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.












Great article PJ! I’ve heard that US Open merch is sold at great prices onsite, once the Open has ended…do you know anything about that?
Hey Patricia, thanks! Not sure about that – if you hear anything definitive please let me know. I know there’s a lot available online after the tournament, often discounted. PJ
FRIDAY SCHEDULE IS OUT – SERENA EVENING AGAIN! https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule11.html
Thanks again PJ!
I have the biggest crush on kyrgios, so I almost can’t believe I’m saying this, but I will likely choose to sit on the grass and watch Serena on the big screen (that’s a thing, right? I see that all the time) instead of getting on line for a GA armstrong seat at 7 lol
LOL fair enough 🙂 Although just FYI there are many seats on ticketmaster for around $100 for Armstrong tonight in the lower bowl that would enable you to get very close to Nick. If you buy virtually any ticket courtside Armstrong, you can move up to one of the front rows because a lot of those seats are going unsold for tonight. Just sayin 🙂 Either way you’ll have a blast!
Hmm, I’m only seeing as low as $214 on Armstrong for tomorrow night (my seats are Day Session for tomorrow, 9/2). Could you email me/point me to wherever I’m missing something?
Oh so sorry, I thought you were talking about TONIGHT with the Williams sisters’ doubles match (and Nick’s doubles match on Armstrong tonight)! Tomorrow is more pricey for Armstrong – although tomorrow you should check right up until the last minute as there may well be a reseller that lowers prices significantly… PJ
Ah! Well, I bit the bullet and bought night session Ashe seats for tomorrow night, Section 11 Row M (during the day we’re in row X. I assume they clear the stadium in between sessions?). Super excited. If Serena’s match turns into a thriller/Nick’s turns into a snooze-fest, I may just head outside to watch her on the big screen. But will definitely try and catch her at practice. Are you going this year?
Hey Ethan, that’s awesome! (assume you mean Armstrong). They do clear the stadium between sessions. You should be able to move up during day session into empty seats in lower rows (ditto evening). Serena is first up on Ashe tomorrow night and Nick is second on Armstrong, so hopefully you can just do both! And DEF try to catch her at practice. I was there all day/night on Mon and Tues this week, hoping to get back at least once before the end of the tourney but a combo of family and work obligations are keeping me upstate so it’s… Read more »
Do you know what time the matches and courts are announced for the following day?
Hi Mark, it’s entirely unpredictable unfortunately. Usually no earlier than noon, sometimes as late as 4:30pm. Yesterday it was 3:20, today it was about 12:30pm. PJ
Hey PJ,
Thanks for all the great info! Heading to the night session at Armstrong tonight. Is it odd/rare that there are doubles matches scheduled for the night session at both Armstrong and Ashe at this point in the schedule? I understand the Serena hype but I still thought I read somewhere that this was pretty unheard of
Is is indeed very odd – unprecedented in the new Armstrong at night, and as far as I know unprecedented on Ashe night (at least in the last 15 or so years that I’ve been tracking carefully). There was an odd exception a few years ago on Ashe — funnily enough involving Nick Kyrgios — where they surprised folks by adding a men’s doubles early round to Ashe Day session. But all bets are off during the Serena Open!
Hi PJ, What an awesome work you are doing. Truly appreciate all the information you provide and the passion to do it. Question regarding Nadal’s schedule. What is your take on when will he play on 09/03/2022? The morning session or the evening session?. I have bought the evening session ticket in Ashe. Want to make the most of the day and waiting on to purchase the day session ticket at Ashe. My 11 year old son is a fan of Nadal and want to watch his match. Hence asking about the possibility he playing in the morning. Thanks again… Read more »
Hi Sudi, thank you so very much! I hesitate to make any predictions on that front as there’s never any sure way to predict whether players will be scheduled for DAY or NIGHT sessions. Many a fan has been heartbroken after spending a lot of money on expensive seats based on erroneous predictions. Case in point: in 2019, Djokovic was scheduled for 3 consecutive Ashe Night sessions and Federer for 3 consecutive Ashe Day sessions (Days 3, 5, and 7). If he wins tonight, definitely keep checking the schedule as often as you can beginning early afternoon – and if… Read more »
Thanks for all of the tips! Just wondering whats the typical schedule for women’s doubles. If they win tonight when would the williams sisters play again?
Hi Ben, you’re welcome! If they win again tonight they’ll play again Saturday – but it’s anyone’s guess as to whether they’d be day or night session. “Typical” doesn’t apply this year to anything involving Serena. They’ve never put any early round doubles match on Ashe at night before (and they’re unlikely to for a long while again unless, say, Federer decides to play doubles!). Previously the only exception was an early round men’s doubles match on Ashe, and that was a Day session – never an evening session like last night!
Hi PJ! Thanks SO much for all this info. It will be my first time going to the US Open this year. I was wondering – there are two matches on 9/1 (tonight) at 7pm in Ashe. How do you know which match you’re going to see if your tickets are for 7pm?
Hi Taylor, if you are lucky enough to have tickets for Ashe tonight, you’ll see the Williams sisters’ doubles match followed by the Nadal-Fognini singles match! Here’s the schedule page. You should download the app before you go.
Greetings! Love the site PJ! Thanks for sharing all this great info. Coming down from Boston with my son for tomorrow afternoon session. Prices pretty high for Ashe now. We might be priced out if thy don’t move. I’m kinda assuming Serena plays tomorrow night, and when that’s announced, prices will drop? Assuming that’s the case, think I’m best off waiting til tomorrow morning to buy? Low chance Serena plays afternoon in these circumstances?
Appreciate your perspective!
Best regards,
John
Hi John, thank you!! As for tomorrow, it’s still a big question mark. Schedule should be out fairly soon I hope – although yesterday they took until about 3:20pm. A lot of folks are speculating Serena night again tomorrow, and I agree that’s probably the more likely scenario, but certainly not 100%. I’d say make the call about how long/whether to wait after you see tomorrow’s Day lineup: if it’s lackluster, then monitor to see how prices respond and whether more tickets go on resale – then perhaps take the risk of waiting. If not much changes, or if the… Read more »
Hi, really helpful guide. do you know if practice sessions are always(all the tournament long) open to public and free? is there any discount if i am a student? thanks a lot
Hi Antonio, scheduled practices happen throughout the tournament but they are only “free”/ open to public during fan week (I.e. last week, during the qualifying tournament). To see official practices during the main tournament you unfortunately need to be a ticket holder. No student discounts unfortunately. HOWEVER, next Thursday IS a free day (see my Box 5 for details) – that would be a good day to potentially see some practices and also some great doubles and juniors and wheelchair events!
Hi P.J.,
Thanks so much for this guide. This will be my first time at the US Open and I will be watching the men’s semis and the final.
I will be in NYC for 4 days for this by myself. Wondering if you know of any groups or ways of meeting other fans to get together during those days rather than aimlessly wandering around the city.
Hi Mobeen, you’re welcome! Only thing I know about are these spots – Hudson Yards probably the best place, you’ll find a lot of other fans there!
Hi PJ – First off thank you for the absolutely wonderful content on this page!! I check it out everyday. Amazing work!
I am going to the Open with my family tomorrow (Friday, September 2) and have day session tickets for Arthur Ashe. Around when does the schedule get posted? Is there any chance that Serena could play the day session? Seems unlikely given she is playing doubles with Venus tonight :(.
Hi Arjun, you’re welcome, thank you!! Schedule usually posted anytime between around 12-4pm… the further into the tournament, the earlier it tends to get posted. Sometimes they do Ashe/Armstrong early then the rest later, other times (like yesterday) all at once (yesterday it was around 3:20pm). It does seem unlikely they’ll schedule Serena for day session tomorrow, but there is a chance. PJ
Hi P.J., I noticed that doubles matches are scheduled for today’s evening sessions at both Ashe and Armstrong. Have they done that in the past?
Hi Sophie, as far as I’m aware, it’s unprecedented to ever put a first-round doubles match on Ashe at this stage of the tournament. It’s also never been done on the new Armstrong. I can’t imagine they’ll do it again anytime soon on Ashe – Serena is a gigantic exception. As for putting a hugely popular/entertaining player like Kyrgios on Armstrong for an early doubles match: that makes eminent sense and I really hope they continue to make it a thing (can’t believe they didn’t do it with Gauff/Fernandez today!). Would help expose more people to how amazing world-class doubles… Read more »
Thanks for your insight.
Site was extremely helpful with information I couldn’t find anywhere else. Thank you.
So happy to hear that, Candis, thank you for letting me know!
Hi PJ – awesome info! Thank you!! I have Cadillac suite tix for Friday night on Ashe. Was told I can access the grounds at either 5 or 6pm. I swear US Open customer service agent said 5 and I see you say 6pm. That aside, what do you know about making reservations at either Aces or Champions at Ashe and accessing the grounds for that reservation earlier than 5 or 6? I have suite tix on Ashe so I think I make the cut for eating at either establishment. I was thinking of making lunch reservations (like 2pm) but… Read more »
Hi Megan, entry times for suite ticket holders are different! I should clarify in my post, apologies. 5pm is correct for you. You also have the option of using the President’s Gate entrance (which may or may not be more convenient, it’s right by the practice courts P1-P5, west side entrance of Ashe). If you go to the East Gate and there’s a line for the initial security check, walk all the way around the circle as though you’re heading to the South Gate and you’ll see two separate metal detectors and guards there – suite ticket holders can use… Read more »
Can I buy tickets at the box office onsite? How are their prices in comparison?
Hi Jason, the only difference buying at the box office is that if (if!) there are standard (blue dot) tickets available, there are no service fees on them. The box office doesn’t have any other inventory other than what you see on Ticketmaster, so if there are no blue dot tickets available on Ticketmaster than they won’t be able to help. P.J.
in general what time do quarterfinal night games end. Ordering a car service for pick up
Hi Colleen, unfortunately it’s a pretty big window. Usually not much before midnight, sometimes closer to 1am, sometimes closer to 2am – it all depends on how competitive both matches are.
I have reserved day tix at Grandstand on Friday. If Serena plays on Ashe on Friday night which is likely, is there a screen outside where fans can stay and watch?
YES! Huge screen in front of Ashe on the South Plaza, with a big bar right there too. Will be very fun even if you can’t get in!
Hi Pj
Cant help but notice these night session on Ashe after Serena are very empty. What are the chances of moving down at Arthur ashes from 300 level to courtside when courtside is 30% full
Hi Craig, you absolutely should try. A couple options: Go down to a club level entrance and wait for someone leaving… mention you’re dying to see X player and ask if they might be willing to take a minute to transfer their ticket to your email. Try a few folks, hopefully someone will. If all else fails, try asking nicely the security folks checking tickets at the club level entrance. PJ
Trying to go the Men’s Finals on Sept 11th. Should I buy now or wait? Pricing seems to go up every day.
Hi Anna, it’s really like playing the stock market – no way to advise clearly on this. Prices are indeed pretty insane right now – I can’t see them going up on average too much more, but I could be very wrong about that. If Nadal gets eliminated, it’s likely prices will go down at least a bit. But it’s always a big guessing game and history never offers clear guidance, as the prices will end up reflecting what happens throughout the tournament. PJ
Would ticket prices be less for the Sept 11th Men’s Final if we buy at the US Open Box Office onsite in-person? We already are going Sept 4-5. Thanks for any advice you have.
Hi Anna, not really: the only difference buying at the box office is that if (if!) there are standard (blue dot) tickets available, there are no service fees on them. The box office doesn’t have any other inventory other than what you see on Ticketmaster, so if there are no blue dot tickets available on Ticketmaster than they won’t be able to help. P.J.
This site has been indispensible to me. Native NYer going to the Open for the first time on Friday. Reserved day seats at Armstrong in Section 11. But I’m still a tad confused as to what that gets me if I stay past 6:00 for night session—unreserved seats on Armstrong AND Grandstand? Or just smaller courts? We likely plan on staying past 6:00 to maybe catch Serena practicing for her 3rd round match, if nothing else 😂
Hey Ethan, great to hear it! Once you’re in the grounds with any Day ticket you can stay as long as you want and access unreserved seating on every single court including Armstrong and Grandstand — except Ashe, which has no unreserved seating. Definitely check out practice schedule that day if you want to catch Serena and plan to be by her practice court a good hour early – it will be packed! PJ
Thanks! How do I know what seats *are* unreserved once day session ends? Like, is there a queue to get on or something? I’d love to have a strategy of some sorts once the day matches on Armstrong end and I leave my seat 🙂
Hey Ethan, for Armstrong (where there actually are individual seats in the unreserved upper section versus just bleachers) you’ll just have to see which seats aren’t filled or don’t have bags or objects on them and ask people.. The entire upper sections on the east and west sides are unreserved (North and South upper sections are reserved). And yes, you’ll have to get back in a line with everyone else trying to get back up (from inside the stadium on the upper food court level, not outside where there will be an entirely different line for people trying to get… Read more »
Thanks so much! Honestly, I think I’ll be bolting from my day Armstrong seat the second that Serena’s practice court time is posted O:)
LOL – smart man 🙂 (That match last night was sooooo awesome, no??!!)
Hi PJ,
Since Nadal is scheduled for night session again tomorrow, what would your strategy be like if you were me trying to score a last minute day session (Ashe courtside) tomorrow. So far, I’m not seeing price dropping much as I had hoped for and not many sellers either.
Hey Justin, unfortunately with they historic lineup of Serena/Venus Doubles PLUS Nadal prices have gone absolutely through the roof for tomorrow night’s session since schedule was announced just before 3:30pm today. It’s a really unusual situation. There aren’t a ton of tickets on resale left – if there were, I’d think perhaps it would make sense to keep waiting until very close to the start of the session for a desperate seller to lower prices. But it’s anyone’s guess what the situation will even look like in the morning after Serena’s big win tonight. Sorry I can’t give more concrete… Read more »
Hey PJ,
thanks for answering all of my previous questions!!
First time going tomorrow (9/1) and i’m so pumped
Excluding Arthur Ashe, which matches during the day are you intrigued by, there is just so many matches and I feel a little overwhelmed, but I can’t wait to see some great tennis!!
Hey Matt, my pleasure! I’m so pumped for you. I’m going to have to live vicariously through you tomorrow since I won’t be out there. Aaargh, killing me. There are SO many interesting matches tomorrow. Kid in a candy store. Here are the matches I personally would try to catch at least a little of… the ones with the (!!!) would be the priorities: – Coric v Brooksby (Grandstand 11AM) !!! – Gorzny/Michelson v Cabal/ Farah (Court #8 11AM) (Cabal/Farah are past Wimbledon and USOpen champs and also really great guys) – Eubanks v Sinner (Armstrong Day 2d match) –… Read more »
ok. so. We are looking at an incredibly likely Round 4 Medvedev Kyrgios match. If that did come about, do you think night or day Ashe, given who else advances (its a Serena day, though who knows if she will make it there.) Tickets are outrageously priced. Im so tempted to buy a ticket, but then again, both these guys will be playing for several more years. Convince me not to buy tickets, and where do you think I should spend my money instead. You know I only want to see great men’s matches. Should I hold out to see… Read more »
Hey Courtney, really hesitate as always to make Day v Night predictions. I have seen them schedule huge names both Day and Night on Sunday during Round of 16 (ditto Monday). Anyone’s guess. My basic rule of thumb: if I’d genuinely be happy to see pretty much anyone for a certain round with certain seats or I’m locked into a particular date/time, then I buy in advance when I see a good deal. If I’d be substantially disappointed by potential lineups or really really want to see certain players, I wait for the schedule and get the best seats I… Read more »
PJ, Just wanted to say that once again, your blog has proved invaluable! It jus gets better and better every year, like a fine wine 🙂
Thank you for ALL your hard work, and doing this as a labor of love in addition to your job and family commitments. YOU are the GOAT!
Courtney, thank you again for your continued contributions to my own learning every year and for sharing the passion!! P.J.
Hey PJ – thanks for everything! I actually bite the bullet and purchased a ticket in Ashe for tomorrow’s Day Session. Section 119, row J, paid total $300 with fees. Trying to figure out if I got ripped off, lol. What is face value on that section? thanks so much!!
Hi Rey, you absolutely didn’t get ripped off given the going averages and the excellent lineup! For reference, if you had purchased a few weeks ago, the average price of the last-row Ashe Loge seats were Loge around $200 and the front-rows low $400s. Last week they were up from that. So you were definitely in the ballpark. (Note: there is no set published “face value” because the USTA lets Ticketmaster use “dynamic pricing” to vary the price of standard tickets according to overall market demand for resale tickets too). PJ
Hi Rey, where did you buy tickets for that section at that price? I cant see anything other than promenade seats for around $349 , and these are at the back. I’ve been searching on ticketmaster.. and stubhub.. am I missing something?
Hi PJ – did Grounds Passes for 9/2/22 sell out? Eek!
Hi Cherie, yes looks like that’s the case at least for now, noel resale available. Keep checking – they may release more. P.J.
Hey PJ, if I have grounds passes for day session tomorrow – when is the earliest I can show up and be granted access inside? 10a? ticket says 11a
Hi Rey, you can show up as early as you like and gates will open at 9:30 (NOT 11am, that’s when the first matches will start). Recommend arriving as early as you can to beat crowds and give yourself plenty of time to find seats you want, get settled. PJ
Hi PJ – as in years prior, incredible thanks for such an indispensable guide here! It’s truly such a positive add to the experience especially with the updates you’ve kept including this year with the paths of draw, real-time ones, etc. Along with the enthusiasm of the comments and everyone else here who’s excited for it! Also wanted to echo your mention of the lines and leaving seats – I spent Monday on Court 17 for the Garcia, Berrettini, and Carreño Busta-Thiem matches. Even with waiting until post-third game of the final Berrettini set to slip out, spent 90% of… Read more »
Ethan, THANK YOU so much on all counts, really appreciate it! Great point and thanks for sharing. Yeah I should have mentioned that the situation is exacerbated on field courts when big names are playing! I was watching Ben Shelton’s match Monday on 10 and holding a seat for a guy who went to get water mid-third set and it took him quite some time to get back… PJ
Hi PJ, First trip to US Open. Thanks so much for the awesome info. Sorry if I overlooked where you may have addressed this somewhere in your site, but I have a few questions. We are planning to get ground passes and go to Armstrong for day matches on 9/4 or 9/5. I’d prefer to see men’s/women’s singles. Are there any doubles matches scheduled at Armstrong on these days? Grounds admission price for 9/4 is $125 vs. $98 for 9/5—why the price difference, are there fewer matches on 9/5? Any tips on how to queue up for grounds admission seats?… Read more »
Hey Mike, you’re welcome! Competition for Armstrong seats will likely be very very intense on those days, particular if possible rain that’s in the forecast materializes. There will almost certainly not be any doubles in Armstrong on those days if history is a guide. Price difference between Sun and Mon all about fewer tourists in town demanding tickets on Monday than Sunday of Labor Day weekend, match lineups essentially the same. If you e GA seats, I’d recommend arriving and lining up at the East Gate EARLY. Like around 8am if you’re really ambitious, 830 latest, so you can be… Read more »
Hi,
I see tickets are costly in ticket master for Saturday sep 3rd day session arthur ashe or grounds pass. If I drive there early will there be some reserved tickets for that day at box office? I assume they sell limited tickets at box office at stadium
Appreciate your help
Hi RJ, in the vast majority of cases what you see on Ticketmaster (which is the official US Open ticketing service) reflects what they have at the box office. They do not hold back any inventory to sell exclusively at the box office. People mainly go to the box office to avoid any service fees on standard seats (which for many sessions are not available) or to try to upgrade a seat if another option is available for the same exact session. PJ
Hi PJ, This is an absolutely legendary guide to the open! You’ve helped out so many tennis fans with this. I did something stupid and was in a rush and accidentally bought tickets for Sec. 113 of Armstrong thinking they were Sec. 13. I honestly didn’t even know you could buy seats up high there. I bought better seats for the same time (Thursday night) and I’m trying to sell these other tickets, but if I have no luck do you think they’re worth giving to a friend? It’s row C and the seating view maps only show the lower… Read more »
Hey Daniel, thank you!! Well your mistake isn’t as big as mine, when in a rush yesterday on my phone I bought an Ashe ticket for entirely the wrong night because I was meeting a friend and got distracted LOL… Those seats are actually very good. The stadium isn’t huge, and as with Ashe, the upper seats in N and S sides behind the server don’t go anywhere near as high as those on E and W side. Any friend to get them should be delighted if you give them to them. PJ
Thanks! Sorry about your mishap as well, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble reselling your tickets this year…
Thanks! 🙂
Hey PJ – a couple follow-ups for you: 1) Are all Rd of 16 matches on either Ashe or Armstrong? Is there any way to tell which sessions will have 3 matches vs. 2? (I counted the number of Day/Night sessions listed across both venues on Ticketmaster and there are 6 in total – 4 on Ashe, 2 on Armstrong) which means unless matches on other courts (but couldn’t find any on Grandstand beyond Rd3) some of those 6 sessions will have more than 2 matches? Sorry if that was a bit muddled.. 2) Just confirming the the Armstrong and… Read more »
Hi Marty, (1) all men’s singles matches are on Ashe and Armstrong EXCEPT there is a possibility of one men’s singles R16 match being scheduled on Grandstand on Sunday. This year they didn’t sell reserved seats for Grandstand Sunday, so it’s a big question mark how they’ll handle. They will likely put a couple R16 women’s singles matches on Grandstand Sun/Mon. DO NOT go by the session title names on Ticketmaster alone, they can be misleading. See my detailed annotated day-by-day breakdown under my BOX 1 (orange button) for a bit more detail. (2) YES correct. PJ
Hey PJ,
Around what time should I start checking tomorrow for thursday’s schedule?
Would it be a fair assumption for Nadal to be the day session and the Williams sisters at night? I would assume they wouldn’t be part of the same sessions?
Trying to stay patient buying tickets feels impossible lol, but I can’t wait to be there!
Hi Matt! I would start checking around noon, possibly a little earlier just in case. Today they released ash and Armstrong schedules early then filtered out the rest later in the afternoon. It pays to be vigilant. There’s no set time and sometimes there is surprises. But usually never before noon. It is a very good bet Nadal will be Day, but I cannot stress enough that there are absolutely no assurances. There have been major surprises every year for scheduling that defy conventional wisdom. As for the Williams sisters match, see my note at the very top under real… Read more »
Will Nadal play on wed sep 7th night match for quarter finals?
Hi there, absolutely certain that he will play on Wednesday for quarterfinals if he makes it through. I would be stunned if they didn’t put him on at night during QF.
Thanks so much for all this info! Quick question – is a 5pm match considered part of day session even if it goes past 7pm?
Hi Evela, a clarification about day and night sessions: once you are on the grounds, it doesn’t matter when a session starts on any of the courts except for Ashe and Armstrong — if you are on the grounds with a day session ticket of any kind, you have access to that match (unreserved seating) if it is not on Ashe and Armstrong. See my box number 1 for links to give you a luster to examples of the matches you can expect on various days on different courts. Does that answer your question?
How have the lines been, getting in and concession, restroom, et al so far? And how do you expect them to be Fri and Sat nights? Thanks for all the great info! Can’t wait for our first time this weekend with my wife and our son!
Hi Jay, pretty brutal during peak hours— So much so that I’m planning on updating my post with a few other recommendations. One of which is never to leave your seat at the end of a set hoping to get food or drink at that point. Always wait until the third game of a set is complete before trying. Also avoid trying to get lunch during the hours of 1230 to 2. If you can’t get through the lines at the food Village, check out the concession stands around grandstand including in grandstand. They tend to be a lot lighter.
Concession lines, some water bottle fill up lines, lines to get into stadiums etc all way worse than they have ever been imo. This is my 5th visit – always Wed +Thurs of week 1. Oh and ticket cost close to double that of prior years.
Perhaps an obvious question, but I cannot find a definite answer. If we have reserved tickets for a night Armstrong session, these tickets are not also a day grounds pass?
Hi Dean, that is correct. A night ticket at Armstrong or Ash means entry to the gates at 6 PM.
Hello ! This is such a fantastic resource and I’m glad I’ve come across it. I managed to score reasonably priced resale tickets to Arthur Ashe for tomorrow nights match with Serena Williams. We are located in section 310 row N. Is it worth getting binoculars from this vantage point ?
Hi Azzie, thanks that’s great to hear! That is pretty high up – but there are huge jumbo screens that you can watch on too for more detail (basically the same as the TV broadcast but huge). You will definitely be able to see the players just fine, it’s just a matter of being able to see the finer details – which you will be able to see on the screens.
Hi PJ! This page has been immeasurably helpful as I try and embark on my first U.S. Open experience. Serena is an absolute hero of mine and I’m trying my best to see her on a pretty tight budget. Seems like my options are (1) splurging on a Promenade ticket to tomorrow’s night match, or (2) going for a Grounds pass on Thursday and showing up as early as I can to snag one of the first-come, first-served seats to see her and Venus (it doesn’t look like any Doubles matches are on the main courts this early). Any suggestion… Read more »
Hi Taylor, sorry for the delayed reply – was out there last night through the Naomi match and didn’t get home until reallllly late. You may want to wait until the schedule for tomorrow is released, which I expect sometime after noon (I’d start checking at 11 to be safe in case they make an early announcement about Ashe/Armstrong/Grandstand). We still don’t know where they’ll be scheduled. The vast majority of high-profile, early-round doubles matches – even involving big names – are usually put on Grandstand (and even on the numbered field courts). In some cases, very high-profile early round… Read more »
Hi PJ. I couldn’t find a shade map for Grandstand on your tips page. Any suggestions for best sections there?
Hi Lisa, anything on the umpire chair side (west) is best— you get no shade but at least sun is at your back. There’s also unreserved seats in shade on same side. PJ
You are such a legend thank you for this epic us open write up!! Going tomorrow at lou armstrong sitting in hopefully a shaded section! Thank you thank you
Thank you John!!!
Hi , a friend is selling half of the price ticket at the Louis a. Stadium Courtside good spot to watch ? Section 5?
Thanks .
Hi Marie, great section!
Thanks for your prompt response .
PS…day session . Is it covered or shade …:-)
Hi Marie, you’re welcome! That entire side enjoys the most shade for most of the afternoon (see my shade map in FAQ #4). PJ
I can’t seem to find the schedule from before that breaks down what each session includes at each stadium, but does Ashe and Amrstong day sessions on Saturday (Sept 3rd) usually include a men’s singles match, women’s singles match, and a doubles match? Would it be safe to say that there’s a good chance the William’s sisters will be playing Saturday day at either Ashe or Armstrong if this is true assuming they win on Thursday? Thanks for any help!
Hey Chris, check out my BOX 1 with ticket options and under the chart: “FAQ: What Matches Can I Expect on Each Court?“ For the question about the Williams sisters. They will definitely on Saturday if they win Thurs but the question of where it’s a bit of a question mark. The vast majority of early round doubles matches (as you’ll see from the schedule tomorrow) are not scheduled on Ashe or Armstrong, including on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. They have made exceptions for especially high profile matches, which get put on Armstrong for Grandstand. For the Williams… Read more »
Hi PJ, thanks for sharing all these information. I wonder when exactly the night sessions actually begin, on the US open wesbite it says 7pm. Does it start 7pm sharp? I am planning to attend one of the weekday night sessions after leaving my office in Manhattan.
Hi Lin, they try to get things rolling as close to 7 as possible. There will be player intros / quick pre-court interviews and warmups first, then match starts right after. I’d aim to be here by 6:15 if you can because lines to get in can be long and better to be on the safe side. Don’t drive if you can avoid!
Got it. Thank you so much!
Hi PJ, thanks so much for this comprehensive post. I’ve been visiting your blog for several years since I started attending the US Open, and have picked up some helpful tips.
Will be there during day session on Friday, hoping to catch Serena 🤞.
Do you know what the deal with obtaining the restaurant pass for those who are not seated courtside and without suite access?
Also, do you buy passes for the entire tournaments or individual tickets?
Hi Karol, great to have you back! Which restaurant are you interested in? The two on Ashe Club level are exclusively for courtside ticket holders.
I don’t buy subscriptions for reasons I mention in the faq section – Always find it more effective and satisfying to apply my budget more strategically.
Was trying to go to Champions and don’t have courtside tix, but it states that there are some restaurant passes available, which I can’t seem to locate.
Have you tried the Overlook or other such hospitality facilities? Worth it?
Also wanted to ask if you also have a problem getting an Uber after the events. Every time I go, I end up waiting forever and they always claim they cannot come in to the pick up location. It’s a whole ordeal, even though I get dropped off with no issues. I enter at the south gate btw.
Thanks again.
Hey Karol, do you remember the site/ page where you saw there were restaurant passes available? I’m not aware of any way for folks to get into Champions without Courtside or Suite tickets. Overlook is very nice – but I’ve only seen it, never really enjoyed or invested in tickets that give that option because I personally apply my entire budget to quality seats versus any hospitality perks. If you have an Amex Centurion or Platinum card, the lounge in Armstrong is really great – imagine an outstanding airport lounge for tennis fans 🙂 For Uber: I can confirm I’ve… Read more »
Dining pass info page:
http://origin-usopen.usta-dns.com/Event_Guide/Dining_at_the_Open/
Yes, I plan to go to both the Amex and Chase lounge tomorrow was just wondering about the other types of lounge options out there since you seem to really splurge on your tickets. I just assumed you’ve been to all lol
Have day tickets, but now that Serena is doing doubles tonight, seems highly unlikely she will do the day session 🙁
Thank you again, see you on the Uber line 😊
Aha, now I see why you were under that impression. The URL you shared is from the 2015 Open, when the “US Open Club” restaurant used to be a perk and have some special passes. As of 2022 that restaurant (accessible from outside Ashe, ground level) is entirely open to the public. Here’s this year’s dining options page. Aces and Champions remain limited just to courtside ticketholders.
Hey PJ! I saw that the schedule has been posted for Wednesday, and I don’t see any doubles matches on it. Does that mean the Williams sisters will likely be playing doubles on Thursday?
Thanks as always, your page has been extremely insightful and appreciate the response!
Almost certainly, but not definitely. They have not yet released the doubles matches for tomorrow. There’s a chance, very slim, but they will schedule them tomorrow afternoon. I highly doubt it with Serena playing in the evening. They will almost certainly be scheduled for Thursday. Keep checking the schedule until it’s complete today.
Awesome, thank you! I have both day / night tickets for Thursday, so keeping my fingers crossed!
Thank you for all your hard work and apologies if this is a repetitive question: I have ground passes for Wednesday, August 31st but have yet to purchase an Arthur Ashe ticket to see the evening matches. Do you think I should just swallow the price of resell tickets or try to buy the tickets day of while I am at the stadium either through the box office or resell tickets? I don’t mind missing a few minutes of the game in order to purchase a cheaper ticket since I’m on a budget and hope to spend the day watching… Read more »
Hi Eni, because Serena is playing Wed night it’s less likely there will be a many (any) great last minute deals – But there is always a chance. I would just keep monitoring the situation and if you see something decent consider grabbing it sooner rather than later.
I managed to get tickets at ~$130 ($120, roughly $10 in fees) for Serena night on Monday at around 4pm. That was by far the lowest I saw it go the whole day so would consider anything around $150 a deal, and at this point anything south of $200 I would consider.
Hi P.J. Great articles, so many tips that i had to read several times in order to get them all. One quick question, I was trying to buy the ticket for tomorrow (Wed) either day or evening with Armstrong or Ashe. Thought the deadline is 12:59pm today. Just checked the ticketmaster, looks like all tickets for tomorrow is closed for now. So sad..Is there any way (besides of ground pass) that I can still purchase from somewhere?
Hi Vicky, I would double check the session that you’re clicking on is the session for tomorrow – you CAN still buy tickets for tickets tomorrow. Ticketmaster only stops selling tickets 59 minutes after a session has actually started, and some reseller sites actually so longer than that.
I have Night Session tickets in Ashe and would like, to the extent possible, avoid the flush. Any advice? Or grin and bear it
Top advice if you are asking about today: do not drive. Apart from that, I would arrive by 5 PM, get in line, bring an umbrella To protect from the sun so that you can be among the first to enter and avoid the long crowds at either the east or the south gate.
Wednesday Ashe and Armstrong is posted. Serena has the night Ashe for her singles.
Hi PJ,
Can I buy tix in the wheelchair accessible section without a wheelchair? Ticketmaster is giving me a warning that those seats are only for those in wheelchair and their companions, but Stubhub is selling tix in the same location and says wheelchair not needed.
It’s really an ethical cLl. My feeling on this: if it’s last-minute (like right before a session is about to start) and the seat is unfilled and going to go unsold otherwise, then ethically I think it’s fair game.