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.












Thanks so much for your helpful site! I’ve used many your tips over the years. Love info on where to find shade! I want to buy less expensive day tickets on Friday, September 2 in case of rain or heat. I will mostly roam the outside courts. I have them for Thursday in Arthur Ashe. Will all the seats in the upper level of Louis Armstrong eventually go on sale? Right now there is only one section and they are $200+. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Wendy! I’m so happy it’s been helpful. Last year, they did release scattered reserved seats on the upper level of Armstrong for various sessions in the 2 weeks prior – however there were also quite a few resale Armstrong courtside tickets that ended up getting offered for less than the prices of those seats in the week prior to the tournament (like under $100). So I’d counsel you to be patient and keep monitoring – there’s a good chance you’ll be rewarded for waiting on tickets for that particular session. P.J.
Hey PJ! This is just absolutely the best info to guide us through the US Open. Thank you so much. Any suggestions on how to proceed: I’m treating my 2 sons and myself to our 1st Grand slam. We only have 2 days, Tues 8/30 and 8/31. I already bought loge tickets for Tues day session on Ashe and plan to splurge on courtside tickets for either the Tues night session or another day session on Wed. Questions: 1) what would you suggest for the 2nd session–Tues evening or Wed day? Or both? feel like I should do the Wed… Read more »
Hi Rutha, huge thanks for your very kind words :)! My strong recommendation: (1) Plan on seeing play on outer courts after you Ashe day session on Tuesday; there will be SO MUCH going on and it’s so fun to just play it by ear and “discover” – and you won’t need another ticket, as you’ll already be in the grounds with your Ashe Day ticket. (2) Yes, go for courtside on Wed Day session – and don’t panic if you don’t see what you need today. Keep monitoring and there’s a good chance you’ll likely see something in your… Read more »
Thanks so much PJ!! I’ll take your advice and try for those Wed day session court side seats. And appreciate the recommendation to stay around and visit the outer courts! Do you think I’ll be able to find 3 good court side seats together if I wait another week or so (with the idea that maybe something even better shows up? ) Or should I grab something now? I guess there’s no way to be certain but based on your past experience, will the odd 3 tickets become more difficult to secure as time goes on?
Hey Rutha, you’re welcome! Yes, getting 3 seats together versus 2 is harder – and the situation has varies so much in the past session-to-session it’s really hard to gauge. I am a bit surprised to see so relatively few courtside seats available for sale for that particular session at this point. If it were me, I’d probably take the risk to keep monitoring every day for another week or so to see if additional options pop up. Right now I see 3 great seats in section 27 row G for $400, which is a great deal – however that… Read more »
Hi PJ,
Thank you for the great article. Wife and I will be attending first four day both days and night. We want to attend Arthur Ashe at least 2 days. What days would you suggest? The other 2 days will go to Louis Armstrong and Grandstand how would you suggest to split up. Plus catch a few matches on other courts. Finally is viewing from 300 section row A or B good or should get 100 section in Armstrong.
Hey Jason, you’re welcome! My answer depends so much on your budget… There’s such a big price differential across sessions. Here are some of the best price-to-quality values: * Monday Labor Day Ashe Evening – 4th round (only 16 singles players left!) but prices are on average less than they are for Friday night-Monday day sessions. I also prioritize quarter * Women’s Semifinals (Thurs second week): Both women’s semis on one night, demand lower than for men’s and prices reflect that * Grandstand on Friday-Sunday of Labor Day weekend: see 2021 schedule for examples of how many matches you get… Read more »
Thank you for this great information! My husband and I used it in 2018 and had a fantastic experience and are planning to attend this year as well.
Mari, THANK YOU for writing to let me know that, I really appreciate it!! Hope you have a wonderful time this year too! P.J.
Hi PJ, Thank you for this amazing guide! I’ve read it so many times and still it’s quite overwhelming but all the more exciting leading up. We’ll be in NY Aug 30-Sept 4. Since we are driving from Canada we have so far grabbed day sessions for Aug 31st and Sept 1st at Ashe. Standard tickets in the Loge Level. Now we can’t decide what to do on the Friday Sept 2 or Sept 3rd. We would were thinking to attend at least 1 night session in Ashe or maybe get tickets in Armstrong. It would need to be either… Read more »
Hey Sasha, you’re welcome! I am going to work a little this weekend on another post that puts some “101” information more simply in one place… this post has gotten pretty unwieldy over the years and I’m sorry it’s overwhelming! The reality is, though, that there are indeed many options and variables and no “one-size-fits-all” approach. For Sep 2 and 3: Since you’re going to Ashe Day on the 31st and 1st, I’d suggest a combination of (1) Ashe evening on either Fri or Sat plus (2) either Armstrong or Grandstand Day session courtside the other day. Here’s what I’d… Read more »
Just wanted to say thank you for this very comprehensive guide. I’m flying to New York next month and really looking forward to my very first Grand Slam experience. Unfortunately I’m arriving on the 5th so I’ll only make it to QF onwards. I initially thought of buying tickets at the earliest but thanks to this guide I no longer have to worry about running out of them (hopefully, since I’m just eyeing the cheapest ones).
Hi Nelson, you are most welcome! Thanks for your kind words. Hope you have a fantastic time! PJ
Hi PJ! Your tips helped me get tickets to attend live for the first time Labor Day Weekend – got day tickets for Armstrong & night tickets for Ashe. Reviewing your site & the US Open website, it says all bags are subject to search and must not be larger than 12”W x 12”H x 16”L but it also says no backpacks are allowed (w/the exception of a drawstring bag). Could you help clarify? Could we still bring a backpack but just smaller than the dimensions shown?
Hey Annie, I’m so glad to hear it! On backpacks: as nonsensical as it may sound, the security folks are trained to spot and deny backpacks of any size. There are some backpack bags that fold into tiny little pouches that evade detection – so you may occasionally see folks that have tricked security that way… But I’d recommend stick with a drawstring or other type of bag under the max dimensions to avoid any hassles. P.J.
Thank you PJ for your posts and answering everyone’s questions. You mentioned that the tickets get added periodically throughout the summer. Is there a method to this madness? I have been trying to book Ashe courtside tickets since last 10-12 days for Sep 1 day session and I kind of see the same seats and didn’t see any new tickets yet, hence the question. I was really hoping some tickets would get added once we were less than a month away , but didn’t happen(or I didn’t notice). 🙂 Also, there are some tickets that say they are “Wheelchair accessible”… Read more »
Hey Amrut, (1) Unfortunately there is no discernible method to the madness. It’s a function of computer algorithms on Ticketmaster based on supply and demand plus human decision making by the powers that be releasing tickets that had are no longer deemed necessary to hold (the equivalent of “house seats” on Broadway). Some sessions will not see any new seats released, others will see several. There’s just no way to predict, but it happens so often that seats appear all of a sudden as we get closer that it’s worth continuing to check. (2) As for wheelchair seats: the following… Read more »
Thank you for your great advise here PJ! I took the plunge and booked a standard ticket that popped up in section 56 Courtside on Ashe for Sep 1 and Section 9 in Armstrong on Sep 2!! Pretty stocked about it 🙂
Happy that I would be watching 1 day from the sideline and one day from behind the server in Armstrong .
Agree with you recommendations on the “Moving up” part. 🙂
Final question : Do we expect 2 matches or 3 matches on Day 4 (Sep 1) Day session on Ashe ?
You’re welcome, Amrut! That’s awesome news – congrats on spotting those, they will be sweet seats! You should expect 2 matches on Day 4 on Ashe unless there are extra matches scheduled due to rain delays the previous day (which is what happened in 2021). P.J.
Hi PJ,
Thanks for all the great information.
1) I have been looking at tickets for Day 1 or Day 3. Debating on which day to go to the Open. Any advice? I will be purchsing four tickets.
2) Was looking at grandstand tickets for those days. (I know rain can be an issue) Do you recommend Grand Stand or Armstrong for either of those days.
Thanks!
Hi Sue, you’re very welcome. 1) Day 1 and 2 are first round; Day 3 is the first day of second round. Prices will be slightly higher on Day 3 because it’s 2d round. Both days offer a ton of options to see tennis on field courts as well as the main stadiums well into the evening – with day 1 offering the most options in that regard. I’d look at the daily schedule for 2021 for both days to get a sense. 2) For those days in the tournament, I’d definitely recommend Grandstand over Armstrong (more bang for the… Read more »
Great, thank you. That helped a lot.
Will go ahead and purchase Ashe and stick to the field courts.
Sue, great to hear that – I think that’s a solid plan! I love going early in the tournament- it’s like being a kid in a candy shop with so many options on so many courts. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Hi PJ, Amazing work you do here, thank you. I have attended Day 2 or 3 in the past, but this year, I was looking at Day 1. I have been hesitant to attend Day 1 in the past because I was worried that they would still be working out the kinks. For example, wasn’t Day 1 last year very unorganized with vaccination card checks? I thought I remember reading that the lines took hours to get in and by Day 2, it took 10-15minutes. Am I remembering this correctly and do you foresee anything like this happening this year… Read more »
Hey Sean, thank you for all the nice words, much appreciated! I am very hopeful that last year’s fiasco on Day 1 (which I witnessed first-hand and waited over 2 hours in line myself) was an exception: they will not be checking for proof of vaccines this year, which was the major cause of last year’s snafus. While I can’t guarantee, I can only say that based on my experience in many prior years on Day 1 that lines in the morning will likely be significant but not crazy like last year– and probably not much different from day 2.… Read more »
Does the US Open have the prior year’s Men’s and Women’s champs open on Ashe on Days 1 and 2? If so, do we know which set sessions for each? Specifically, I saw Emma on Ashe win last year’s Finals. I’d love to be back for her opening round this year.
Hi Chris, prior year champs (assuming they play) including Raducanu are almost certain to be scheduled on Ashe. However there’s no way to predict when prior to the release of the first day’s schedule (see my FAQ #1 for an explanation). PJ
Thanks for the quick response! I attended Wimbledon this year, and they seem to have a custom of the prior year Men’s champ playing Monday and Women’s on Tuesday on Ashe. Was curious if Open had a similar custom.
Love the Blog! Agree with everything! Sadly, I just found your blog today…years after learning some hard lessons. Specifically the rush to buy Ashe tix and not having a loaded Metro card trying to leave on the 7 when rain came. LOL.
Hey Chris, you’re welcome! Yea, great question but no such tradition at the US Open. Definitely check out the LIRR this year as an alternative to the 7 if it works for your commute – huge time saver and a lot more pleasant!
You have any info/tips on the Fan Access events leading up to the tournament? The Media Day on Friday in particular. Thanks!
Hey Chris, yes and sorry not to have updated this in the post yet – thanks for the prompt, I’ll update this weekend. Here’s the key link to the details, key points here: * Fan Week is Tuesday August 23 – Sunday August 28 (during Qualifying tournament) – free admission * US Open Media Day is Friday August 26 at 11am ET, on Ashe Stadium with players answering questions. Fans must register for the event via Fan Pass (register here). * US Open Legends Match (mixed doubles) on Grandstand Tuesday August 23 at 7pm featuring Kim Clijsters, Lindsey Davenport, Andy… Read more »
Would you recommend day or evening passes??
Hi Sarah, if you’re asking about grounds passes, there is actually only one type: a Day grounds admission ticket that enables entry beginning at 9:30am and lets you stay on the grounds as late as you’d like. If you’re wondering whether to purchase a day or evening reserved seat in a stadium with that option (i.e. Ashe or Armstrong), I have no general recommendation — would differ substantially based on your priorities. So please let me know a little more about your objectives and priorities, timeframe, budget, whether this is your first time, etc and I’d be happy to share… Read more »
Wow thanks for the quick response! So we’ll have 3 full days in New York. We plan to devote two days to the Open. But because it’s a quick trip and we’ve never been to NY we’re trying to squeeze in site seeing too. Hence us considering a night pass so we can site see during the day and do tennis in the evening. Top priority is the open though. We are looking at getting reserved seats at Armstrong stadium. Around $200-$300 a ticket. Of course we’d like to see big players but know we’ll be thrilled to see anyone.
Hi Sarah, you’re welcome! As it’s your first time, I’d recommend (if your budget supports) two night sessions: the first in Ashe (Loge level); the second in Armstrong (in best seats you can afford courtside). Given your budget, I’d recommend Ashe evening during second round (Wed or Thurs of first week) and Armstrong evening during third round (Friday or Saturday night). That combo will give you the chance to experience the huge Ashe evening (very special) while also seeing some spectacular tennis up close the second night in Armstrong, which will make you appreciate the caliber of play even more.… Read more »
Awesome, thanks PJ!!!
Sure thing, Sarah! Hope you have an awesome time!
Thanks for all of the helpful information! My son and I will be there during Labor Day weekend. This will be our first live competitive tennis tourney of any kind (we attended Laver Cup in Boston last year and it was amazing!). I’d like to get some really nice seats on Labor Day in Ashe. I’ve seen some prices on the US Open’s Ticketmaster website and a few on other resale sites. Sitting near court side is running around $700/seat not including fees. Do you suggest we pick up what we can now or wait and take our chances closer… Read more »
Hey David, excited for you to experience it! (Also glad you had a great experience at Laver Cup – I went to the 2d in Chicago and also had a blast). Prices for the day session on Labor Day unfortunately tend to hover around that range (standard face value tickets are very high for that session). Evening tends to be a much better deal. I would not rush and keep monitoring for good deals to emerge, but not expect too many priced much lower to emerge. PJ
Great article!! Great info!! After being absent from the Open for the last 7 years, we plan to go again..but this time needing accessible info on the grounds. You covered everything I can think of except that topic. Any chance you have some info on accessibility and what is offered there in terms of being able to watch the side courts in addition to the main stadiums for the practice days and first week? Best shaded areas for accessible access? Projections on crowds for the practice week and weekend days plus the first week? Any other info that might be… Read more »
Hi Susan, thanks you!! This is definitely a gap in my blog post and I will work to address this season with some more research. I do know that the US Open has a large number of staffers dedicated to helping anyone with accessibility-related needs under their “client services” department. here’s the official note they include on accessibility in general -note in particular the phone number at the bottom, which they encourage anyone needing help to call: “The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (“Center”) is accessible. Accessible vertical access is provided via ramps and elevators, with escalators offering… Read more »
Thanks very much for the info! I have sent off an email to client services and will also give them a call. Happy to share what I find out. In the meantime, do you know if on Saturday, kids day, and that Sunday before the Open starts if the crowds are also light on that weekend, as they are in the prior week during practice and qualifying rounds?
Hi Susan, sounds great, thanks. Kid’s Day is usually very busy – much more so than during qualies. Crowds the day after are usually pretty light. P.J.
Susan – I have been attending the Open with my son (and now my grandson) for over 18 years using a wheelchair. We generally go sometime in the first week because we like to see all the up and comers and don’t like watching matches in Ashe (too big, too far away). I have to say that I have found attending the Open using a chair has been one of the easiest and most accessible events I have experienced. I will admit that from a viewing experience I miss the old grandstand / armstrong complex because the accessible seat locations… Read more »
Thank you so much, Susan!
Thank you so much!! Very very helpful info!! Sounds like you have really found your way around the Open…one other question…given what the lines can be to enter, is there a shorter line for accessible use? Thank you again!
Susan, The accessible entrance is at the South Gate. That’s near where Lot H (handicap parking) is – the shuttle buses will pick you up at Lot H and drop you at South Gate. Even if you part at Citi Field (this year, parking will be limited at the baseball stadium due to the Mets being in town), the shuttle buses will travel from Citi Field to South Gate. At South Gate, approach the staffers and ask for the accessible entrance – this way you don’t have to go all the way to the end following the barricades. P.J. (or… Read more »
Awesome resource. Thanks for posting!!
Hi PJ! It’s Liz Barratt-Brown. Imagine my surprise to find you are the tennis guru (well, maybe I am not that surprised)! We have a tradition of going opening day and wandering around a fair amount. We don’t really stay long with tix in Ashe so we either buy nosebleeds or Louis Armstrong or Grandstand. Thinking this year it will be Louis Armstrong and I saw your recommendation for shady sections (1-8) but wondering – since best seats are resale – if those resale tix can be sold again by us if our plans change. I am sure this is… Read more »
Liz! Imagine my surprise to see your comment here, awesome! 🙂 🙂 Look forward to connecting on the work front soon… To your question: it has been really really tough for folks to resell Armstrong tickets during the Mon-Thurs of the first week… Ever since they split sessions into Day and Night for the new Armstrong, there’s been a glut of courtside tickets available for those first first couple rounds – hence stiff competition among resellers. See e.g. on Ticketmaster now there are section 7 Row F resale going for $189 versus standard tickets in row E for $285. Abrazos!… Read more »
Thanks PJ! I’d noticed that in looking at prices. Better deals on the resale tix. Will you be at the Open on Opening Day? Are you an expert on Wimbledon too? You are amazing!!
You’re so welcome, Liz! I don’t think I’ll be there opening day this year but will definitely let you know if I end up being able to make it that day. P.J.
Clarification on earlier question #2 :
Can you help explain what things would you be looking for in these seats (in addition to shade and Rows factors) and are there certain sections that you prefer over others (from a view perspective). I see some openings in Section 11, 12 and Section 27 but not sure if these would give me the full courtside experience ( I am thinking the best courtside seats would be Section 48 – 51, 54-57 , 14-17 and 20-23) ?
Hi again! See my FAQ #7 for my thoughts on best seats/views. P.J.
Hi P.J ! This is some next level stuff.. kudos!! I have been reading this blog like a bible since last 4-5 days and I have gone through it multiple times and has bookmarked it for booking my trip to NY to watch US Open. I am a decent recreational player and planning to do a solo trip to the US Open on Sep 1 and Sep 2 (Day 4 and 5) and need your help : 1) I have already booked Sep 2 Armstrong stadium day ticket in Section 9. I now see that there is a courtside seat… Read more »
Hi Amrut! Thanks so much 🙂 Some thoughts: 1. Assume you mean you’re seeing an Ashe courtside seat that you’re interested in? You can do same-day trades at the box office for standard (non-resale) seats of higher value in different stadiums and pay the difference IF they are available. The seat you’re seeing today almost certainly won’t still be available then, but another might – just no way to know for certain. 2. Ashe Courtside seats are numbered 4-67 (yes, they include sections 11, 12 and 27; FYI sections 1-3 are the President’s Box and not available for public sale);… Read more »
Hi P.J., I will join the others with saying how much we appreciate all the helpful tips and information. I am bringing my son, his first trip to NY and obviously USO (he plays tennis and a huge tennis fan), we can only go first round, both days, planning to do both (day and night) sessions on Ashe, both days. I know it’s a gamble and the matches might be very short and not the most exciting but still want to see the biggest names as we were following some of them for years. I do want to make it… Read more »
Hi Marta, you are most welcome! On possible strategy: wait until Friday August 26 and keep refreshing your browser until they post the Day 1 and 2 schedule for Ashe (which they usually do late afternoon, in previous years as early as 4:30pm but sometimes later like around 7 or 8pm) – then act quickly and apply your budget on the best seats for the particular sessions with the marquee players your son will be most excited about seeing. There will still be plenty of seats available that day, at least on the resale market, and probably several good deals.… Read more »
P.J., Thank you so much for your prompt reply. It is a great strategy but…not sure it’s possible in our situation. We won’t have access to a desktop computer, and since we only have a few days in NYC, we will be out and about which might make buying tickets on my phone not super easy. I am definitely not considering promenade seats. From my past experience it’s impossible to see anything from the top. I would definitely be buying courtside seats. I found a few options that cost less than “standard” tickets. Not front row but still decent seats.… Read more »
You’re most welcome, Marta, and totally understand. As for reselling, it’s definitely easier to sell good seats – especially when one isn’t trying to make a profit but just resell at around cost of what you paid. But I always urge people not to buy tickets if they are counting on selling them, because you simply never can count on it – depends so much on the lineup and the overall context. Only forge ahead if you could financially absorb a loss if you can’t resell or have to resell at a loss. For Day sessions, rest assured there will… Read more »
Thank you for your reassurance), it’s just that I started watching the prices last week, and there’s not that many options… I am doing it for the first time so it’s a bit scary, but I guess people might start posting more tickets as we are closer to the event, it’s a very special occasion so I just want it to be not stressful and enjoy the whole experience but because we only have 2 full days, it’s kind of hard to make sure we enjoy both some big names but also closer matches on small courts. Oh, and I… Read more »
Marta, I’m sure it will be a GREAT experience for your son no matter what – he will be so incredibly grateful! I’m smiling thinking about his reaction 🙂 Hope you have an absolutely awesome time. Let me know how it goes! P.J.
PJ,
In 2019, they put Coco Gauff in Louis Armstrong.
Given that she was a finalist at Roland Garros this year, what are the chances she gets put on Ashe?
Hi Linda, I’d say odds are near-certain they will schedule Coco exclusively on Ashe this year. Not only because she was a French Open finalist, but also because her WTA ranking is now up to #11… and she’s an American, AND everyone loves her! P.J.
Thanks to you, we were able to briefly see Coco play in Armstrong in great seats in 2019.
The Tsitsipas-Rublev match went to 5 sets, and we had to leave at 6pm.
Time to fork over the $$$ if I want to see Coco play this year. LOL.
That’s so awesome – I also remember the thrill of seeing her close as she was rising that year, was such a special time!
Thank you so much for all this information! This is incredible! I thought I had it figured out but now I’m second guessing everything! Ha! My best friend (and doubles partner) and I are going for the first time. We will be there Thursday (9/1) – Sunday (9/4). As tennis players we just want to see as much tennis as we can and as close up as we can! We plan to spend the evening on at the open on Thursday and all day/evening on Friday and Saturday. What’s your best suggestions for 3 those 3 days. No tennis is… Read more »
Hi Maria, you’re welcome and so glad to hear it’s helpful to you! There are so many different ways you could approach. Here’s probably what I’d recommend given that you’re serious players and want to see a lot and see players up close: 1. Thursday – Ashe evening (Loge or Courtside if you can splurge): A great introduction to the Open; without an Ashe evening experience you’d feel like you’re missing out. Thursday night will be much more affordable than Friday/Saturday. 2. Friday – Ashe Day – Inexpensive promenade seat (simply so you can apply budget to other sessions) to… Read more »
This is so helpful you have no idea! We are so excited – appreciate all your time and effort into this! Thank you!
My pleasure, Maria!
P.J. question – for the Ashe day tickets for Friday – we don’t need a night ticket correct? Because we will already be in the stadium. Sorry for all the questions! Thank you!
Hi Maria, you would need separate tickets for the evening session if you want to stay in Ashe for that evening session – they are totally separate. However, after the day session ends in Ashe you can remain on the grounds and access unreserved seating on any of the non-Ashe courts. P.J.
Hi PJ, thanks so much for all the helpful advice on this thread. I am a first timer and will be at the open Thursday thru Saturday. I purchased pretty good seats in Armstrong for the Friday Day Session for $168. What would you recommend doing for Thursday & Saturday? Thanks!
Hi Dane, my pleasure. For Thursday, I’d definitely recommend an Ashe Day session ticket so you have the option of seeing matches in that stadium with some big names — and rain insurance– but plan to spend at least a good part of your day seeing play on outer courts (and well into the evening). For Saturday, a great option is Grandstand, which would get you two men’s singles and two women’s singles matches during the 3d round; the only con is the potential for rain, so you you might consider waiting to make a decision until a couple days… Read more »
Very help info! Thank you!
You’re very welcome!
I have read through this twice and I am so overwhelmed. HA! We are coming September 1-5.. I was thinking of going to the US Open on Friday. Is this a good idea? If so which tickets should I be looking for. It’s two adults and our 16 year old who plays tennis. We’re trying to surprise him! Coming up from Alabama. 🙂
Hi April, yes it can be overwhelming especially at first! How awesome you’re surprising your son. I think going on Friday day session on September 2 during the 3d rounds of play is GREAT choice. Crowds will be a bit lighter than on Sat-Sun, and ticket availability and prices reflect that. I’d definitely recommend Ashe Day given that it will be (presumably) his first time – and that will give you the option of seeing some action on the outer courts too (look at last year’s daily schedule for that day to get a sense of everything else that will… Read more »
Hey P.J. First of all this is amazing info and thanks for all the work you put in ( I know you do it with passion) I remember reading this about 4 times before my first US Open in 2019 when I managed to see my idol Nadal play Cilic. This year brings me back to NYC and since my parents are visiting and they love tennis I plan a trip to US Open. I do not have an impressive budget so I will probably get Promenade in Ashe but I am doubting between getting tickets to both sessions of… Read more »
Hi Alexandru, thank you so so much for your kind words of appreciation! You raise a really good question – no easy answer. I would take a close look at the daily schedule of play from last year here and imagine how you would feel under those different scenarios: which would make you happier? That said, if you haven’t had an experience seeing top players really close in Armstrong or Grandstand yet, I’d definitely put that high on your list this time. There’s simply nothing like the experience of being so close you can feel the speed and really connect… Read more »
Hi, P.J. –
You’re da bomb. I love your passion and analytical mindset. Thank you for sharing all your many excellent tips. So nice!
I am confused about Sept 9th. How do we see the daytime Louis matches? There are only tickets for semis in Ashe. Day and evening. If we buy a cheap Ashe can we get into Louis – any seats? Thank you very much.
Hi Donna, thank you for the kind words – you are so welcome! On the 9th, access to all Armstrong seats (including courtside) is open to everyone with an Ashe ticket (there will be women’s doubles semis, mixed doubles semis, and wheelchair semifinals on Armstrong that day). The stadium is usually pretty empty so you’ll be able to get great seats if you decide to go check any of those matches out! P.J.
We will be there Sat and Sunday Sept 3 and 4 which night is best for Arthur Ashe tickets. The other day we will go during the day. Thanks so much you area ROCK STAR!
Hey Lizzette, thank you! Sorry for the delayed reply. Both nights are great to go. Sep 3 is 3d round, Sep 4 is 4th round – so the advantage of going Sunday is seeing players that have made it through to the round of 16. The crazy thing is that prices are typically a little lower for Sunday night simply because so many out-of-town tourists prioritize Friday night-Sunday day sessions. P.J.
Fantastic…that’s what we will do. We are so excited. First time for us. I’m not a tennis player family is. Me….going for food, fun, and people watching…also seeing them enjoy it makes me happy!
First of all, thank you for this. from an Asian in Sydney planning to watch US open this year. Talking of standard (not resale) ticket, Do you have an idea if I buy lower tier tickets, if higher tier are still available, will ticketmaster customer care be able to upgrade my tickets if I pay the difference? Asking because I have been able to do that at the Australian Open (which works with Ticketek), I had Promenade-like seats for a Semi but was able to upgrade to Loge-like seats. Long story: The semi didn’t feature the Top 5 and the… Read more »
Hi Archie, you’re very welcome – glad you’re coming! Any ticket purchased through Ticketmaster has the opportunity of a same day upgrade at the on-site box office on the US Open grounds, depending on availability (which varies significantly session to session). Yes, you would pay the difference if an upgrade option is available. P.J.
Hi P.J., thanks so much for all of this. I’m thinking of going to the Men’s Final / Women’s Doubles Final on 9/11, and was wondering what else you have access to with Promenade seats. Can you walk around the grounds on other days? Can you walk around the grounds day of, maybe get into general admission in other stadiums? First time at the US Open, thanks in advance.
Hi Samir, your Ashe reserved ticket gets you entry to all the US Open grounds – however the only other matches happening on that day are wheelchair finals. P.J.
Hi PJ! Thank you so much for the tremendous amount of information you have written for first-comers to the US Open! My mom and her friend (who definitely wants to see some big names) and I are planning to go for Labor Day weekend (Saturday — morning and evening and Sunday — morning session). I definitely am planning to get Arthur Ash tickets for Sat evening but was wondering which tickets to buy for Sat day and Sun day? I was thinking to buy a courtside Louis Armstrong Sunday ticket. Is that the best bet to see some up-close top-level… Read more »
Hi Sophia, you’ll definitely see amazing tennis (3d round Saturday, 4th round Sunday) regardless of which stadium you choose – but the biggest names will be on Ashe. That said I’d strongly recommend looking at the 2021 daily schedule of play to get a realistic sense of the types of matches on the different courts. If you do Ashe both sessions on Saturday, I do think it’d be nice to round out you experience with an Armstrong experience on Sunday. P.J.
This seems like a particularly good year to heed your usual advice to wait to buy tickets. I was about to grab a low loge seat for a first week Ashe night session and then realized that the player field is likely to have substantially less casual/market appeal this year with so many of the perceived “marquee” players out. I already have a plan on Grandstand and usually just buy up for a couple of nights to see the big 3 but asked myself “just who, exactly, would you be expecting to see on Ashe worth buying early for?” I… Read more »
If Serena Williams remains uninjured, she will get put on Ashe night she was at Wimbledon when she was the night match in Center Court.
Hi Linda, the history of US Open scheduling in recent doesn’t support any firm conclusion along these lines. For instance, in 2019 organizers scheduled Serena for night sessions during the first two rounds, then for two consecutive day sessions during 3d and 4th round. If I were betting, I’d bet that they put Serena on for a night session during round 2 this year – but there is no way to predict with certainty. P.J.
Hi, PJ,
Chris wrote for a first week Ashe night session, which is why I am felt fairly certain she’d be be there.
If she is scheduled for a day session, I will try to make it there.
I don’t like driving at night and taking public transporation isn’t my thing in time of Covid.
Thanks for continuing to provide valuable info!
Hey Linda, yes I do think there’s a very strong likelihood of her being scheduled for night versus day during rounds 1-2 at least – just always feel compelled to remind folks that it’s risky to make big bets because every year there are huge scheduling surprises that buck conventional wisdom 🙂 P.J.
Hi, we are coming from Wales to the US open and we have purchased ticket for the evening ladies semifinal’s in Ashe stadium, what time will we be able to enter the grounds so that we can have a meal before the match and soak in the atmosphere? Many thanks Judith
Hi Judith, welcome in advance! You are in luck: that is the ONE day of the tournament where you will almost certainly be able to enter the grounds as early as Noon (as will anyone, because it’s usually “Community Day” and entry to the grounds is free). It’s one of my favorite days to go and see high-level doubles matches, juniors, and wheelchair competitors. There’s a small chance they won’t repeat that day – but I’d be surprised. If they don’t, your ticket will get you in at 6pm… But almost certainly you’ll be able to show up whenever you… Read more »
Thanks so much for your prompt reply, that is excellent news, will both semifinals be on straight after each other, or do we just have tickets for the one match? Regards Judith
Hi Judith, apologies for the delay -was traveling last week! You’ll be seeing BOTH ladies semifinal matches with your one ticket, one immediately after the other! PJ
Thanks so much for the info, hope you had a good trip, so looking forward to coming to New York 😄
You’re most welcome, Judith!
Thank you so much for putting in so much time and effort in developing this site. There is so much incredible information that I will use on my first trip to the US Open. I am traveling with a group of first time US Open attendees (me, my husband, my mom and my aunt). We plan to buy tickets for matches on 9/4 and 9/5 (round of 16). We are most interested in seeing the top players in the tournament. My husband and I definitely want to attend an evening session in Arthur Ashe stadium on one of the nights.… Read more »
Hi Kris, you’re most welcome! And thanks for your thoughtfully laid out question! (1) For Round of 16 Ashe evenings: The crowd will likely be equally lively on both those nights, and the caliber of matches should be comparable (see Box 3 FAQ #1 for details on why). The biggest difference: Monday 9/5 is almost always the better bargain because fewer tourists are in town so demand is slightly less. I almost always get courtside tickets for myself that night for this very reason. You will not only be able to get courtside tickets with that budget, but excellent ones.… Read more »
Thank you so much for the response… As a follow-up, is it worth it to increase our budget to about $300+ get loge seats in Arthur Ashe during the 9/4 day session or even Louis Armstrong? What would you do? Loge or promenade during day session on 9/4 or courtside in Louis Armstrong?
Kris, you’re most welcome – and very sorry for the long delay in getting back. Was traveling last week and couldn’t keep up! Given that you’re taking your mom and aunt, I’d probably recommend you stick with Ashe (Armstrong is great if you’re taking serious players/fans who value more the opportunity to see the world-class players up close than to see the biggest names). I’d make your decision on Day versus Night based on the best seats you can afford within your budget (which will probably be the Night session, and that way you also don’t have to worry about… Read more »
Great article. First time going to a tennis event and had a ticketing question. The quarterfinals for September 6 says “12:00 PM Men’s/Women’s”. Does that mean you get to see a mens and a women’s match? Or could it be either depending on scheduling?
Hi Jay, thank you! Each session of QF (Day and Night) will feature 1 Men’s match PLUS 1 Women’s Match. P.J.
Will the box office sell duplicate paper tickets? Its a pain to pull out my phone every time going in and out of armstrong. Sometimes the ticketmaster app freezes up too lol
Hi Corey, unfortunately all tickets are mobile so you’ll need to plan for that. They used to have a system where they’d scan and print out a paper ticket that could serve as a backup, but didn’t use that in 2021 so probably won’t again – I think mainly a system to avoid counterfeits and folks gaming the system once inside the grounds. P.J.
Hi, this is an amazing article. I’m looking to go with my girlfriend to the Open as this would be both of our first times going, and it seems that Friday night the 2nd is the only date that works for us. What tickets would you recommend and which stadium?
Hey Jordan, thank you! Since it’s your first time, I’d recommend Ashe stadium – best tickets you can afford. Strongly recommend arriving early if you can (like around 5:30) to line up so you can go through security and enter the grounds as close to 6pm as possible (which is what your evening tickets will allow)- that way you can wander around the grounds a bit, get oriented, and see some matches on outer courts before entering Ashe. If you are hardcore fans and players — and you’d value seeing world-class players up close versus seeing the biggest names —… Read more »
Any idea on why the 1/8 on Wednesday night is 25% more expensive than the 1/8 on Tuesday night? From the schedule of the last season, they put even higher ranked players on day matches for 1/8. Since I do not know about the the year before 2021 I am guessing this might be a tradition from the tickets price?
I am trying to catch matches with high rank players.
Hi Eric, there is absolutely no logical reason for the price difference – it has nothing to do with the quality of the players, as there is no way to predict which players will be playing on the Tuesday or Wednesday of Quarterfinals (see my Box 3 FAQ #1 for full explanation of why). My suspicion is that many ticket buyers are under the false impression that if they buy tickets for a day later in the tournament (Wed versus Tues) they will see better players, not realizing that these dates are both in the same round (quarterfinals) and there’s… Read more »
Thanks so much for these valuable tips. I live relatively close (2 hours) and have been a regular at the Open since the 80s but missed the last few years and thought my days there were behind me. But, my friend who’s never been, is a huge tennis fan and wants to go. I told her I’d love to go with a virgin 🙂 Since things have changed the last few years, I thought I’d search for some good info. It looks like I hit the motherlode. US Open 22, see ya soon!
Hey Sue, how great you’ll be going with a first-timer! Every year I take at least one new person and it always adds so much to my experience to share their excitement, seeing it all with fresh eyes. Hope you have a wonderful time! P.J.
I’ve been planning a big trip to see the US Open with my father for his 70th birthday. This website has been incredibly helpful, accurate and thorough. Thank you, P.J. for this NUMBER ONE resource on the web for US Open planning. We all owe you big time!
Harmit, you made my night, thank you!!! So happy it’s been helpful. Wishing you and your dad the best time! P.J.
Wow . . . What a great article!!! My husband and are heading to NYC from Wisconsin over Labor Day weekend just for the US Open. This is such a great guide to start our planning. Love the advice on how to search for tickets especially as I thought I would be too since rivets have been on sale for almost a month. I have a feeling this will become my US Open “Bible.”
Thank you for all the info!!
Kirsten
Hi Kristen, thank you so much! It’s so gratifying to hear that the guide is helpful and really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Keep me posted and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions as you get deeper into the planning. P.J.
Hi P.J. I took the whole first week of the tournament off for work to attend. Last year was my first year going and we went to a third round and fourth round night. So this year I want to experience day sessions (I’ll be by myself for these ones). Based on your advice and my flexibility of living nearby I was waiting to even look at tickets but will start checking periodically soon. I was wondering for a first timer of the day sessions if you recommend just getting cheap Ashe tickets so I could attend any match and… Read more »
Hey Brian, that’s awesome! Since you have the first week off I’d recommend you wait until draw and schedule for Day 1 and 2 are out before pulling the trigger — and wait for weather forecasts. I usually play it by ear during Round 1 and 2 myself, often waiting until the day before when schedule is announced. That’s how I got to see Auger-Aliassime v Shapovalov from the front row of Grandstand in 2019, which was bliss. There are almost always super cheap Ashe Promenade seats available right up until the last minute during rounds 1-2, so I wouldn’t… Read more »
Thanks!!!
You’re most welcome, Brian!
I was at that match too. It wasn’t a very good match I thought. Kind of a blowout. It was the second year in a row they played R1 against each other on the GS court. 2018 FAA had medical issues and retired but it was a much closer match at least until he got ill. In any case, back to this year: Nadal doesn’t have a live CYGS, no chance Egg is getting in the US and Roger is AWOL again. This should put a bit of a damper on the ticket market — hopefully.
Thank you for this information. As a first-timer, the details are overwhelming. I appreciate you sharing your experiences.
Hi Stef, my pleasure – thank you for letting me know! P.J.
First time I came across your page and just amazing! I am going to plan to take my mom to first US open Match however leave for France/Italy on Friday, September 2. Im considering a Wednesday 2nd round ticket and maybe a Friday day ticket. She likes Djockovic, Osaka, and Stephens. Would love to also see Nadal. Okay with upwards of 250 per ticket. I have reread again because I still need to decide which specific stadium of ticket option will be best experience. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi Mel, that’s wonderful you’re taking your mom! Wednesday 2d round would be a great choice because you’ll be able to get far better seats for the money (Friday round 3 tends to be much much more expensive). For her first time, definitely recommend Ashe so she can see some of the biggest names and experience that huge stadium. And I’d recommend the DAY session so you can experience big names then, if she feels like it, check out play on outer courts well into the evening, which is always really cool. Check out section 135 B (second row in… Read more »
Thank you so much for prompt reply and information . Very excited . Will report back and may splurge.
You’re most welcome! PJ
Hi PJ! Been to the US Open several times over the last few years. Looking to splurge a little for Ashe courtside on the first Friday (9/2) DAY session this year. Do you think $700-800 range is reasonable? Too much? I’ve seen a wide range of prices, but just trying to gauge what these type of seats usually go for if you have some idea. Thank you! Love the website.
Hi Sam! Yes that’s absolutely a reasonable range for that day – you shouldn’t have to go any higher than 800 so stay patient. Last year throughout the summer for that session average was hovering around $750 on the resale market. A few weeks before the tournament they released a handful of standard tickets between $516-684 – but they went quickly. That day session traditionally gets high demand and commands high prices. It’s crazy that quarterfinals Day prices average less – just a reflection of the holiday weekend and number of tourists in town. P.J.
Thank you!
Sure thing!
Thank you for this article! I’m looking to fly to NY to watch Serena. I live in Idaho. So as you can imagine, flights aren’t cheap. I can book my flight now but like others, am worried about ticket prices. Is it silly to assume she’ll be playing on Arthur Ashe? And what are the sessions? I’m looking for first round.
Hi Emily, you’re welcome! Yes flights are crazy expensive these days. Serena will definitely be scheduled on Ashe – we just won’t know whether it will be Day 1 or Day 2 for the first round or whether she’ll be put on Ashe evening or day session until the Friday before when the schedule is announced for Day 1 and 2 (for reasons I mention in FAQ #1). P.J.
Hi! Thanks a lot for this. First timer on a budget here – wanting to spend up to 200$ tops. Knowing that week days is not possible for me, after reading through your tips, I’m considering a Arthur Ashe day pass for the 3rd Round (Saturday, September 3rd) that would then allow me full day access to the grounds and other courts. Does this make sense? Or would you suggest other approach? If it does make sense..day pass or evening pass? What would be better!
Thanks a lot!
Hi João, you’re very welcome. I would definitely recommend an Ashe Day session ticket (there are several available for under $200 for that session) so you can access any other courts unreserved seating AND have rain insurance (because Ashe has a roof) AND have the option of going into Ashe to see a big name play or a great matchup if there’s something in there you want to see. Definitely do not recommend evening Ashe ticket, because the earliest you can enter the grounds with an evening ticket is 6pm (whereas you can enter at 9:30am with an Ashe day… Read more »
Hi PJ, really appreciate all the tips and info that you’ve put into this labor of love. This will be my first slam and I’m super excited to say the least. My partner and I will be attending from Sept 1-3 (Thursday-Sunday). Nadal is the one player that I really want to see regardless of matchup. Other than that, I’m happy to watch almost anything and don’t mind if it’s not the “hottest players”, only that it’s a fun or interesting looking matchup. Would it be complete madness to wait until the last minute to decide/buy our tickets as the… Read more »
Hi Shannon, thanks so much for your very kind words -and super sorry for the delay in writing back. Had the busiest week of my year for work and am still catching up. It wouldn’t be complete madness at all to wait. There absolutely will be availability – that’s never the issue. It’s just prices that fluctuate, and it’s like playing the stock market. Thursday is the easiest in that regard – demand is always less than Friday-Sunday. But Fri-Sat weekend is challenging no matter who is playing, as demand is always very high and so are prices. But here’s… Read more »
This was so helpful. Thank you very much for the thoughtful response!
My pleasure Shannon!
Hi PJ! This article is awesome. Thank you for taking the time to write this material!
I have only one question. I’m considering going to the Quarterfinals night season on Arthur Ashe Sept 6 and 7. Can I enter to the Grounds of the US Open at any time or I’ll have to wait till the night season begin? My plan is to come a few hours early to visit the Gift shop, take some pictures and walk around the facillities.
Thank you!!
Hi Ignacio, you’re welcome!! Apologies for the delay in replying – was running a big conference for work and have been playing catch-up ever since. Unfortunately with a night session ticket you’ll still have to wait until 6pm to enter the grounds (if you show up a bit earlier one of the ticket takers might let you in to be kind, but technically they aren’t supposed to so you can never expect it). P.J.
Hey, PJ! Great article! I used your advice to go to the US open last year for the first time and saw Raducanu and Zverev play at Ashe. Also popped over to armstrong and saw Berretini. It was a great experience, but I still felt somewhat distant from the action, our seats were sec 131, row N. This year I am trying to get tickets closer to the action, while also not spending more than 300 dollars per ticket. The conundrum is between Labour day evening session at ashe vs labour day morning or sep 4 morning session at armstrong.… Read more »
Hi Asakash, thank you so much and very sorry for the delay in writing back!! Was a super busy time at work when you wrote. As of now, there are several 2d row “B” seats in Ashe Loge on the resale market for under $300 (see section 121 B for instance). If you haven’t done Ashe evening yet, might be time to do it. If you opt for Armstrong, definitely recommend Monday Labor Day because you’re almost certain to get 2 men’s matches for that session (versus only 1 on Sunday, if they stick to the way they’ve been doing… Read more »
Hi PJ. Thank you for your recommendations and insights about going to the US Open. I’m trying to buy some tickets for the second week but the prices have been increasing rapidly in the last two weeks, and I don’t know whether to wait longer as you recommend or just buy as soon as I can. The resale tickets are too expensive compared to the few still available. Thanks so much.
Hi Monica, it’s so hard to say because prices can vary so wildly year to year and while there are some clear trends a lot is unpredictable and it’s like playing the stock market. Which particular session/stadium(s) are you looking at? I can try to advise based on trends from the last few years. P.J.
Hi PJ, As many have already stated, we appreciate the effort and time you have placed into keeping this site up to date and to responding to everyone’s questions. It has been huge time saver for first timers like our family. We have the first week of the tournament in New York and we are able to attend the open up to Sunday September 4th. We are planning on visiting 4 days and just wanted your opinion on our preliminary schedule. 1) We were going to take your advice and go watch practice the Sunday before the tournament. 2)Our second… Read more »
Hi Gordon, apologies for the delayed reply and thanks so much for your kind words of thanks! I think you have the elements of a great plan, as it includes time for those really cool practice moments (which so few people take advantage of!) plus targeting Nadal on Day 1 or 2 before prices are insane (I recommend you wait to purchase those until schedule is announced the Friday prior then act quickly). For 3d round, I’d say choose whichever Ashe evening you find a better bargain for; strangely enough, Monday Ashe evening Courtside Labor Day (R16) is often cheaper… Read more »
Hello – The information you’ve put together is amazing – thank you.
I prefer to purchsse my tickets at the box office at Flushing Meadows but before I make the trip out there, I would like to confirm their days & hours of operation. I can’t seem to locate this information anywhere. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you so much
.
Hi Margaret, you’re most welcome! Unfortunately they usually don’t post formal box office hours of operation until closer to the tournament. The fan line/ box office number is 833-287-6736. You can also email to ask at: usopenticketoffice@usta.com. P.J.a
This site is awesome! Thank you. We will be there Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3. Looking to go one day and the other day evening. What day ticket do you recommend? What evening? Does it matter between Friday or Saturday evening? We want to experience an evening at Ashe stadium. Looking at loge section in Ashe stadium. Thanks so much…you rock!
Hey Liz, thank you! I’d probably choose Friday DAY and Saturday evening, simply because crowds on Saturday will be really really heavy — and even though there will be a lot of folks there Friday day there will be fewer, so it’s a relatively better day to experience all that outer courts have to offer (including GA seating in Grandstand and Armstrong, court 17, etc). Ashe Sat night will be electric. P.J.