Over 1 million tennis fans will pass through New York City for the 2025 US Open tennis tournament. It’s the final event of the Grand Slam majors. And, since it’s held at the end of August/beginning of September, it feels like summer’s last hurrah..
Tickets go on sale in May. Are you planning to attend?
If you’re going for the first time, it can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of matches, multiple courts, crowds and heat. My two tennis-playing daughters and I make an annual trip to Queens. Here are the tips we’ve learned over the years.
1. Go on the First Thursday or Friday of the US Open
The US Open is a two-week tournament, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The Main Draw matches begin on Monday.
If you’re going for the first time and don’t know what to expect, I suggest purchasing a grounds pass for the Thursday or Friday of the first week. Here’s why:
- A grounds pass is the least expensive ticket.
- The crowds are lighter, particularly on Thursday.
- You can enter Louis Armstrong and Grandstand stadiums and all of the field courts and can sit anywhere but the reserved sections.
Because it’s still early in the tournament, most of the players you’re familiar with will still be competing. And they are more likely to have their matches scheduled outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The downside is that you can’t enter Ashe. But I’ve found that most of the first week’s matches in Ashe are blowouts, with the top seeds slaughtering their competition.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
2. Take Mass Transit
Parking is available if you choose to drive.
My advice? Don’t.
It’s expensive and confusing. For example, you can park in the large Citifield lot, but not if there’s a Mets home game. And, when that lot is removed from use, the number of available parking spots decreases dramatically.
Mass transit in NYC is a cheap and reliable option.
- Take the subway to the Mets-Willets Point station.
- Catch the 7 subway in Grand Central Station or at Hudson Yards/34th Street near Penn Station.
- Exit and follow the crowd to the main entrance.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you own a Cadillac, parking is free since they are one of the tournament sponsors.
3. Travel Light
Carry a small day trip bag packed with the essentials:
- high SPF sunscreen (non-aerosol)
- sunglasses
- snacks
- hat
- empty water bottle (Fill it inside at the water fountains.).
You will not be permitted to enter with a bag larger than 12″ x 12″ x 16″.
Backpacks are prohibited except for single-compartment drawstring bags. Lockers are available outside the main gates.
4. Celebrity Sightings
The US Open tennis tournament attracts celebrities. Lots of them. The night sessions are advertised as the time “When the Stars Come Out.” As you’re walking around the grounds or sitting in the stadiums, scan the crowd. You never know who you’ll see.
5. Vampires, Beware!
The sun and heat can be brutal at the US Open tennis tournament and there are limited places to find shade. The first 8 days of the tournament are split into day and night sessions.
If you struggle with the heat and sun, go in the evening.
6. Buy a Nosebleed Seat
The main arena, Arthur Ashe Stadium, is massive, seating more than 23,000 people. Unless you spend hundreds of dollars, you’ll be very far away from the action. Accept the fact and buy the cheapest seat available if you feel you have to experience Ashe.
As I mentioned earlier, you can choose to skip it.
7. Make a Plan of Attack
If you have your heart set on seeing Jannik Sinner, I’m sorry to tell you you’ll likely be disappointed.
A player’s seeding isn’t set until just before the tournament begins.
The schedule of who’s playing where and when is available in the morning. Print it out and pick the matches that interest you the most and beeline to those courts to get a seat.
The US Open app is an excellent resource, too.
8. Dress for Comfort, Not Style
You might be tempted to dress up for the Open based on Instagram.
Don’t do it.
Wear light-colored, loose clothing and your most comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Did I mention that the grounds are vast? You can log 20,000 steps easily.
9. Check out the Booths, Tents and Displays
Much of the action at the US Open tennis tournament takes place off the courts.
There are backdrops for photos and booths hosted by the tourney sponsors.
I’ve received free bottles of La Roche-Posay sunscreen, two-for-one Honey Deuce cocktail coupons and Emirates Airlines paper fans.
The American Express kiosks are the most popular. Register your credit card for a discount on your day’s purchases at the Open. And you’ll receive a dorky radio earpiece so you can listen to match commentary.
10. Don’t Miss the Practice Courts
If you’re facing the fountains in front of Ashe, the practice courts are to your left. The top players get scheduled warmup times each day, so you can watch your favorites take volleys and work on their serves. My daughters love to watch the drills to see the focus of these world-class athletes.
11. Choose a Restaurant Over the Food Court
There are many options available at the US Open food village, including crepes, champagne and BBQ. But it’s also very crowded, with long lines and too many people jostling for too few tables. I eat a hearty breakfast before arriving and carry nuts and a protein bar for snacking.
When I’m ready for linner (late lunch/early dinner), I head to one of the sit-down restaurants. The prices aren’t much higher than the food court and I can down a couple of pitchers of water!
12. Watch a Doubles Match
To remember that you’re a mere mortal, go to one of the smaller courts and get a front row seat for a doubles match. The action is lightning fast; you’ll find yourself watching with your jaw dropped in amazement. It’s also the easiest place for your kids to get autographs.
And speaking of autographs, your kids will want one of the large, fuzzy tennis balls to schlep around in the hopes of getting players’ signatures. Unless you want to carry that large, fuzzy tennis ball, say “No!”
Buy a program instead and carry a Sharpie. They will fit in your small bag. The ball will not.
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