A Serious Tennis Fan’s Complete Guide to the 2026 US Open: Tickets, Tips & More

▸ Returning Visitors: Click Here for Latest Updates!
- June 28: Published fully restructured new version of this post to facilitate navigation, including this PDF 2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices: How to Spot a Good Deal — day-by-day ticket options and direct links to check prices and comparison shop on Ticketmaster and Stubhub.
- July 3: Added FAQ: “Which seats in Promenade have obstructed views?”
- August 3: Updated details on shade patterns in Armstrong Stadium in FAQ: “Which seats get the most shade?”
- August 27: The NYT reported that the Open would offer limited $25 evening grounds passes for purchase on-site only through Sep 6: “However, they can be purchased only on-site the evening of entry and on nights that Louis Armstrong is sold out (not including resale tickets).” When I asked the US Open box office to provide more details, they wrote: “No unfortunately we cannot confirm availability beforehand, these specific passes are on a day-to-day basis. Evenings grounds passes are only made available day of based on the capacity of the events and the stadiums.”
- August 29: My new chart outlining how scheduling should work beginning in Round 2: “Who Plays on Which Dates After R1?”
- September 1: Fellow fan Carrie reported on the late-night taxi situation: “I had a great experience with getting a yellow cab at the rideshare area by the NY Hall of Science at around 11:30pm the first two nights. NYPD organized the taxis and the taxi line and I waited only a few minutes in line before I was able to get a cab and a fast ride back to the hotel at a very reasonable cost. There were plenty of taxis waiting to pick up folks. This was probably way faster than waiting for an uber, and the police officer organizing the taxi line even made the sure my driver had his meter on when he saw I was a woman traveling solo late at night!”
- September 3: I share observation on the new post-renovation Courtside and Loge sections in my updated FAQ “What’s different about Ashe after the big 2026 renovation to Ashe Stadium?“
By P.J. Simmons
If you’re a fellow tennis fan planning a trip to the US Open — whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth — I built this guide for you. As a serious tennis player and fan living in NYC, I feel so lucky that the US Open is in my backyard. I absolutely love the tournament, and find nothing more educational and inspiring for my own game than seeing world-class live tennis.
2026 will mark my 18th time at the US Open, and I’ve learned a ton over the years through trial and error about how to maximize the opportunity, find the best tickets and seats on the Official US Open ticket site on Ticketmaster, StubHub, and other reseller sites, and generally get the biggest bang for the buck. Likewise, I’ve learned so much thanks to fellow fans around the world who have shared their own insights since I wrote the first version of this post over a decade ago.
Below are my top 10 recommendations and practical resources to help you sort through the complexity, understand all the ticket options, and make the best decisions for your own priorities and budget so you have an incredible experience. I’ll continue to update throughout the summer and the tournament. Don’t hesitate to reach out with a question below if you can’t find what you need – I’ll reply as soon as I can.
For my returning friends: Please let me know what you think of this newly restructured and updated version (June 28), which hopefully will make navigation easier and faster for you. Please let me know what you think – I’d really appreciate your feedback!
What Every First-Timer Should Know Before Buying Tickets
Whether it’s your first Open or you just haven’t been in a few years, here are a few things worth understanding before you spend a dollar or make final decisions on when to attend.
Consider taking advantage of incredible FREE opportunities to see world-class tennis and superstars the week before the main tournament (August 23–29)
Before the main tournament begins, there’s a packed week of events at the US Open grounds (“Fan Week”) that offers many opportunities to experience the magic of the Open without spending a dollar on a ticket.
The week kicks off Sunday August 23 with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. If you have kids, this is a great day to go with lots of interactive games, music, activities.
Then, the Qualifying Tournament (Monday August 24 – Thursday August 27) is an amazing opportunity for serious fans to see major rising players and incredible tennis up close. 128 of the world’s best male and female players (whose ATP and WTA rankings were just shy of qualifying automatically for the US Open) will compete for the final 32 spots (16 each for men and women) in the singles draws. In 2021, #150-ranked qualifier Emma Raducanu went on to win the US Open women’s singles title – the first Grand Slam champion in history to come through qualifiers. Maja Chwalinska came close to doing the same at the 2026 French Open. Read why Fan Week/Qualies are so special in this excellent piece by Steven Kutz.
Throughout the entire week, there are opportunities to see some of the top-seeded players and biggest stars in unofficial practice sessions (details posted on the practice schedule the morning of).
Note: Fan week also features four special events that require paid tickets: including Mixed Doubles Rounds 1&2 (Aug 25 10am); Exhibition play with Roger Federer (Aug 25 7pm); Mixed Doubles Semis and Finals (Aug 26 7pm); and a “Stars of the Open” exhibition (Aug 27 7pm).
IMPORTANT: TO GAIN ADMISSION DURING FAN WEEK, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR A FREE FAN ACCESS PASS.
The US Open is much bigger than Ashe Stadium. Get the lay of the land before you make your plan.
Most people think of Arthur Ashe Stadium when they think about the US Open—and understandably so. It’s the largest tennis stadium in the world (almost 24,000 seats) and home to many of the tournament’s biggest matches. But the US Open is so much more than Ashe. Think of it as a massive tennis festival spread across an entire campus. On a typical day during the first week, world-class matches take place simultaneously on Ashe plus 16 other courts.
In fact, some of the most exciting tennis during the tournament happens on Louis Armstrong Stadium (almost as big as the main show courts at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open with around 14,000 seats plus a retractable roof in case of rain), Grandstand (with 8,100 seats), Court #17 (2,800 seats) and the smaller field Courts #4-16.
Some important basic rules about how entry and seating works:
- Any of the almost 80 ticket options gets you access to the entire US Open grounds — you’ll find every option laid out in the ticket chart below (2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices).
- Once you’ve entered the US Open grounds, you can access unreserved seats (on a first-come basis) in Armstrong, Grandstand, and on every other court except Ashe stadium. Ashe Stadium has no unreserved seats, so you need to buy an Ashe-specific ticket if you want to get in. Armstrong and Grandstand have both reserved ticket options and unreserved seating. Courts #4-17 are entirely first-come, unreserved seating.
- Grounds entry times vary depending on your ticket: A grounds pass or “Day” session reserved ticket for either Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand allows entry when gates first open (usually 9:30am). If you only purchase an “Evening” session ticket for a particular day, you’ll have to wait until 6pm to enter the grounds. Once you’re in the US Open grounds, you can stay as late as you want until closing.
Learn how player and match scheduling works to raise the odds of seeing your favorite players.
Most fans coming to the Open dream of seeing their favorite players in action. But what many first-timers don’t realize is that it’s impossible to predict which players will play on which days, on which courts, or at what time until the detailed “Daily Schedule of Play” is released shortly before the actual match day. So if you buy a ticket to the Open prior to that – which most people do – you’re buying access to matches in a particular round of play, not a guarantee that you’ll see any specific player.
The good news is that having a clear understanding of how scheduling works can dramatically improve your odds of seeing the players and matches that matter most to you. Taking a few minutes now to review these things will put you ahead of the game:
1. Start by getting the big picture of the tournament’s schedule – here’s an overview:
>> You can find a comprehensive, day-by-day breakdown of the schedule and every ticket option here: 2026 US Open Ticket Options
2. Get a sense of what day-by-day match scheduling looks like by reviewing last year’s “Daily Schedules of Play” to get a feel for what types of matches are played on which courts during the various rounds. Keep in mind this is just illustrative: for instance, just because a player was scheduled for certain days or played on certain Ashe Day or Night sessions does not mean you can expect the same for this year!
3. Go deeper: see the FAQ “How can I predict when and where my favorite player will play?” below — it explains how to make educated guesses about who plays when and where.
How to Choose the Right Tickets and Spot Good Deals
One of the most common questions I get every year is some version of: “What’s the best ticket to buy?” The honest answer is that there are many “best” tickets — it simply depends on your priorities and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have. Some fans want the energy of being with 24,000 others in an Arthur Ashe night session. Others are happy spending an entire day roaming the grounds in the early rounds, hopping from court to court. Some want to treat someone special to courtside seats in a final round. Others want the most tennis possible for the lowest price. So the goal is simply to find the ticket that’s best for you.
Below are my top recommendations—followed by a time-saving chart I built to help you compare all the options, benchmark average prices and comparison shop, and make decisions with confidence.
Don’t miss the chance to see world-class players and great matches up close on the other courts beyond Ashe Stadium.

It was awesome seeing Ben Shelton up close for the first time in 2022 on Court #10 in Round 1 (v. Borges)
For my first US Open, I spent about $250 per ticket for a seat in the upper portion of Ashe Stadium for a night match so I’d be guaranteed to see at least one Top 10 player live. While it was certainly thrilling to experience the electricity of an evening Ashe match, I still felt somewhat distant from the action (it’s a mammoth 24,000-capacity venue) and spent much of the time watching the match on the huge video screen. Moreover, because the tournament prioritizes putting the biggest stars on Ashe over the best match-ups, the matches I saw weren’t terribly exciting.
Since then, I’ve become addicted to the unparalleled thrill of seeing many world-class competitors from a few feet away in epic duels on several of the smaller non-Ashe courts (Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand Stadium, the very cool Court #17, and other outer courts #4-#16). Once you have this experience you’ll likely get addicted too. While it’s rare that you’ll see the Top 5 players on those courts, you WILL see other awe-inspiring players in very competitive matches –including seeing rising stars before they become household names, and feel the excitement of “discovering” new talent to cheer for. Over the years I’ve seen countless “next-gen” players up very close for the first time on outer courts before they were super famous — including Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, Dominic Thiem, Sasha Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and many others.
While I recommend everyone experience Ashe Stadium at least once, I also can’t recommend more strongly that you make time to explore the opportunities to see thrilling tennis in more intimate settings on the other 16 courts.
On a tight budget but want to see a lot of tennis? Consider going during Rounds 1 and 2, and aim for an affordable Ashe Stadium (or Armstrong Stadium) DAY session ticket — often comparably priced to a Grounds Pass, but a much smarter buy.

Be sure to take in some Doubles action too. Here was Casper Ruud and his partner William Blumberg during Round 1 in 2024.
Rounds 1 and 2 (Sun–Thurs of the main tournament’s first week) are a great chance to get maximum bang for your buck. There’s so much action across the entire US Open grounds, with matches happening simultaneously on 17 courts all day — and some play stretching into the evening. Crowds are heavy but not as intense as Labor Day weekend. It’s one of my favorite times to be out there.
Many fans assume a Grounds Pass is automatically the cheapest way into the Open — but often it isn’t. Before you buy one, always compare it against Ashe and Armstrong DAY-session tickets. During Rounds 1 and 2 those are often available for a similar price (sometimes less!), and they give you everything a Grounds Pass does — early entry when the gates open in the morning, the run of the whole grounds — plus a reserved seat and rain protection (both stadiums have roofs). You may end up roaming the outer courts more than sitting in that seat — but it’s there when you want it, and it guarantees you a spot inside if one of your favorites gets scheduled in that stadium. And keep in mind: a Grounds Pass won’t get you into Ashe at all (every Ashe seat is reserved). So if having Ashe be part of your experience matters to you, a cheap Ashe day ticket in the early rounds is often the most affordable way to do it.
And because a DAY ticket lets you stay on the grounds into the evening, you’ll get hours of extra tennis on the outer courts well past 6pm — all for the price of one ticket.
If your budget can swing it, I strongly recommend getting a courtside reserved seat in Louis Armstrong stadium (especially between Sep 4 – Sep 7) and/or in Grandstand (especially on Sep 4 or Sep 5).

Me spotted on Netflix “Break Point” series cheering on Taylor Fritz and Brandon Holt at the 2022 US Open – front row during awesome match on Grandstand
As a general rule, I encourage fellow fans to budget their time and money in ways that maximize the possibility of a few magical experiences versus a ton of forgettable ones. For instance, if you’re opting between multiple days of cheap nosebleed seats in Ashe’s Upper Promenade versus applying the same budget towards excellent seats on Armstrong or Grandstand for a couple sessions, I generally recommend the latter.
Louis Armstrong (14,053 seats) and Grandstand (8,125 seats) are the other two main show courts after Ashe Stadium – and they offer a much more intimate experience. A reserved courtside ticket for either can give you access to thrilling matches and players up close that you’ll never forget.
The first time I did this in 2010 I saw an unforgettable marathon slugfest between David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco from the first row of the old Armstrong stadium… It gave me a memory I will treasure forever. Ever since, I’ve made it an annual tradition to go with friends to get excellent courtside seats in Armstrong during the 3rd Round or Round of 16. In 2019, I got to see Matteo Berrettini crushing balls in the Round of 16 on Armstrong from the second row (and my phone exploded with texts when my friends and I were spotted on ESPN frequently cheering for him). I’ve had similar transporting experiences in Grandstand over the years – including sitting first row behind-the-server for a match between Auger-Aliassime and fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov.
Both stadiums also feature general admission seating on a first-come basis, but getting good GA seats can be tough and involve long lines for the higher-profile matches — so having a reserved courtside ticket gives you the dual benefit of skipping long lines plus incredible proximity to the players.
If you’ve never done it, consider splurging once on a courtside Ashe seat.

Me caught on ESPN cheering very loudly for Carlitos from front row Ashe (lower left) during 2024 Round 2 (v Botic van de Zandschulp)
After dreaming for years of the possibility, I finally bit the bullet to invest in Arthur Ashe Stadium Courtside seats in 2011 for the first time. It was bliss. Ever since, I’ve made an annual pilgrimage to experience Ashe Courtside with a few close friends at least once.
What most people don’t understand about the mammoth Ashe stadium until they’ve been in person is that even Loge seating is fairly high up because (a) the stadium is very vertically oriented (seating is on a sharp incline) and (b) there are two levels of suites above Courtside before the first row of Loge even begins. So when you’re down in Courtside, you feel like you’re in another world. The feeling of being that close to greatness in Ashe’s electric atmosphere is pretty amazing.
Here’s a video I shot of Federer from the front row in 2011, the very first time I sat courtside at Ashe. I found a great deal on a resale ticket on Labor Day during the Round of 16 and got to witness Federer perfection from a few feet away. Best money I’ve ever spent.
Before you compare options, get clear on what matters most to you for this particular visit — seeing a favorite player, incredible proximity, atmosphere, the most tennis for your money, shade, flexibility, or certainty. The more familiar you become with the market, the easier it becomes to recognize real value when you see it.
Here are 4 steps to making sure you make your decision with confidence:
- Know the benefits/restrictions of each type of ticket – read “What Each US Open Ticket Type Gets You” below.
- Review the day-by-day ticket options and average prices in the chart below. It will give you valuable context for smart decisionmaking, including up-to-date price ranges of what to expect for every single ticket option plus benchmark ranges from last year’s Open.
- Comparison shop — best done on a computer. For my full step-by-step process — which sites, how to read the maps, what to avoid — see “Which ticket site should I use?” under Before You Buy below.
- Scan the topics below under “Before You Buy — Common Questions” to dive deeper into many important questions that may impact your final decision about what’s best for you.

Before You Buy — Common Questions
▸ Should I buy now or wait? Will prices go up or down?
The frustrating reality is: it depends — and it’s impossible to predict with certainty. Buying US Open tickets can be a bit like investing in the stock market: knowledge and good judgment dramatically improve your odds, but there are always surprises because so many variables are involved.
One thing many first-time buyers don’t realize is that the inventory they see today may look very different tomorrow, next week, or later in the summer. Much of the market is driven by resale, because the USTA typically makes relatively few Standard tickets (“blue dots” on Ticketmaster) available, with most inventory pre-allocated to subscribers — and even Standard tickets are dynamically priced rather than sold at a fixed “face value.” As a result, prices can move in unexpected ways.
Historically, some sessions get cheaper as more resale tickets hit the market and sellers compete, while other high-demand sessions rise substantially. Who gets scheduled on which days, courts, and sessions matters too. Last year (2025), schedulers surprised everyone by putting the blockbuster Djokovic–Alcaraz semifinal in the day session rather than at night — so day prices spiked and night prices dropped.
Resale tickets are almost always available until the last minute, so patient buyers sometimes find great deals — but waiting trades certainty for risk. The best advice I can give: familiarize yourself with typical prices for the sessions you’re considering so you can recognize a good opportunity when you see one. The chart above is built for exactly that — every option, this year’s average ranges, and last year’s day-of benchmarks (for context, not prediction). One clue: if you enlarge the Ticketmaster map and see few tickets, scarcity often signals prices may keep rising; abundant inventory often means more downward pressure.
▸ Will the tournament release more Standard tickets and Grounds Passes?
Sometimes yes — but in a completely unpredictable way. The USTA has historically released additional Standard (“blue dot”) tickets throughout the summer for some sessions, sometimes for surprisingly good seats. There has never been a reliable pattern for which sessions or ticket types get more inventory, and Grounds Pass inventory can fluctuate too. My advice: check periodically, especially in the mornings, but don’t count on it for any specific session.
▸ Will I still get good tickets if everything looks expensive right now?
Usually, yes. One of the biggest misconceptions among first-time buyers is that the inventory available when tickets first go on sale is all there will be. In reality, more resale inventory appears throughout the summer, and the USTA often releases additional standard tickets too. The market keeps evolving right up until the tournament begins — and sometimes even on the day of the matches.
▸ Which sessions are the best deals?
This varies year to year, and some of the best last-minute deals turn up when the lineups aren’t what people expected (last year, for example, a marquee semifinal landed in the day session instead of the night). Still, here are a few sessions that tend to be overlooked and have historically offered relatively good value:
- Armstrong evening courtside, week 1 — exciting under the lights in a big stadium, but demand is lower because many fans choose day-session tickets instead (understandably, since a day ticket lets you in as soon as gates open, so you can catch as much tennis as possible). The trade-off: an evening-only ticket won’t get you onto the grounds until 6pm. But it can be an affordable way to see bigger names from a far better vantage point than the upper tier of Ashe.
- Quarterfinal day sessions — the biggest-name lineups almost always go to the night sessions during the quarterfinals. With many tourists gone and locals leaning toward evenings, day tickets here are often cheaper than the Round of 16.
- Labor Day Ashe evening — historically cheaper than other Round-of-16 sessions, since many tourists have headed home and demand dips. You still get great matches, and it’s a great time to experience Ashe at night.
▸ How do I see the exact location of seats I might buy?
Use the “Map View” on Ticketmaster for any particular session provides the best reference for the exact location of specific seat(s). After you click on the session/stadium that interests you, choose Map View, then mouse over or click any of the dots to see the exact section, row, and seat number. This is also helpful if you’re comparison shopping with Stubhub or other resale sites, whose maps may only feature sections and zones and not individual seats.
KEY SEATING CHARTS AND SHADE MAPS
ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM
- NEW 2026 Arthur Ashe Seating Chart
- My NEW 2026 annotated Ashe Stadium SHADE map
- Ashe “Interactive Seat Viewer” (updated for 2026) to give you a sense of what view is like from specific seats – which from my experience tends to make seats look like they’re closer than they actually feel when you’re there, but helpful nonetheless.
Update on the Renovated Loge Section
In previous years, I recommended prioritizing the lower half of Loge when Courtside wasn’t in the budget, because even the front rows of Loge were already relatively high up. With the new design, the front rows of Loge now sit meaningfully farther from the court (only 5 of the original 13 rows of Loge remain) – so sitting in Loge is only marginally better than lower Promenade, making it hard to justify paying much of a premium.
A warning about the first row of the new Loge section: The roof of the luxury suites just below juts out like a sore thumb from the front row, both creating a visual and emotional barrier to the court. Here’s a photo I took from the new Section 231 Row A.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM
- Louis Armstrong Stadium Seating Chart (Official)
- Louis Armstrong Chart (with my annotations)
- Armstrong Interactive “View from Seat” Map
- My annotated Armstrong Stadium SHADE map
GRANDSTAND
▸ What’s different about Ashe after the big 2026 renovation to Ashe Stadium?
A lot. 2026 brings a huge change to Ashe: a major renovation added 2,000 new Courtside seats and removed around 2,800 Loge seats to make room for the expanded courtside area and newly designed luxury suites between the Courtside and Loge levels. Promenade remains exactly the same.
My initial observations after spending a few days watching play from various sections of Ashe in 2026:
The New Courtside
- Courtside seats (even higher rows) remain qualitatively much, much better than Loge and Promenade, which now feel even more remote. Overall, though, courtside feels far less intimate. And more numbers create intense crowds in the “Club Level” corridors (where you get drinks and food).
- Noise levels are worse than ever in the stadium due to the larger numbers of people in courtside and folks in suites, many of whom are drinking heavily and carry on conversations at full voice. All it takes is a few loud conversations to spark a chain reaction: background conversations become white noise, and everyone feels permission to talk loudly.
- Gone are the days when you would be embarrassed for standing in an aisle except during changeovers. The longer stairways — coupled with the highly questionable elimination of the continuous walkway at the top of Courtside — means people take too long to get to their seats.
- The addition of two cordoned-off Courtside rows (“100A-100E”) with walkway behind the umpire chair feels, to be perfectly frank, obnoxious. One the one hand, I applaud the move to put Players’ Boxes into the first row on this side (section 100A) and directly opposite (105AA). And I understand the need to reserve parts of these rows (especially 100G) for VIPs like Billie Jean King and provide special security for them. But selling the rest of these seats to ultra-rich subscribers — many of whom skip matches in favor of hanging in suites or resell the seats at out-of-reach, exorbitant prices — is infuriating to someone like me who has spent hard-earned savings on those seats in the past and literally been moved to tears of joy and appreciation to be in them watching favorite players.
The New Loge
In previous years, I recommended prioritizing the lower half of Loge when Courtside wasn’t in the budget, because even the front rows of Loge were already relatively high up. With the new design, the front rows of Loge now sit meaningfully farther from the court (only 5 of the original 13 rows of Loge remain) – so sitting in Loge is only marginally better than lower Promenade, making it hard to justify paying much of a premium.
A warning about the first row of the new Loge section: The roof of the luxury suites just below juts out like a sore thumb from the front row, both creating a visual and emotional barrier to the court. Here’s a photo I took from the new Section 231 Row A.
I’ll update the FAQ on views from seats as soon as I can with a few more photos, but wanted to share this update in real time (Sep 3, 2026).
▸ Which seats get the most shade?
ASHE STADIUM
The roof creates a huge amount of natural shade all day for many seats. The most shade is in the South and West sections. Next-best is the North. The most sun (to avoid for Day sessions) is on the East side. See my Ashe shade map. I will update this with more details after I’ve experienced Ashe post-renovation in person during Fan Week this year.
GRANDSTAND
Much less shade overall, but South and West are again better because the sun is more at your back. GA seats higher under the overhang — especially the Southwest corner — get the most.
ARMSTRONG STADIUM
Sections 1–8 (South and West) are best overall for shade, with Section 2 the best (in shade all day). Sections 11-16 (East) are the worst and sit in direct afternoon sun (however the top couple of rows are shaded all day due to the overhang from the upper deck). See this basic overview of the Armstrong shade pattern – then see these additional photos showing how various sections are impacted throughout the day. Additional details:
- Section 1 is fully shaded until around 12:30pm, then some rows and some seats in the first 8-10 rows start getting some sun). See this photo.
- Sections 17-18: Fully shaded until around 12:30pm, then lower rows start getting sun. By about 2:15, many of the first 8-10 rows (rows E-O) are getting sun – see this photo and this photo. By 3pm a few more rows in 17 and 18 get sun – see this photo. By around 4pm (not sure exact time) all of 17 and 18 are shaded completely again
- Sections 3-8 (West side/Chair umpire side) is in full sun at 11am, but the shade gradually moves down to blanket more and more rows such that by 12:30pm the top 10 rows (appx) are in shade and by around 1pm all seats are fully shaded.
- The last 2 rows in the lower bowl around the entire stadium stay shaded (under the overhang from the upper bowl).
- Sections 8-11: Rows U and above are always shaded, most other seats always in direct sun.
▸ Which sections and seats have the best views?
Most people consider “behind the server” seats (the North or South ends of the court) the best — and prices reflect it. For first-timers, that’s my top recommendation. It’s the angle used for broadcast: you can follow point construction and see the court from the perspective of the player on your side of the net, without moving your head side to side. Here’s a photo of the same perspective (from higher up seats) in Armstrong. Here’s another photo from Ashe courtside front row.
Corner sections are also widely considered to be highly desirable — and for good reason. They carry many of the same advantages of the above, with the added benefit you can see the player on your side of the net from the front as their hitting the ball not just the back. Here’s a photo from the new Armstrong from that perspective.
As a serious player myself, I personally love sitting courtside as close as possible in lower rows of sections where seats are practically on the court, perpendicular and near to the actual baseline (e.g., section 120 in renovated Ashe) because it gets me physically even closer to the players and more on the same level. Sitting in the lower rows, I feel even more like I’m on the court with them. I feel the speed of the game. In these seats, I personally enjoy watching one player at a time sometimes to see their footwork, how they prepare for the next ball, etc. Here’s a photo from Ashe courtside from that perspective.
For Loge or Promenade in Ashe, I generally recommend the lowest rows you can get regardless of location, since Loge — and especially Promenade — are already quite high up.
For Day sessions, factor in shade (West, Southwest, and Northwest get the most relief; see the shade question above). The umpire chair is never a real obstruction, but in very low rows on that side it can be a minor annoyance.
▸ Which seats in Promenade have obstructed views?
There are a handful of specific seats worth avoiding in Promenade based on reader reports in the comments over the years and posts on “View from my Seat.” Two recommendations based on every obstruction complaint I’ve ever heard about the Promenade:
1. Avoid aisle seats in Promenade rows A-E (due to large glass safety panels at the bottom of aisle stairways).
At the bottom of every aisle staircase, there’s a clear safety panel (with a metal support bar) to keep people from stumbling over the ledge. These sit at the ends of the rows, all the way around the stadium. If you’re in one of the first several rows (roughly A through E) AND in the seat or two directly beside an aisle, that glass and bar can cut right across your view of the court. Fans report this year after year, always in the same spots: the aisle-adjacent seats in the low rows. A few rows up, or a few seats over, and the problem disappears. The added bonus of skipping these seats: you’ll avoid fans walking up and down the aisles (which they’re only allowed to do in Promenade).
2. Unless you are fairly tall, avoid Row A in Promenade due to the metal safety rail. The front row of the Promenade has a horizontal rail along it. For many adults it’s a non-issue — you see right over it. But if you’re on the shorter side, or bringing kids, the rail can sit annoyingly close to your sightline to the near baseline. My advice for most folks is to avoid the first row altogether. Rows B and C give you virtually the same view with zero rail, and Row A’s extra legroom probably isn’t worth the tradeoff.
Check out photos from other fans of particular seats in Promenade at “View from my Seat.”
Note: I am not able yet to address questions about structural obstructions in the newly renovated Courtside and Loge sections – I’ll update after I’m there this year.
▸ Day session or evening — which is the better value?
For most fans, day sessions offer better overall value. You’ll typically get more tennis, more scheduling flexibility, and grounds access from morning until late evening. Evening sessions often feature big names and a special atmosphere under the lights, but you’re usually paying for fewer matches. Which is “better” comes down to whether you care more about the quantity of tennis or the energy of a showcase night session.
▸ Is a Grounds Pass worth it?
Sometimes — but usually not. Many fans assume a Grounds Pass is automatically the best value; often it isn’t. Before buying one, always compare prices for Ashe and Armstrong day-session tickets. If they’re available for a similar price, you get all the same grounds-access privileges plus a reserved seat and valuable rain protection from the stadium roofs.
▸ Should I buy a subscription or multi-session plan?
For most serious fans, I don’t recommend it. Most multi-session and first-time subscription plans are only for Promenade seats — so high up in that huge stadium that you’ll watch much of the match on the Jumbotron or through binoculars. It can take years to upgrade to Loge (only available with the very expensive full-series plan). For the price of a full-series plan (well over $2,000 each) you could buy several amazing seats across the tournament — or two excellent seats for the Men’s Final. And there’s always a glut of Promenade Ashe seats on the resale market, so an entire series of Promenade seats can be hard to resell.
▸ Which ticket site should I use? How to comparison shop?
Start with Ticketmaster, then compare resale. My process:
- Consult 2026 US Open Ticket Options and Average Prices: How to Spot a Good Deal to learn the average price ranges for the sessions you care about.
- Always check the official Ticketmaster US Open site first — on a computer for the fastest navigation. Use “map view” (click any section), try different sortings, and use multiple tabs to compare sessions. Ticketmaster shows both Standard tickets (“blue dots” — face value, most often Promenade, occasionally Loge/Courtside) and resale tickets (“red dots”). Surprisingly, resale red dots are often the best value, because resellers undercut each other. Tickets stay on sale up to 59 minutes after a session starts if inventory remains, and both Ticketmaster and StubHub make it easy to relist if your plans change (you need a US bank account to re-list on Ticketmaster).
- Compare availability and prices with StubHub and any other preferred resellers to see if you can find an even better deal for comparable seats. Other sites I’ve never had any problems with include Viagogo, VividSeats, SeatGeek, or Ticket Liquidator. I personally no longer recommend TickPick after two very poor experiences. My “2026 US Open Ticket Options” chart linked above links directly to every specific Ticketmaster and StubHub session ticket option.
- Only buy resale tickets that specify the exact Section, Row, and Seat (or seat range) matching the stadium seat maps in this post. Double-check what you receive matches what was advertised; reputable resellers refund a misrepresented ticket (but then it’s on you to find another).
- Never buy off Craigslist or classified sites — too many scams, and NYC law bans “scalping” within 1,500 feet of the venue (effectively everywhere off the subway), with undercover police on site.
- Going with friends? Consider buying a mix of cheap and amazing seats and trading off time in the great one (Promenade vs. Courtside, or across stadiums) — I do this every year. All tickets are mobile-only; if you don’t have a smartphone, Ticketmaster customer service can move yours to Will Call.
- For package deals (tickets + hotel/transport/VIP), trusted options include Championship Tennis Tours, Grand Slam Tennis Tours, and Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.
▸ Are resale ticket sites safe?
Generally, yes — provided you use reputable marketplaces. In some cases resale tickets are actually better values than standard tickets, because sellers compete on price. Before buying, always verify the section, row, and seat numbers, and make sure the ticket is clearly marked for mobile transfer.
▸ How can I predict when — and where — my favorite player will play?
While you can never be absolutely sure whether your favorite player will be scheduled for a Day or Night session (or on which court) until the Schedule of Play is released the day prior to matches, you CAN predict which DATE your favorite players will play if they advance after the Round 1 schedule is announced. Here’s a chart showing which players would play on which days after Round 1 if they advance (based on the pattern from the first two days of Round 1).
To be absolutely sure you see your favorite player, consider waiting until the schedule is published the day prior (start checking frequently early afternoon, usually out by 5:00pm), then immediately go to the official Ticketmaster US Open site or other resale sites like Stubhub to grab a resale ticket. This strategy requires, however, that you monitor the ticket situation closely in the days prior and are prepared to act immediately when the schedule is announced. Also, if you see tickets becoming scarce and prices going up in the days prior, you may conclude it’s worth taking a chance and purchasing based on an educated guess.
Another way to see your favorite player up close is to watch them when they’re scheduled for practice on the practice courts. See Tip #9
- Only the biggest superstars (like Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff) are sure to be scheduled on Ashe – others might be scheduled on Armstrong, Grandstand, or field courts. Schedulers have been known to put even the #1-ranked player in the world on Armstrong or Grandstand, as they did in 2021 with then #1 Simona Halep during Round 1 (on Grandstand) and then #2 Aryna Sabalenka (Armstrong).
- There’s never any sure way to predict whether players will be scheduled for DAY or NIGHT sessions. Officials try to spread the wealth and be fair to players by alternating players between Day and Night sessions. Contrary to popular belief, they do not always schedule the biggest stars at night. The one exception to this is Quarterfinals, when biggest stars are almost always scheduled for the night sessions.
- For Men’s Semifinals, we learned last year (2025) never to assume that the biggest starpower matches would be put on the Night session: they shocked everyone and put the Alcaraz v Djokovic match on during the Day session, and Sinner v Auger-Aliassime at night.
How to Get the Most of Your Visit
The night before you go, check the Schedule of Play
1. Download the official US Open Everywhere App (search “2026 US Open Tennis”) for the latest schedule, scores, and live updates. I also recommend SI.com’s tennis page for terrific day-to-day coverage and analysis.
2. Be sure to check the Schedule of Play here (or on the App) to identify the matches that most interest you and build your plan around that.
3. If you are targeting the first match of the day on either Grandstand or Armstrong and if you don’t have a reserved seat, aim to get in line early at either the East Gate (for Armstrong) or South Gate (for Grandstand) so you can be among the first to enter when gates open at 9:30am. Then speed-walk over and grab the best seat you can.
4. If you’re a player, you might be interested in reading my ten ideas for watching a pro match to help improve your own game— some of the ways I challenge myself to watch live tennis more deliberately from the perspective of a player who wants to improve.
Check out the practice courts for close sightings of the superstars
Check the practice schedule here (or on the US Open App) the night before and the morning of your day at the Open. Note: the best time to see top players practice without fighting as many crowds is during the Fan Week (see Tip 1).
Don’t drive unless you really have to — here’s how to get there
My top recommendation is to take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to “Mets-Willets Point.”
It’s super fast (under 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan) and drops you literally steps from the US Open’s East Gate. You can take it from either Moynihan Train Hall (8th Avenue between West 31st-33rd) or Grand Central. Look for “Port Washington” train on the monitors (signage may say “GREAT NECK” or “PORT WASHINGTON” — double-check the train number.) See 2026 LIRR schedule here. Download the MTA TrainTime app to purchase tickets. Important: the Mets-Willets LIRR stop is NOT accessible for fans with disabilities — exit instead at Woodside/61st St and transfer to the 7 train (or just take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point).
The subway #7 train is also a convenient (and the least expensive) option.
Takes a bit longer, but runs 24 hours. Stops include Grand Central. Download the MTA App for train time and routes. If you must drive: See the US Open’s driving directions and parking details. Plan extra time when the Mets are home (Aug 24-30 and Sep 4-6); I recommend arriving no later than 8:30am on Mets’ dates to be on the safe side. A good alternate parking option is the Shops at Skyview – about a 10-minute walk to the East Gate (and you can reserve a spot in advance for a discounted rate here). Consider buying a resale parking pass on StubHub for a specific lots. Fellow fan Harry notes street parking under or south of Highway 495 is viable if you don’t mind a walk.
Thinking of using UBER/ LYFT/ TAXI? They’re great getting out to the Open – but can be a nightmare coming back after a night session.
To the Open, set the destination to “Billie Jean King National Tennis Center” (drops near the South Gate) or “Mets-Willets Point” (near the 7 train, then walk the footbridge to the East Gate). After a night session, be ready for long waits and heavy surge pricing — thousands of people will be trying to do the same. Alternatives: reserve a car service in advance (I’ve used Riverside), take the LIRR or 7 into Manhattan and hail a cab there, or hail under the 7 train on Roosevelt Ave (or use the Curb app).
Consider staying nearby in Queens and walking or biking.
Fellow fan Mark stayed at an Airbnb on Queens Boulevard about 2 miles away: flat terrain, good bike lanes, and bike racks across from the South Gate — “a fun and hassle-free way to make the commute.”
Coming directly from Laguardia?
It’s only a 9-minute cab ride — or take the Q48 public bus to the “Roosevelt Av/Willets Pt” stop (around 30 minutes). You can check your bag at the US Open before you enter the grounds.
More Common Questions - Good to Know Before You Go
▸ What can I bring — and what’s not allowed? (No backpacks!)
Be sure to review this official complete list of prohibited items before going! To help clarify some common confusions:
- You CAN bring a drawstring bag (click here for example) but NOT a backpack with two straps
- You CAN bring a digital camera with video capabilities (however they do NOT allow “Video cameras or recording devices”, which includes GoPros)
- You CAN bring a plastic or metal water bottle 24 oz or less to refill on site (but NOT anything glass!)
- You CAN bring a fanny pack: but if you do you’ll still need to go through the “with bag” security line
- You CAN bring sunscreen in lotion form only, NOT aerosol cans
- According to the US Open bot on the website: “Outside food or beverages (excluding alcohol) CAN be brought into the US Open grounds, but must fit into one sized bag. There are no exceptions.”
- There is storage outside both East and South Gate entrances if you need it: (in 2025 it was $10 per locker, $20 for large items including suitcases). Bag check for American Express cardholders is discounted (1 bag per card).
Be prepared to wait in a potentially long security line if you have any bag at all (i.e. an enclosed object that doesn’t fit in your clothes), whereas you can breeze through a separate express line for those without bags.
Before Leaving, Don’t Forget…
- Download your mobile tickets to your mobile wallet (e.g. Apple Wallet or something like WalletPasses on Android)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (lotion not spray)! If you forget, La Roche offers free samples just inside the EAST gate entrance.
- A backup phone charger (e.g. a Mophie) if you have one – although there are Chase-sponsored free chargers on site.
- A lightweight white towel (and/or lightweight neck gaiter) to protect exposed skin from sun or to sit on when in unreserved seats, which can get hot and uncomfortable.
- Reusable plastic water bottle (to refill using any of the many water fountains).
- A small umbrella if rain may be in the forecast
- Dress in layers as it can get hot during the day and occasionally chilly at night
- Contacts wearers: A very small bottle of contact lens solution in case you get something in your eye
- FYI: There are two entrances to the grounds: (1) the main entrance, the “East Gate,” located near the Subway/LIRR; and (2) the “South Gate” entrance near the iconic World’s Fair “Unisphere” (globe) – see map above. While lines tend to be shorter by the South Gate, the wait may end up being about the same because there are fewer attendants and metal detectors.
▸ Can I exit and re-enter the US Open grounds?
DAY SESSION ENTRY TO US OPEN GROUNDS (Gates open usually 9:30 most days, 11:00am Finals weekend)
- With either a Grounds Pass (Day) or a DAY-session reserved ticket in Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand), you can enter the US Open grounds as soon as gates open (usually 9:30am, 11am on Finals weekend)
- Enter the US Open Grounds through security with your ticket scanned at the East Gate or South Gate; if you have a reserved stadium seat, your ticket is re-checked entering that stadium. Once you enter the US Open grounds with any ticket, you can stay as late as you want until closing.
- Note: DAY-session reserved tickets for Ashe or Armstrong only entitles you to that seat for the Day-session matches — after which you will have to leave your seat but can remain on the US Open grounds and access general unreserved seating on every court except Ashe (which has no unreserved seating).
- You can exit the grounds and re-enter as much as you’d like before 6:00pm (you can’t re-enter the Grounds after 6:00pm).
EVENING SESSION ENTRY (6:00pm)
- If you only have an Evening session ticket, you have to wait until 6:00pm to enter the grounds.
- If you are already in the grounds and also hold an Evening reserved tickets (for Ashe or Armstrong) for the same day, you do NOT need to exit and re-enter the grounds.
- If you’re in Armstrong for the Day session (courtside or GA), you’ll leave your seat between sessions while they clean, but you can stay in the Armstrong concourse.
▸ What if it rains?
The good news: since both Arthur Ashe and the new Louis Armstrong have roofs, far more fans can keep watching even
if it rains.
The bad news: if you’ve invested in Grandstand seats or just a Grounds Pass, there’s less consolation. Keep in mind weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable and change by the hour — there’s always hope showers pass quickly.
In the rare event of an all-day rainout (or under 60 minutes of play), the session may be rescheduled to the next day and your ticket honored then — or, if you bought directly from Ticketmaster, you may be able to trade tickets for another session this year or next (see the US Open’s somewhat complicated 2026 Inclement Weather Policy).
Worst case, look for the silver lining: you’ll be among thousands of fans you can grab a specialty cocktail with, huddle under shelter, and watch an Ashe match together on the big screen.
▸ Is grounds admission free on the second Thursday (Sep 10)?
One of the best-kept secrets: for years the US Open has quietly offered free grounds admission on the second Thursday of the main tournament (gates usually open 11am or noon; you must arrive before 5pm) — a chance to see the Men’s Doubles Semifinals plus all-star wheelchair players, the world’s top juniors, and standout collegiate players.
If you’re a serious fan — especially a doubles player — this is a day not to be missed.
▸ Food
FOOD: There are a bunch of options on site, but they aren’t cheap! See my chart outlining examples of the food stands by area on the grounds.
- This PDF includes several menus from past Food Village stands. Every year there are some new additions and substitutions, but many of these will still be around in 2026.
- Korilla BBQ is one of my favorites, but lines are usually among the longest.
- Poke Yachty is absolutely delicious and lines move quickly because they’ve nailed their system.
- Oyster Bar behind Grandstand has killer ceviches and lobster rolls.
- Hill Country BBQ, Curry Kitchen, Fish Shack and Fly Fish are also delicious.
- Restaurants in Queens not on the grounds
▸ What are perks for cardholders?
- AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDHOLDERS: Bring your Amex card if you have one! See full Amex Benefits at US Open here. Perks from 2025 likely to be repeated in 2026:
- (1) Amex Card Member Lounge on the 2d Level of the Amex “Fan Experience” (where anyone can also play a “Glow Tennis” mixed reality interactive game and get a complimentary manicure with tennis themed nail art).
- (2) Centurion Suite in Armstrong (Exclusive to Platinum and Centurion Members). Book in advance on Resy
- (3) Book complimentary court time in NYC area at over 500 tennis and pickleball courts and unlock special access to peak reservation times when using your Amex.
- (4) Check your bag for a reduced fee at East or South Gate
- (5) Get a one-time $20 statement credit when you spend $100 with your enrolled card at participating US Open merchants
- (6) Get a free earpiece/radio to hear ESPN match commentary
- (7) Skip lines and grab concession items quickly (checkout-free shopping) at the Amex Shop in South Plaza .
- CHASE CUSTOMERS? Check this Chase site for updates on perks for 2026.
- Click here to make a reservation to access the “Chase Lounge”
- Other past perks have included offering cool video+mobile “Chase Charge & Watch” chargers
▸ Recommended places to stay?
This is not an area of expertise for me, but I trust fellow tennis fanatic Melissa, who maintains a great list of hotels appealing to all budgets here.
Fellow fan Mark recommends staying in Queens and biking, based on his experience: “We packed our bikes and stayed at a nice AirB&B on Queens Boulevard, a little over 2 miles from the stadium. Queens has a great network of dedicated bike lanes and a friendly attitude toward bikers, and best of all – the terrain is flat! Once at the grounds, there are bike racks across from the South Gate entrance and in front of the security tent that handles baggage claim. It is a fun and hassle-free way to make the commute for anyone that so inclined!”
▸ Grounds access on Finals Weekend?
Grounds Admission tickets usually get issued at some point over the summer for Finals Weekend (Fri-Sun Sep 11-13) on Ticketmaster.
You can’t access Ashe with these tickets, but you can walk the grounds, see juniors and wheelchair finals, and watch Ashe matches on the big screens.
Final Tip: Pay It Forward When You Can
If you have the opportunity, consider a random act of kindness for fellow fans during the tournament. Our tennis community is big, but in a way it’s small — and our passion is infectious; do something kind for someone today, and they’re likely to pay it forward.
For instance, if you’re leaving your great Ashe (or Armstrong or Grandstand) seat for the day/night while matches are still going, as you exit consider consider gifting it to a fan who’s waiting outside the entrance hoping someone like you might offer. Giving someone on grounds your seat when you’re done isn’t as easy as it used to be, given tightened Ticketmaster restrictions preventing transferring after the ticket is scanned and preventing screenshots from within the Ticketmaster app… But with a little creativity and effort you can pretty easily make it happen, and the gesture might create a lifelong memory for someone else. Here’s how:
- Take a screenshot of your ticket in your phone’s WALLET (Ticketmaster will block screenshots from within the app).
- For Armstrong or Grandstand, simply text someone else the screenshot and it should hopefully suffice.
- For Ashe:
- If gifting to someone already IN the stadium, a screenshot from your wallet should suffice — including if you’re leaving the Courtside/Club level area entrance and you want someone already in Ashe to benefit from your seat (from Loge or Promenade.
- If gifting to someone already in the Open grounds but not in Ashe already: You’d need to walk with them to the Ashe entrance, re-scan your ticket (telling the ticket scanner that you’re letting your friend go to your seat) AND give them a screenshot (which they’ll need to show to ushers or for entry to Club level); OR you’d need to walk with the friend(s) as if you were going to re-enter with them, hand the friend your phone to get scanned, then have the friend discreetly pass the phone back after they are “in” (then just turn around as though you changed your mind about entering themselves at this time).
I’ve gifted a lot of tickets over the years, and it always feels wonderful.












Do I need tickets for qualifying rounds 2024?
Hi Theresa, Apologies for the delayed reply – qualies are free, no tickets needed!
Hi PJ. First of all, two friends and I attended the US Open last year for the first time, and your blog was an absolute gift. SOOO many tips and great observations. We got great seats in Armstrong courtside and in the shade, thanks to your guidance and expertise. Spent so much time at the outside intimate courts… loved every minute. Truly appreciate all the information that you shared. We are planning another trip this year. This time, we are flying in early in the morning and heading straight to the Open. We are staying in Manhattan and don’t want… Read more »
Hi Megan, thank you! And SO sorry for the delayed reply (work has been all-consuming). YES there is storage just before you enter the grounds (including for luggage) outside both East and South Gate entrances: $10 per locker for small items, $20 for luggage. They stay open quite a bit after the last match of the night (I think around an hour) so no worries there!
Hello, Is there are similar website to this for Wimbledon?
Hey Linda, funny just replied a moment ago to someone asking the same… I haven’t done a thorough enough job researching to know which sites are best. But here are a few I found in my notes that may be helpful:
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/wimbledon-tennis-championships-our-top-tips
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10-things-no-one-tells-you-before-you-go-to-wimbledon/
https://www.perfect-tennis.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-wimbledon-tickets/
Let me know if you find any other sites you’d recommend if others ask!
Thank you for the links.
It was straightforward getting tickets for the US Open in 2019, but it seems that Wimbledon is vastly differnt.
do any premium ticket levels come with priority gate access into the stadium(s)? i.e. shorter lines?
Hi Nate, so sorry for the terribly long delay in replying (work has been intense). For Armstrong, courtside ticket holders have their own entrance and there’s usually never any substantial wait. For Ashe, Day session is always easy but night is usually pretty jammeed, and even courtside ticket holders have to enter with everyone through the main gate (they used to allow access via a side ramp entrance but not as of last year). Only folks with suite tickets can use President’s Gate entrance. PJ
just can’t thank you enough!!!!!
You’re so welcome!
Hi
My family is considering renting an RV to go to the USOpen this year. In the past, rented an Airbnb. I’m curious if we would be allowed to park and stay in the parking lot for 2 or 3 nights.
Or any other suggestions on where to park and stay?
Thank you and love your page.
Hi Shannon, so incredibly sorry for the terrible delay in replying – have been consumed with work. I’m pretty sure the answer is no on that one… I’d email usopenticketoffice@usta.com to see if they may be able to give a definitive answer. Good luck!
Hi P.J. Thank you for your wonderful site. I’ve been using it for years to enjoy the US Open. I just today won the Wimbledon ticket lottery and bought tix to Centre Court! First time ever 🙂 Do you have any tips for Wimbledon or know of a comprehensive site like yours? Thanks again!
Hey Michelle, thank you!! And sorry for the delayed reply – work has been super demanding. That’s amazing news about Wimbledon, congratulations!!! I had the best time when I went. I didn’t spend enough time there to gain any particularly valuable insights and haven’t done a thorough enough job researching to know which sites are best. But here are a few I found in my notes that may be helpful:
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/wimbledon-tennis-championships-our-top-tips
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10-things-no-one-tells-you-before-you-go-to-wimbledon/
https://www.perfect-tennis.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-wimbledon-tickets/
Hope you have an amazing time and would love to hear back on your experience!
Hey PJ, I’m just starting to plan my 2024 trip and noticed that SeatGeek already has some tickets available. Are these legitimate ? And if so, what is the underlying source for these “early” tickets ?
thanks for the great info , Ken
Hey Ken! Yes, they are most likely legit: the source is subscribers who already know their exact seats. Even if they don’t actually have the barcodes to transfer yet, they can do a “promise to deliver by” a certain date. I have occasionally found great deals well before tickets go on sale to the public, but generally advise against buying on the resale market until after public sale begins because there’s so much more competition among sellers after more tickets get posted. PJ
FYI, subscribers are currently able to access their tickets as well as transfer/sell them if that gives people any additional comfort. Also, the men’s final this year is scheduled for 2PM which is a much earlier start then past years
Thanks, Frankie!
I remember some people asking if the souvenirs were marked down in the last days of the Open. They are now on sale on US Open website (I got an alert) and they’ve announced the dates for 2024 (Aug 26-Sept 8 main draw).
Folks- I already bought my airfares/airbnb to the Australian Open-Melbourne and will be there from Jan 2-till Feb 2. This is my 1st time and I am so excited. Here my info- bought airfares at $1300- flying out (from Seattle ) on Dec31–that the cheapest fares you can get as nobody is flying on that day. I have seen airfares as high as $4K. Airbnb- only $65/nite and near the Melbourne University-good food and easy to get to tennis courts Tickets–as usual- get the ground prices as there will be many matches. The formula is the same as the US… Read more »
Great info. Appreciate it. Any specific advice for singles finals tickets different from what you say above? Thanks
Hi John, huge apologies for the delayed reply – had crushing work demands in the fall and just catching up on post-2023 US Open blog stuff now (sorrrrry!). Unfortunately no special insights for finals apart from the above. The frustrating reality is that it’s just really really pricey to attend and always a guessing game about when to pull the trigger on purchasing because the market is so speculative. PJ
Thanks for the wonderful advice, which my wife and I used extensively for our first trip to the US Open this year. It was intended as a bucket-list have-to-do-it-once thing, but we spent the flight home discussing how we now intend to go somewhat regularly in the future. Two of our amateur observations: 1) We couldn’t agree more with your quality-over-quantity advice. We had various seats for several sessions in the main arenas, and while the good seats were quite expensive, sitting courtside was generally more enjoyable than sitting higher up. (Although higher-up seats for Djokovic-Djere gave a wonderful perspective… Read more »
Erik, I’m so embarrassed and sorry it took so long to reply to this! Work was super intense this fall and I had to stay super focused, only getting back to the blog now to catch up (sorrrry!). Thank YOU for this kind note and for sharing these 2 great observations! Hope you get back regularly, and wishing you a great 2024 ahead! PJ
Thanks so much for this site! How does one get tickets for next year, via the Open site, not later via Stubhub etc resales? Thanks!
David, I’m so sorry not to reply sooner, was focused on intense work stuff this fall and only getting back to the blog now to catch up (sorrrry!). Your best bet is to mark your calendar for the date in early June when it’s announced that tickets will go onsite on the Ticketmaster – including the Amex pre-sale. See my Box 2 for context, though – Amex pre-sale inventory is really limited and the first day sale is always a mob scene so you need to be really targeted and informed about what would constitute a good deal for what… Read more »
Thanks PJ!!
Thank you again for all of your information and guidance! I brought my 85-year-old mom to NY the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and we got to see some amazing matches, including Alcaraz v Evans. Your advice really helped make the whole experience truly wonderful.
Melody, I’m so embarrassed and sorry it took so long to reply – had crushing work demands post-Open and needed to focus, only getting back to the blog now to catch up (sorrrry!). Thank you so much for taking the time to write this note – I’m SO happy to hear you had a great time and the advice helped!!! PJ
hi another question for you and thanks for your great site. If I wanted to see the women’s doubles final live today, could I do it, w/o having to buy an Ashe ticket for the men’s final, i.e. is there a grounds pass or is it free for the first 11am WD matches, prior to the men’s final?
Anthony, huge apologies for missing this when you originally posted and for the seriously belated reply! You would have needed an Ashe ticket to enter Ashe for the Women’s doubles match – but once in you could have sat just about anywhere because the doubles finals are not well attended). Sorry again for the delay!
So exciting. And I’m told I made tv tonight in second set haha.
Gotta get a screenshot!
I have tickets to see the men’s open final Sunday night. I see the grounds open at 11am, what time would you suggest arriving at the grounds? First time at the US open as well.
Hey Milos! Gonna be an exciting day. Depends a lot on your interests… If it were me, I’d get there by 10:45 so I could get in right at 11, run into the “Fan Experience” (just across Armstrong right after you enter the East Gate) and play in for some of the live ball drills on the full-sized court. Then I’d head into Ashe where there will be general seating for the doubles final (and grab behind the server seats for the best vantage point). Please don’t miss this: doubles is so awesome at the world-class level! After that go… Read more »
Thank you so much for all the info. Before finding your page I knew next to nothing about the US Open. After reading this a few times I was hooked, scored myself a ticket at Arthur Ashe on Labor Day and followed your lead to have a wonderful and memorable lifetime experience. Again, thank you for all the details, everything you said was spot on and so helpful.
THANK YOU Louise! I am so so happy to hear it!!!
PJ you made tv tonight at 5-all 15-30 in the first set after the long rally that Alcaraz won! I was hoping Alcaraz would win… 😢
Thanks Maura!! Yeah, I was definitely showing my loyalties last night and it was a tough loss. But wow the level of play was off the charts. And that point — followed shortly by the other INSANE one at the net— was just blissful to watch.
Yes let’s go PJ….what a match!!
Thank you for this!! Heartbroken a MNR the result, but hoping Carlitos felt the huge love from so many of us. What a total thrill to be there – my first semis in person, a dream come true!
So cool to see you among the energy of insane quality tennis! Found your page a few years ago and have been learning since about the best ways to enjoy the open with better and better seats. Hope to be able to make it to a semis as well some time in the near future. Really felt like Carlitos was about to push it to a 5th but amazing poise from Meds. Looking forward to many more matchups between them!
So great to share the passion! And me too 🙂
Great article! Have a question that I did not find an answer to- how does one go about buying Courtside tickets to Ashe or Louis Armstrong for face value? I haven’t seen these tickets go on sale directly by US open
Hi Karan, thanks! For Ashe, it’s really just a matter of relentlessly checking over and over from the day tickets go on sale to the actual match day… they get released unpredictably for certain sessions and there’s just no way to know when/how many/ for which. Yesterday for instance a large number were released in the AM for the first men’s semifinal – but none for the PM. For Armstrong, it’s the same situation — except there are opportunities to purchase subscription tickets before individual tickets go on sale (unlike for Ashe, where only Promenade-level subscription plans exist). For earlier… Read more »
Big closeup on ESPN of you celebrating a crazy point. Enjoy the match and thanks again for everything!!!
Hey Marty, so cool you noticed! Was a dream to be there!
I have been attending the US Open since 2013 when the Tshirts were only at $14.99 and now they are $60+ and bottle of water is $8 Tips: Bring a drawstring bag- put your water bottle water and bring pastries!! Wear loose clothing…always hot and humid! Buy buy buy the tickets during the months of May,June,July– buy buy and if your don’t need them you can always resell them. I bought all mine at $69each…the cheapest at AA so I can just get access to the stadium…..that all I care because there are so many good matches outside of AA.… Read more »
Thank you Chris!!!
Enjoy semis!
PJ Simmons’ blog on the US Open is an absolute game-changer, and I can’t thank him enough for making our trip with my 15-year-old son Hayden truly epic! 🎾 I was feeling pretty overwhelmed about the whole ticket-buying process and which stadiums to choose, but PJ’s expert advice and template were a lifesaver. Following his guidance, we ended up with tickets to Arthur Ashe, Armstrong, and the Grandstand, where we got to witness some of our favorite players in action. But it wasn’t just about the seats; PJ’s tips led us to meet incredible people, fellow tennis fans who shared… Read more »
Shawn, I’m overjoyed you and your son had such a great experience and grateful I could play a small role in helping!! Thank you so much for the kind words and appreciation!
Thanks for sharing all of this! This was super helpful for my first time at the Open!
Hey Dillon, thank you so much, so happy to hear that!!
Just got back last night after 2 days and can’t thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into helping others have a wonderful experience as well. The info you provided was invaluable for a newbie like myself.
Any suggestions for reselling tickets, besides ticketmaster, for tonight’s women’s match that were bought in error?
Thanks again for all the tips and tricks!
Hey Megan, you are so welcome and I’m so grateful to you for the kind note of appreciation – means so much! I’d definitely post on Stubhub in addition to Ticketmaster, as it’s the #2 go-to for most folks in addition to TM. I’d also keep an eye on the going rates and adjust the asking price competitively if you can to really stand out from the crowd.
Hey! I have a specific question. How late can I enter the grounds this weekend/Friday with a grounds pass since I’ll be coming after work? Is there some cutoff time?
Hi Kenneth! Yes needs help to be before 6pm.
Hi PJ, I skipped this year sadly for a variety of reasons. I have some questions, what’s the news on bringing in food this year?
Also some tournaments like Madrid have started scanning access to several courts after scanning at gate, which is a nuisance, anyone know if they scan enter at grandstand and Armstrong? I think they scan at Ash?
Thanks for the good info!
Hey Stefan nice to hear from you! This year they are allowing one bag of outside food. And still no scanning of tickets at individual stadiums once inside the grounds.
Thanks PJ, hope you enjoy the rest of the tournament
Reading on Twitter the Djokovic Shelton will be on ashe day session. Have you heard anything?
I ask Because if Alcaraz v Medvedev is at night, assuming it is Alcaraz, I want to sell my ticket.
Thx
Last night Cliff D said day and McEnroe just did too – so sounds like it will be Novak/Shelton day…
I thought I heard ESPN say night but you’ve heard otherwise. I know nothing is guaranteed.
I guess maybe everyone’s assuming that Djokovic will win and everyone can see him in the finals.
I think the roof will probably be closed on Friday since they’re talking about thunderstorms, so Djokovic will be fine without the sun.
And yes now ESPN just said night (Novak). This isn’t the first time I’ve heard commentators make premature calls on scheduling only to be contradicted by the final decision!
Your ears are better than mine cause I’ve been listening to ESPN since the match finished and I didn’t hear anything. Guess we’ll wait and find out!
Actually just rewound the tape and it was totally filled with non sequiturs and very confusing. First they showed a graphic that implied Carlos/Meddy would be up first; then Chris Fowler said something like “last champion here of course (i think referring to Carlos)… then you’ve got that match at night… Djokovic….” Then McEnroe interrupted him for the interview.
So still not 100% sure. And lesson learned over and over: never make any sure bets until you have seen written confirmation from @USOpen!
Oy vey!! 😂😂
Schedule out. Novak day; Carlos evening.
Yes!
https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/schedule18.html
Thanks!
Just grabbed the cheapest night session out there since prices may rise (and then likely come down once resellers cant sell their inventory). Once the match starts, prices may drop more, but I don’t feel like waiting and not knowing.
Are you going?
Sadly no, I have tickets to Squeeze and Psychedelic Furs in the evening so have day session (but might try to sell and watch on tv with AC haha had enough of this heat and humidity). I have to juggle tennis with FIFA South American qualifiers starting and the Rugby World Cup over the next few days!!
I have Day tickets, wanting to see Alcaraz, not Carlos. What kind of ticket do you have?
Hi Jose, assume you mean you want to see Alcaraz not Novak? There have been some conflicting statements by announcers and via ESPN, but at the moment it appearsthat Carlos/Medvedev will be scheduled for the night session. However this has NOT yet been reported officially by US Open. Keep checking the US Open Twitter (X) account and the US Open app or schedule page on main website for official confirmation today (hopefully very soon).
Thanks, PJ. Been reading updates to your article for a couple of years now. Excited to finally make it.
Thanks Jose!
I also have a day ticket. Also want to see Alcaraz Medvedev Seems we both want the same thing!
Lol sorry, misunderstood.
Hi—this is an awesome cache of great information. I wish there was one for each open. Thank you!
Thank you!
hi PJ, I’m sure you’ve seen the coverage of US Open fans singing Nazi songs, and shouting out of control drunk slurs. I love your site, and use it every year, and am only commenting to ask that you use your platform to speak out against such vile hate. Thank you.
https://news.sky.com/story/us-open-german-tennis-star-alexander-zverev-stops-match-after-fan-sings-hitler-anthem-12955354
Abhorrent indeed, Sara. It was a relief to see the officials at the event take quick action and kick the offender out promptly.
Can’t thank you enough for this guide. We sat in Armstrong reserved in the shade all day for the round(s) of 16. The only piece I would add and we had great luck with walking to the ride share location and grabbing a taxi. Friendly NYPD helped us. Unlike the first night an hour for the 10minute lyft to arrive.
Hey Sam, Thank YOU so much for your kind note! And great to know About your success with the taxi at the ride share location!
PJ I forgot to mention that this was our first time it was our gift to my mom (a bucket list item she’s 82) and this guide is invaluable….truly the best! I tell everyone about it.
I am SO incredibly happy to hear it was a great experience for you all – warms my heart to think of your mom enjoying such a meaningful time with you!! Every year I feel like I experience the Open with fresh eyes both through folks like you who share their passion and through the newbies I bring as part of an annual tradition of my own… it only fuels my passion more for tennis and for the Open. Thanks for letting me know!
P.J. do you have Venmo or PayPal?
I deeply appreciate the sentiment (!), but you’ll make me happiest if you treat someone to a great tennis experience someday who would otherwise not have the chance and just help spread the love and passion!
That’s awesome and if I most certainly will. Maybe a group of us can pool a few $$$ to help?
Awesome!
Do the shops have discounts on the last day of the tournament?
Thank you.
Hi KayKay, haven’t seen anything like that in past year – anyone else?
LOL at discounts. Big no. Some years you will find a stack of unsold USO programs for the current year in the tennis center in the weeks after the tournament has left. Free for the taking.
Hi KayKay, haven’t seen anything like that on the grounds in past year – but the online store (via usopen.org) often does have discounts following the tournament.
That’s right; only online afterwards (and not all merchandise). Even on the last day or two of the Open, they often don’t have all sizes, etc.
We were at the open on labour’s day and the information you provided is invaluable to anyone,especially first timers like ourselves.
We had ashe daytime tickets but also got to Armstrong evening session as well as grandstand and court 17 in-between.
Not to mention getting in early and see alcatraz practice.
Amazing thank you so much
Kevin, absolutely awesome to hear this – and really really appreciate you letting me know. THANK YOU!
We always get reserved seats in Amstrong but then often leave those seats to catch a great match elsewhere. The problem is trying to get back into Armstrong when there’s a GA mob outside waiting to be allowed in for those upper level seats. Any secret we’re missing to be able to get back into that venue quicker? Thanks – and great article! Jan, Kansas City
Hi Jan! With reserved tickets you should be able to bypass that mob/lines for GA seating at the other gate (there’s a Gate A and B). I haven’t faced this issue myself, so wondering if other readers had similar experiences this year??
Just go right to the front of the line by one of the gates (or the elevators) and they’ll let you right in if you have reserved. That’s the point of reserved; no waiting to get to your seats.
The “mob” is to access the upper deck unreserved seating. Show your ticket to the folks in the front and you will get in.
We managed that but it was not pretty. People didn’t want to let us through – even as we explained and showed our tickets to those waiting. Next time we’ll try the other gate. Thanks.
Heading to the Open now! Can’t wait for the doubles action. Shelton, Townsend, Pegula (twice), Coco and Azareka. If anyone has extra tickets for loge or courtside going unused let me know today. Hearing some can’t make it due to extreme heat. 347.237.6159.
Amazing doubles action. 5pm and only two matches done since 11. Unbelievable quality
😂
Shelton now
For Saturday 9/9 its GA for the mixed doubles finals match as long as you have an Ashe ticket right?
Hey Corey, assume you are asking if there is there open seating in Ashe for that match if you have an Ashe ticket? Officially no – but unofficially, I’ve seen in past years they are very lax about letting people sit wherever because so many people don’t show up until the women’s final match.
FYI to the others scanning your amazing blog.
Each day a smattering of standard tickets get released periodically for matches- including Semis. I’ve been seeing this b/c I check every 10-15 minutes. (OCD much?!)
They get snatched up fast by resellers but if with luck, it’s possible to get a Loge semis ticket in an upper row for just under $500.
They may be less $ on the day (depending on the draw/schedule), but it’s nice to lock one in for an non-reseller price.
Thanks as always for awesome work you do!
Thank you Courtney!!
“ it’s possible to get a Loge semis ticket in an upper row for just under $500.”
Sitting anywhere in the Ashe loge is a very unpleasant tennis watching experience. Paying $500 to sit there is insanity.
PJ- just a quick, sincere thank you for all of this. I just finished two days with my son. We’re from South Carolina, so it was a big investment and trip for us. Your site has been a go to “pre-read” for me for four months, and almost a daily refresh as we got closer to the event. Your advice is well thought and spot on. Thank you for doing this…it really made an impact and is much appreciated. We had a great time.
Adam, I can’t thank you enough for taking time to write such a kind and thoughtful note. It really means so much to me and I’m so gratified to know it was helpful and that you had a great experience! Thank you again!! PJ
Hi PJ – We had a ticket snafu at Armstrong last night that I’m not sure is a common occurrence or not, but maybe offers some tips we’ll be carrying into next year. We had R16 courtside tickets and planned to stay all the way through into the evening (as it’s one of the rounds where Armstrong tix are no longer day-parted, fantastic value). We came and went throughout the day, but after 6pm our tickets disappeared from Ticketmaster and the US Open app. Frustratingly, there is also no way to pull up previous purchases, so it just looked like… Read more »
Hey there, THANKS so much for sharing this experience – so sorry you had to deal with that, but really really helpful to others who might face similar circumstances down the road, as this is the first time I’ve heard of such a glitch. So glad you ultimately got back in!
This must have been a strange glitch, and an example of why you should add your tickets to your mobile wallet. In the wallet, they disappear no earlier than 24 hours after the event.
Hi PJ,
I’m curious if you’ve had any success with buying in person tickets from the ticket office. I live in the city and I could head over tomorrow morning and see if they have tickets available for the night session. Or do you think I’d find better prices by watching the resale websites closer to the event?
Thanks for your insight,
Dov
Hi Dov, the box office only has the same inventory as you see online – so if you don’t see any standard (blue dot) tickets on Ticketmaster, then they won’t have them at the box office. If they do, you’ll save the Ticketmaster fees (which are fairly modest on standard tickets). However, also note the box office doesn’t sell any resale tickets. Be sure to keep checking Ticketmaster starting early in the morning and throughout the day as standard tickets do occasionally get released (and usually get purchase quickly!) PJ
Is the community day on this year? I don’t see any information on the us open website
Yes! Gates open 11am-6pm, details here.
How safe is the area near US Open? I’m supposedly staying at a place few minutes from A. ASHE? Based on your excellent posts it sounds like catching a taxi/UBER will be a headache simply to drive 10-20 minutes away. So I was thinking of just walking since I’ll probably get to my place faster walking than waiting in long lines for a cab. I do recall many years ago going to a Mets game/Yankees and surroundings at night did not feel safe. Please enlighten me, I’m from Chicago and open minded but late at night I definitely try to… Read more »
Hi Carmen, it’s a great question and I unfortunately can’t give any kind of definitive answer. Like so many cities, some blocks feel fine and are heavily trafficked, then another block feels less safe. Sorry not to have much more to offer on this one!
All about where you go and your comfort level. The path way between parking in Mets and the bridge over to skyview parking toward flushing (Chinese area) was well policed and travelled by fellow open watchers when I went home around 1130PM. What area are u in? Corona a little more questionable.
Carmen, I am a lifetime New Yorker, and I don’t scare easily. But as a woman, I don’t take unnecessary risks. The area around Ashe isn’t great, though I don’t know where you are walking to, other than near the grounds and the airport as you wrote though those two locations are over an hour’s walk, so if you are near both, then you will be walking at least 30 minutes. I would not feel safe walking more than a few blocks late at night in an area such as this if I didn’t know it well. | There may… Read more »
As someone said, it’s about your comfort level. It’s probably fine if you have big city smarts but why risk it? I’m female and walk around NYC late a lot (mainly Brooklyn and Manhattan) but am not sure I’d walk in Corona after midnight if I wasn’t sure already of the streets. You might consider taking the subway (if closer to your hotel) either all the way or a stop or two and getting cab/Uber from there or walking just from the nearest stop rather than all the way from Ashe? If you do walk, walk on the bigger streets… Read more »
PJ and fellow tennis aficionados – THANK YOU for all the tips. Although I do feel pretty lucky and fearless to be from a great BIG CITY like my beloved CHICAGO, I will take the safety tips noted below from all of you and especially from fellow BIG APPLE NYERS! THANK YOU ALL – I’ll just take UBER from US OPEN to it – turns out area is EAST ELMHURST (don’t know if its = Corona or better). Fact I am asking this question should already be a red flag I shouldn’t be walking – thanks again for reminding me… Read more »
Hi PJ. I visited US Open last year (2022) and had time of my life; I got lucky to watch Rafa up close following your tips.
Coincidently I am visiting NYC on the Championship Weekend and have time on Sunday to watch the Men’s Finals. Tickets are sky rocketing.
Hi Nishant, so glad to hear you had that great time last year! There are $25 grounds admission tickets available on Ticketmaster for Sunday. I would wait until the last minute if I were you to see if any less expensive tickets emerge as sellers compete to sell. And in the unlikely event that Novak or Carlos don’t make it through, prices would almost certainly decline a little.
Excellent idea and I will follow your lead and wait.
One last question. Worse case if I don’t get a ticket to Ashe (fingers crossed hopefully I will), then is $25 ticket available at the gate or on Ticketmaster/your link?
Hey Nishant, great! You can get on Ticketmaster here (it’s actually $28, sorry!) or at the box office on site. PJ
Thank you so much for this amazing guide!!! I have a Grounds Admission ticket for the day of the men’s final. Do they only show it on the big screens on the grounds or also at the Armstrong Stadium? Would be great… Thank you in advance for the response!
Hi Emma, you’re most welcome! They will almost certainly be showing on the screens both outside Ashe and outside Armstrong (I’m 99% sure but not 100% sure). Enjoy!
I have QF day session, but I’m only interested in men’s match. Can I go later and skip women’s match?
Hi Jana, yes indeed.
Hi, From JFK with carry on to us open ,which is my best option? Can I paid in advance a locker?
Thanks in advance
Hi Carmen, I’d grab a cab or Uber from JFK – it’s only about 15 minutes. You can check your carry on when you arrive at either the South or East gate, not need to make an advance reservation.
Thank you for the write up! One question, I have the Ashe night session ticket, once gate opens at 6pm, can I enter Louis Armstrong and catch the final match there?
Hey Louis, you’re welcome! Yes you can – so long as there are seats and lines aren’t too long to get in.
hey will there be a second quarterfinal this year for mens singles 9/6? i don’t see it online anymore scheduled…
Hi Rachel, yes QF matches are always played on the Tues and Wed of the second week – 1 men’s/ 1 women’s per session. PJ
thank you for the quick response, you’re god send! how are you enjoying the tournament this year compared to previous years?
You’re most welcome! I’m loving it, thanks. So excited to see SO many talented young players working their way up, and to see so many fans excited about them after years of people telling me “I only care about seeing Federer, Nadal, Novak, and Serena.” The crowd energy has been fantastic. Hope you have a wonderful time!!