Experience & Lounge) is open for any Amex card member, while the Amex Patio (by court 17) will be open to everyone, with or without an Amex card.
Hi PJ, this blog is a seriously a godsend! Thanks to your advice, I managed to snag 2 face value tickets from Ticketmaster for the Round of 16 Day Session on 9/5 (Sunday). Unfortunately, I am no longer able to attend the event and have posted them for sale on Ticketmaster. Those are Loge Level tickets in Sec 132 (Row H) and Sec 135 (Row F). I’m just looking to recoup my losses by selling at face value but Ticketmaster imposes a substantial fee on the seller so do you know of any other 3rd party platforms?thanks!
Hey James, you’re welcome! Though very sorry to hear you can no longer attend. All the resale platforms take a very similar percentage of fees – it’s the main way they earn revenues to stay in business and offer the kind of robust consumer protections (for both buyers and sellers) that they do. I’d check StubHub, SeatGeek, and some of the others I mention in my Box 2 above – but I think they’re all comparable. Wishing you luck to try to recoup! P.J.
Try TickPick. They’re the only ticket reseller that doesn’t have any kind of fees and they’ve been reliable for me in the past!
Hi P J! As so many others have mentioned, your information is gold and is extremely helpful, especially for first timers. Thank you so much for all your generosity of wisdom. This year is going to be my first time attending the US Open. I planned on attending last year and we all know how that went. For years now, my goal has been to watch all of the Big Three in person before they retire. Fingers crossed they are healthy enough to play this year from injury and so forth. I live out of state and am staying with… Read more »
Hi Lauren! If you’re staying with your brother, I’d counsel you to take your time in purchasing tickets. With Federer now out (and Nadal possibly pulling out) combined with Delta-related concerns hindering some travel, it’s quite possible average prices will decline. In addition, if you play it by ear some of the time and wait until the day prior when schedule is announced, you’ll be able to (1) prioritize budget towards the sessions with players you really care about seeing and (2) find some great last-minute deals if some resellers lower prices in a last-ditch effort to recoup costs. If… Read more »
PJ, I am attending the US Open on 8/31/21 and I can’t find where I can reserve parking. The last time I attended, my siblings and I parked at a nearby hotel that had a shuttle to and from BJK tennis center. This year, the hotel is not open, so I will have to park on-site. I see that parking is $25, but I don’t see where I can reserve parking at the tennis center, ahead of time.
Hi Shelly, unfortunately it’s not possible to pre-reserve parking at the US Open. Some subscribers are given parking passes as part of their packages, and many of them resell those passes on StubHub or other resale sites (often for pretty exorbitant prices). If you drive to the US Open, you’ll be directed to lots with available spots for $25 (there are always spots, but sometimes you get directed to lots that are a good walk from the grounds). FYI here’s a map of the various lots that drives are directed to. You might also try checking one of these parking… Read more »
Thanks PJ for the lounge info. I’m registered for my session.
Hi!
Few questions: Can I buy ground admission from the venue? I’m planning to come on Wed 1st of Sep. How much ground admission ticket cost?
Thanks a lot! Great info.
Hi Alex! You can purchase on site at the box office in the “Chase Pavillion” building by the East Gate entrance IF they are available the day you go – they sometimes sell out, and this year they may restrict the amount to limit crowd size due to the Delta variant trends. You can see the costs (which are unfortunately variable based on dynamic pricing) on the main US Open Ticketmaster site – look for the entries that just say “Billie Jean King National Tennis Center” and don’t list a stadium. That said, please do see my Tip #3 –… Read more »
Hi PJ. I sincerely appreciate everything published in this space. It is very helpful for people who want to know about the Us Open. I want to go to day 1 and 2 of the Us Open and I’m seeing what kind of ticket to buy. I would like to know which one you recommend and if it is convenient for me to buy these days or wait more days. I was seeing if it is a good idea to buy both day and night sessions at the Lodge. The budget I have is 150-170 dollars per ticket. Thanks a… Read more »
Hola Alonso, e yo agradezco mucho tus amables palabras – ¡gracias! Mi recomendación: (1) Compre un boleto BARATO para la sesión de Ashe DAY en “Promenade” para el lunes 30 de agosto, pero planee pasar el gran parte de tu día (¡y de su noche!) visitando todos los muchos partidos que ocurren en todos los terrenos a través del “grounds.” (2) Haz lo mismo para el martes 31 de agosto (es decir, otra entrada barata para la sesión de DÍA en “Promenade”) (3) Gaste el resto de su presupuesto – el máximo que puedas– en el MEJOR boleto que pueda… Read more »
Hi, PJ,
Are you surprised by the large number of unsold face value seats for Armstrong, particularly night sessions?
Are buyers opting for other tickets instead? (ie – Ashe, Grandstand)
With so many unsold tickets, I am wondering why they decrease the price, although I get that they don’t want to dilute the value of a product. I wonder if in future years, they will get rid of the night sessions on Armstrong and just merge everything into single admission.
What are your thoughts?
Hey Tom, not really surprised but saddened to see. In 2018 and 2019 it was a similar situation, and I find it really frustrating they still haven’t reversed course (either by eliminating the separate evening session or by lowering prices). By creating so many reserved seats in the new stadium PLUS adding separate evening sessions (at such high prices), they really miscalculated. P.J.
Hey PJ,
Great read. Local NYC resident looking to roam the grounds one day during the first week (probably buy a cheap Ashe ticket) then likely hit-up 1 or 2 night sessions. Looking at Sun-Tues nights on Ticketmaster right now it seems like there is a ton of inventory available (both sale and resale). Think best to wait for prices to come down? Finding it hard to track what is/isn’t a good deal. Ideally looking to spend $125-$225 to sit in the middle bowl if possible (if not the lower rows of the upper bowl).
Hi John, thank you. It’s really hard to make predictions about whether prices will go up or down – it’s like the stock market, and trying to game it can be incredibly frustrating and filled with wins and losses. That said, the Delta variant situation is definitely going to be putting a damper on travel to the Open this year for at least some who had planned to come… And for several sessions, as you point out, there are still a large number of tickets up for resale– it’s beginning to look like ticket resellers are beginning to get nervous… Read more »
Hi, PJ. Your site has been, hands down, the most amazing thing I’ve found in the last couple of years! So useful you can’t believe it! Thanks a million! I’ve got a couple of questions, though. Got night LOGE tickets for Days 1 (Row H) and 2 (Row D) both at section 117 for $180 and $178, respectively. It’s my first time ever attending the US Open so I’d like to know your opinion on the location and price of the tickets. Got the tickets for me and a friend, but for some reason, Ticketmaster is not allowing me to… Read more »
Hi Alex, a huge thanks for the very much appreciated kind words!! My thoughts on your questions: 1. The location is very good – the only downside being that you’ll be in sun for a good part of the day. The prices you paid are decent – if you look on Ticketmaster and click on section 117 then look at the various blue and red dots, you can see the current going rate for prices in the same and other rows. 2. That’s unfortunate to hear – I’ve had no issues with my transfers. If you haven’t already, I’d try… Read more »
Thanks a lot, PJ. About the sun situation, since these tickets are for night session, that will not be a problem. Will download the CURB app. I’ll keep you posted on our Open experience. Thanks again!
Hi PJ,
We will be at the men’s semifinals. I know NYC is requiring vaccination documentation to enter indoor facilities. Since the US Open is outdoors, will they be requiring proof as well? I can’t find anything on the web. Thanks!
Hi Lisa, NYC will not impose that rule until September 13 (the day after the Open ends) – so at present there are no city-wide requirements and the US Open will not require any proof of vaccination. P.J.
ok, I read August 16th somewhere. Where did you see September 13th?
The effort begins August 16 but enforcement won’t begin until Sep 13 – see this NYT article. There’s always the chance something may change for public health reasons, but at the moment the Open hasn’t announced any changes in policy. P.J.
Proof of vaccination is required for all indoor restaurants including Aces, Champions Bar and Grill, US Open Club, and Mojito Restaurant and Bar.
Face masks are likewise required in all indoor areas for all fans, vaccinated or not. This includes all restrooms, shops, hospitality areas, and restaurants (except when eating).
The stadiums and concourses are considered outdoors, even with roof closed.
Tom, huge thanks for yet another timely and important contribution! I hadn’t seen this yet and will add to my update section at the beginning of the post. You’re the best! P.J.
Been attending the Open for many years and still I learned from your site. Thanks! Have you gotten any info about the Chase Lounge? I keep checking the link you’ve provided, but nothing yet. TIA
Hi Jean, thank you so much! I haven’t heard anything yet myself… I suspect that given the Delta variant situation, they may pass on it altogether this year to avoid indoor situations. P.J.
Hi Jean, the Chase Lounge is now available for reservations. Click here. P.J.
P.J. – We have tickets for the night session on Ashe on 9/6, Labor Day. Is there usually a large crowd waiting to get into the night sessions? An option would be to purchase inexpensive Promenade seats for the day session which would enable us to stay for the night session, possible GA seating during the day and experiencing more of the Open. If not, I’m wondering how crowded the lines are for entry and a recommended time to arrive for the night session. -Kathy
Hey Kathy, I don’t think lines are much of an issue for Labor Day evening session.. I usually get there around 5:30pm for 6pm entry for evening sessions, and sometimes (depending on the night and guards) they will let you in a little early (not something to plan on, but worst case scenario you’re further up in line when they start letting people in). I think the idea of a cheap Promenade seat to experience more of the Open during the day makes sense on its own merits, but I wouldn’t do that just to avoid evening session lines. P.J.
Hi PJ, We’re glad that your insights on ticket prices are becoming reality. A few face value “standard” seats have been posted and some resale seats are adjusting lower to the new competition. Other seats are holding firm to their sky high prices for whatever their motives. Economic behavior is really interesting. We haven’t got our tickets yet…like to sweat it out a bit more. We have concerns on the shade movement towards the late afternoon in the Ashe noon matches. Do you think that the late afternoon sun gets past Section 105 and into Section 104 as it sets… Read more »
Hey Gnok, great to hear from you. Honestly my notes aren’t precise enough to say with certainty. I took this photo at 3:23pm, and you’ll see that section 105 (which is above the US Open logo to the left of the scoreboard) definitely has sun and perhaps a handful of seats in 104 (closest to 105) may get some soon after – but I’m not sure. I think if you’re on the half of 104 closest to 103 you’re probably entirely in shade, but not 100% certain. P.J.
Hey P.J. Just wanted to sincerely thank you for writing this up. Helped me enormously. Really value your opinion and was hoping you could shed some light on something for me. I have Aug 30 & 31 free & decided I’m going to just splurge a bit so my GF (first timer) can have an awesome experience. Trying to decide between two ticket options for each Ashe Night Session listed below. Any insight on the pros/cons of the below seats would be hugely appreciated! Monday Aug 30: (1) Sec 13, Row E, 1 & 2 (2) Sec 15, Row D,… Read more »
Hey Jesse! Your GF is going to be amazed and thrilled. Here’s what I’d recommend: Tuesday go for 47B — that’s actually right next to where players enter and exit… I’ve sat there many times and it’s awesome. Monday, consider comparably priced seats with a different vantage point behind the server — like section 4 row G (right next to the President’s Box and where the ESPN camera will be). That way, you’ll experience both perspectives. (If you decide to stick with either 13 or 15 for Monday, either would be great…). P.J. PS – Be sure also to check… Read more »
Thank you SO much! Great advice, per usual. Will definitely look at behind the server seats for a different vantage point Monday. Tuesday will stick with 47B…My only concern with those seats was that we might have to strain our necks a bit to see the matches since we’re all the way on the side in 7&8, but I’m basically taking your word as gospel and sticking with it haha. Might also have to follow your lead and spend the day at Armstrong and do an Ashe night match on Monday Sep. 6. Just seems like too good of a… Read more »
Hey Jesse, you’re most welcome! Now you’ve got me worried about that advice 🙂 Here’s a photo of me from that actual section from 2019 so you can see what it looks like… You won’t have to strain your necks because you’re in the corner – and I swear the rewards of being that close to the players down there outweigh any downsides. But it would be great to complement that experience with a behind-the-server one the other night! For Armstrong Mon (I will be there too with literally like 10 friends in section 7!) 17 H would be great.… Read more »
Hi PJ, what are your overall thoughts on how Delta variant might affect the US Open this year and whether it’s too late to get good tickets. If we are planning to attend over Labor Day, is there an ideal day/night specific stadium combo you recommend if our intention is to go every day on Sat, Sun, and Mon.
Thanks so much! Major props for great tips from a sincere avid tennis fan!
Hi there, thanks for your kind thanks!! I really hesitate to predict how the Delta variant will impact the Open… it’s really anyone’s guess given how rapidly we’ve seen things can change. It appears highly unlikely any New York City or State regulations will change beforehand, so I don’t think from a policy perspective much will be impacted (e.g. seating, capacity, etc). But I suspect it will likely reduce demand at least to some extent — even if just via travel restrictions from other countries— which means we will likely see some amazing resale deals as we get closer. For… Read more »
Hi PJ,
Many thanks again for such dedicated insight. Another quick question of the paranoid nature. Though I used to live in NY, due to the lockdown and heightened news re: subway danger, what’s your perspective on the safely of Line 7 at different times of the day? Am I better off taking a taxi from Midtown to Flushing?
Hi there, you’re most welcome! The subway is generally very safe and particularly during the US Open, because there are so many riders. I feel completely safe taking it at all times of day and night during the Open. As I mention in my post, though, if you are near Penn Station are and can take the Long Island Railroad as an option, can’t recommend it more highly – so fast and easy. It now leaves from the Moynihan Train Hall station across from Penn Station, entrance on 8th Avenue between West 31st-33rd. P.J.
Hi again, just out of curiosity, were fans able to take the subway back into Manhattan after the heavy rainfall that preceded Ashe’s evening matches?
Hey Mary, see Maura’s account of her 3-hour journey home in what is usually a 1 hour trip… The 7 train was working (and some other lines resumed some service) but there were massive delays. P.J.
Thanks for this PJ! Had a quick question. Do the grounds tickets become cheaper if I look to buy them the day of or is it worth buying them now? This is for Thursday the 2nd if that helps. Thank you!
Hi John, you’re welcome! First: right now, it makes very little sense to pay the going rate for a grounds ticket for that day (Sep 2) when you could get a cheap Ashe ticket serving the same purpose for significantly less (see my Tip #3). There’s no definitive historical trend for prices on grounds tickets to form the basis of any reliable prediction – some years they have sold out standards during the first few days and resale prices went up as we got closer; other times the reverse happened. This year, it’s anyone’s guess with the Delta factor. There… Read more »
Hello P.J.!
Thanks for such an amazing job with this page. I just got some tickets and would like your opinion on them:
Are they a good deal? Will appreciate very much your opinion!
Thanks!
Hello Sebastian, and thank you! Yes, those are all excellent deals – you did well! P.J.
Thank you!
Hey PJ, Thanks for all of your advise and for meticulously maintaining this site. It’s been so incredibly helpful for this first-time US Open attendee. I have a parking question – Im not seeing too many sites with parking tickets for sale. I found a site that has Parking lot H for about $50. How is that for price and is it close to the stadiums? I’ll be attending when the Mets are in town so no parking over there in their stadium. I’m traveling alone so I’m a little nervous about walking to lots at night. SO I’m trying… Read more »
Hi Pamm, makes me so happy to hear it’s been helpful, thank you! You can see a map of the US Open parking lots here. Stubhub is one of the best places to look for them – however, as you’ve noted, prices for Lot A are crazy expensive. I think you’d be fine with H — there are so many people around you will feel safe. I would avoid lot F, however — that one is too much of a pain to get to (at least from my recollection when I had to park there one year). P.J.
Thanks so much P.J.! You are awesome! SOOOOOO excited to get to the Open! Although Rafa, my fav, is looking a little banged up with his foot injury. Fingers crossed.
Hi.
I live in Montreal, Canada. I have purchased tickets for Sep 5 (1 GA), 6 (1 AA ticket, 131), 7 (2 AA tickets, 130), 8 (1 AA. ticket, 131), 11 (2 AA. tickets, 301) and 12 (1 AA ticket 323) while hoping border restrictions for non essential travel will be lifted by the time the US Open begins, but things aren’t looking good right now as the US isn’t keen on lifting those restrictions. I can even resell my tickets through ticketmaster as I don’t have a US bank account. What are my options? Thanks for the help!
Hi Meriem, I’m so sorry about your situation – it’s just awful we’re still in this predicament. I believe you can post your tickets for resale on StubHub, SeatGeek, and other major popular resale platforms — I haven’t had a chance to verify their rules and requirements recently, but I’m pretty sure you will be able to. Please let me know if you have success with any of them. P.J.
Hi PJ,
I don’t have any questions for you, but just wanted to say thank you so much for such an informational article. My best friend and I are trying to attend this year and this guide has been incredibly helpful and we really appreciate it! I’m so envious of your experiences!
Michelle, I am thrilled to hear this and really grateful for you taking the time to let me know. Thank you! P.J.
PJ!! What a great article this is. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve come to visit it for anything and everything US Open. Question…if I forgot to buy the ticket insurance on one of the tickets I bought and I want to resell my tickets through Ticketmaster as a “Verified Resale Ticket.” How does that work? Do I get refunded from Ticketmaster when I decide to sell them or do I have to wait until someone actually buys them? And once I decide to put them up for resale, are they still technically mine until someone buys or are… Read more »
Hey Mike, THANK YOU!! When you put your tickets up for resale on Ticketmaster, you are in charge and set the price, and yes they are still yours until someone buys them — Ticketmaster just acts as the broker. P.J.
Wonderful. Thanks for the quick response.
Hey PJ! When I tried listing my tickets on Ticketmaster, in addition to asking for a debit card to fund me if they get sold, it asked me for a credit card to refund the buyer if the event gets cancelled. How would that work? If I sold tickets to someone and the event gets cancelled, *they* would get their money back and I would be SOL? I guess my other question is – is this even relevant, given that I as per your instructions didn’t buy ground tickets so even in the event of rain the ticket would still… Read more »
Hey Jake! Interesting – I’ve never noticed that because I’ve always used a credit card to begin with, so I’m sure that language may in fine print somewhere and I never saw it. First, you’re right: it’s probably not relevant because sessions in Ashe and Armstrong won’t get cancelled due to weather. However, there is always the remote chance of an “Act of God” type event – including, potentially, things getting so bad with Delta variant that the US Open to revise their plans. I think that scenario is very low chance at this point, but they have to protect… Read more »
Hi PJ, First, many thanks for your great blog and complete guidance for the US Open! We’re going on Sept 2 and 3. I also bought 6 tickets at Arthur Ashe day session to resell; 2 tix for Sept 5 (section 305 row F, aisle seats); 2 tix for Sept 6 (section 335 row M) and 2 tix same day in section 105 row J. I was hoping to make a few bucks to lower our cost of attending. Problem is, tickets are selling right now for about what we paid, for comparable seats (exception being Sept 5; none of… Read more »
Hi Paul, you’re most welcome! The ticket situation is always full of volatility and a good measure of unpredictability — and this year is no exception, especially in light of escalating concerns around the Delta variant. As you’ve noted, there are already situations where resale tickets are available for LESS than Standard ticket prices (that has happened a lot historically, especially for higher-up Armstrong seats and Promenade Ashe seats for less popular sessions). If you’re sure you want to sell all those tickets, I’d probably list them all now – you have the option of raising or lowering the prices… Read more »
your advice has been amazing, and I’ve been patiently waiting for the right single ticket at Armstrong near the baseline. Any pro/con of going on round of 16 days vs quarter finals (i.e. access to other courts, or….)? Many thanks!
Hi Elizabeth, thank you very much! You definitely do NOT want to purchase an Armstrong ticket for after the Round of 16 (Sun/Mon Labor Day weekend) unless you want to watch doubles — there will be no singles QF matches anywhere but Ashe. P.J.
Oh right. Round if 16 here I come. Is one day better than another?
I personally usually opt for Monday Labor Day in Armstrong, because for whatever reason they have been scheduling TWO men’s R16 matches that day since the new Armstrong went up (whereas only one R16 Men’s match on Sunday, putting the other on Grandstand). You can’t go wrong with that Monday! P.J.
Hi PJ, Great post. My wife and I go every year during the first week, it is the best…so much great tennis to watch and practice sessions! I was really hoping to go on Sunday 29th and watch practice sessions all day but it sounds like they are not allowing anyone on the grounds?? WHY?!! Disappointing. Thanks!
Hi Jay, thanks! Yeah, it’s a bummer indeed we can’t see qualies and practices prior to the start of the main draw this year… It’s because of COVID-related concerns – perhaps especially out of an abundance of caution for the players. P.J.
Hi again. I have purchased August 30 tickets for myself and four friends through Ticketmaster. I have them saved in my smart phone. Do I need to transfer each ticket to each person, or can I show all five as we walk through the gates together? Not everyone in my group is super tech/phone-savvy. Thanks in advance.
Hi Beth, as long as you’re entering together having them all on one phone is just fine! The person scanning will give you a paper printout receipt for each seat, which you can then hand out to everyone in your group so you each have freedom to come and go as you like and don’t have to stay together the entire time. P.J.
Hi P.J.,
Was wondering if you felt that courtside seats on the photographers pit side were a relative disadvantage compared to the opposite side? Do they place the viewer further away from the action or create a distraction? Thank you.
Hi Steve, I have sat within the first few rows on that side (the East side) a few times and never found it a distraction at all – it’s kind of cool, actually 🙂 The only difference on the East/photographer’s side they’ve removed the first row AA for photographers, such that there’s only one row of AA (there are two AA rows on the West (umpire chair) side). As such, anyone sitting in the very first row AA on the East side is a bit closer. The East side has no umpire chair, so that’s a plus — just remember… Read more »
Hi PJ, so sorry to bother again! Do you happen to know when tickets are sent? I bought seats on SeatGeek, so in the off chance the USTA does send out tickets sooner than the day before, perhaps I have some time to press them for the tickets.
Hi Eric, not a bother! Depends entirely on the seller… technically they have until the promise-by date they indicated. USTA has issued all the tickets as far as I know, and I have all the actual e-tickets (with the new anti-counterfeit barcodes) for all the tickets I’ve purchased myself — including those I bought through resellers. Note: one of my resellers had a promise-by date of August 30 for their tickets listed on StubHub, but they sent within a week of me making my purchase). P.J.
Hi PJ! Question for you – I see plenty (a lot) of standard 3rd Round Armstrong seats for the day session on Fri, Sep. 3, anywhere from 220-290. Would you say these are worth getting now or maybe better to wait and see if the resale prices go lower? Thanks!
Hi Noon! Depends a lot on what seat you’re going for — and whether you’re targeting a particular section(s) or areas. If you’re just targeting cheapest ticket, it probably makes sense to wait and keep checking — although I can’t stress this enough, there are no guarantees here. There’s a strong chance at least some resellers will lower prices as we get closer because they are nervous — but many are season ticket holders and won’t go below a certain floor, preferring simply to hold onto them and go themselves or give to friends. Moreover, USTA uses dynamic pricing for… Read more »
Hi PJ — We’re looking to purchase tickets for the 9/4 evening (7:00 pm) session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It says Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round. Does this mean that you see both matches? Or just one (men’s or women’s) match, depending on who’s ultimately scheduled? And if both, does the first match start at 7:00 pm and the second one thereafter? Thank you!
Hi Jay, yes you would see both one Men’s 3d Round match and one Women’s 3d Round match that evening. The first match will start at 7 – and will almost certainly be the women’s match first. P.J.
P.J., I just bought 15 tickets for Courtside Corner 10 row X , each for 120$ for Monday September 6th, Day session for Arthur Ashe. Did I just get super lucky in someone who messed up trying to sell them? Did I just make a killing and can sell them for $500 each? I honestly just want to know if I just got super lucky at right time (I found them at 6 am EST Saturday morning) or if I just spent a ton of money and got duped. Update: I called stubhub and they said sometimes people with season… Read more »
Hey Zach, looks like you must have purchased a courtside Armstrong ticket— there is nothing close to row X courtside in Ashe. Check your email confirmation to see if they mislabeled their tickets — if they actually did put “Ashe” or didn’t label any stadium and just put “courtside”, you definitely would have justification to ask Stubhub for recourse and your money back. P.J.
Hi PJ, please help! We are open from Sept 3-5 to watch one of the matches in the Louis Armstrong and Grandstand, the 11am schedule.What date do you recommend is best please? I think we are leaning towards getting – Sep 5 (Sunday): Men’s & Women’s 4th Round (“Round of 16″) * Day session ONLY on Armstrong (11am) — are the reserved court side tickets for sale now?
Hi Dynah! Sorry for the delayed reply, very busy day at work! Note: I combined the two comments you submitted into one so I could respond to both. For Sep 3-5, I do think Sunday Louis Armstrong is an excellent choice and would be my #1 recommendation – mainly because it’s 4th round at that point and there’s only one session on Armstrong that gives access to 4 matches (probably 2 women’s singles, 1 men’s singles, and 1 doubles). Yes, the reserved tickets are on sale on Ticketmaster (link to Sunday LA session here). Be sure to click on any… Read more »
Thank you PJ, much appreciated. Do you think I should purchase tomorrow or next day – as these prices are pretty much decent still? And no chance of drops may occur?
Hey Dynah, you’re most welcome. My FAQ #3 covers my general philosophy on the big “should I buy now?” question. I struggle with it myself every single year. First, the availability and price of standard face-value tickets is itself filled with question marks: USTA is using “dynamic pricing” for their tickets, and some have gone up, others down in recent days – very little rhyme or reason, and may be just a function of an odd algorithm. Second, resellers are all different — some may feel increasingly nervous their tickets aren’t selling and may lower their prices, others may refuse… Read more »
Hello PJ,
Native NY’er here living in CA. The US Open has been on my bucket list and finally getting to go this year. I’ll only will be in NY for the first 3 days of the tournament. I was thinking one day and one evening session. Suggestions?
Hey Bruce! A couple thoughts: (1) If you’re already planning to be here, you might consider waiting until the Friday afternoon before the tournament until the schedule to be released (which in 2018 and 2019 they did by around 6pm for Day 1 and 2, at least for Ashe sessions). I’d recommend this if you care about seeing any particular players a lot (see my FAQ #1 on this point). Another advantage of this strategy: you can see what last-minute deals there may be out there for particular sessions/stadiums. (2) Otherwise, I’d probably recommend prioritize: * One Night Ashe session,… Read more »
Hi PJ,
Which seat would you recommend in Ashe Loge 121 row B or Loge 130 row D? The price are approximately the same.
thanks,
J
Hi John, most people would probably prefer 121 because of perspective (and I always favor lowest row possible in Loge). If it’s a Day session, though 130 D will give you more shade sooner – so I’d probably opt for that. If a night session, definitely 121B.
If Day, check to see if the same type of seat available for same price on the South side by chance (like section 135?) P.J.
This is a great blog and really enjoyed reading it! Question for you since you’re on the east coast – Does it feel like things are going to start being restricted now that the Delta variant is causing an increase in Covid cases? My worry is that they might look at reducing admission prior to the event if the infection rates keep going up. Hoping it won’t but you never know!
Hey David, thank you! My gut is that they will proceed as planned (barring any significantly worse developments) because vaccination rates in New York are so high and the vaccines continue to be really efficacious against the Delta variant. At least that’s my hope. P.J.
Vax rates in the area are objectively not “so high” if the threshold for “so high” is a number that will halt widespread transmission : 60% Queens and 66% Manhattan, citywide 55% These numbers will not halt the spread. And vaccines are not efficacious for the nonvaccinated. Moreover, we are now learning vaccinated people can probably spread the Delta variant which is highly contagious. The USTA should obviously require proof of vaccination or a negative test for entry. It should also not use the Ashe roof (Armstrong is better designed insofar as it doesn’t fully close) but TV will veto… Read more »
Hi PJ! I have a (yet another) question for you and I decided I would post it here as it might be valuable information for someone else (or someone else might know the answer if you don’t).
I’ve noticed that we are allowed drawstring bags but it also states on the site that bags over 12x12x16 in size will not be allowed onto the grounds. That’s an awfully small drawstring bag. Do you know if these dimensions apply to the drawstring bags too? Just want to make sure I show up prepared. Thanks!
Hi Natalie! Yes, the under 12x12x16 restriction applies to all kinds of bags, including drawstring ones. P.J.
Other sporting venues in the US, for example the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and Madison Square Garden, have restricted fans from bringing in bags in the last year or so, citing COVID. I am glad the US Open is still maintaining the same policy as in prior years. It’s very helpful to have a bag, especially if one is on the grounds for the entire day to bring essentials such as sunscreen, power bank, and other items. I usually bring a soft-sided tote bag that fits the size limitations. It hasn’t been an issue in prior years, and it’s… Read more »
Loved all of this information! I was wondering what is the general attire for the event? My ticket is in the “overlook” and Loge Ashe seating / court side Armstrong.
Hi Amy, thank you! Generally it’s super casual – most dress for comfort and long days/nights (shorts, tee-shirts, sneakers)– including Armstrong courtside. The only big exceptions: (1) Armstrong courtside at night – you may see folks getting a bit more dressed up – but many will remain in very casual attire (2) Ashe Courtside at night (and suites) – most folks dress pretty nicely (I usually wear dress shorts and nicer polos or button-down shirts, even blazers sometime) – but it’s completely optional and tons of people dress down even in Ashe courtside. Here are some photos to give you… Read more »
Thank you SO much, P.J. Love the pictures- very helpful, we have the evening session so may do a little dressier casual. I have bookmarked this site and combing through all the comments / information on the next few weeks before the trip 🙂
Thanks again!
Look at you in the President’s Box! So cool!
LOL yeah I’ve been a couple times now and I can assure you there are very few people who would be as ecstatic as I was to be there. Thrill of a lifetime. Boris Becker was sitting in the row in front of me that night!
I cannot tell you how jealous I am! That would be a thrill of a lifetime, for me. Best seats in the house.
I’ll be around if you ever have an extra ticket so… call me maybe? 🙂
🙂 🙂 I know, it was such a huge honor to be invited!
Hey PJ! Thanks for your tremendous help, especially since I am based overseas and have never attended the US Open before. I just got 2 tickets for myself for the Sun 5th Sep, on Louis Armstrong and Arthur Ashe (night session). I will be attending alone. However, I booked the tickets using my wife’s TicketMaster account as she is an American citizen and has both a US billing adress and US bank credit card. Will the tickets be under her name and therefore, will she be the only one who can enter the stadium with those tickets? Or will I… Read more »
Hey Dave, you’re most welcome – thanks for your thanks! No problem at all – she can simply transfer the tickets to you from her Ticketmaster account (and should be able to do that now). Let me know if she needs any help navigating that, but it’s pretty straightforward. And that’s an awesome lineup for that Sunday, hope you have an incredible time! P.J.