The DL: The US Open is a two week tennis championship of the best tennis players in the world located at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. It felt like walking into Disney or something of that nature, I was pleasantly surprised! I didn’t know what to expect and felt like I couldn’t find clear answers so below is everything I learned and found out at my first visit in 2021.
How to get tickets to the US Open:
Check the US Open website and certified sellers like TicketMaster.
Which ticket to get:
Get a ticket to the Arthur Ashe Stadium because then you have access to every other court and the biggest games of the day/night! Also it is covered so if it rains you know you’ll be able to see a match still. Also, you most likely won’t know who is playing so just grab a seat with a good view.
Tip: Don’t get an aisle seat, a middle seat in a row is actually better for viewing. Also sitting higher up isn’t bad, if sitting real close your head will have to keep up with the ball going back and forth.
What time/session should you go:
I would recommend a day ticket, you can see about 4 times as many games as the night tickets. The most popular days are day 4-7 which tend to be Labor Day weekend, and when most players have won a match already.
How to get to the US Open:
If taking the subway, hop on the 7 and get off at the Mets exit (almost the last stop). If taking the LIRR, get off at the same stop. Subway is cheaper, LIRR is a little faster. There is ample parking, refer to the US Open website for more info.
Is there anything to eat?
There is actually tons of restaurants and an outdoor food hall with spots like fuku, los tacos no 1, etc. inside the complex. You can also bring your own food or use the app to order food. The bigger stadiums also have concessions so you never have to leave.
What do I wear?
You will see a lot of women dressed cute and then everyone else pretty much in athletic clothes. You are going to be walking around a lot and sitting in the sun so dress accordingly. I wore a white tennis tank and white tennis skirt. The evening games people tend to dress nicer.
Where to sit in other stadiums?
Grandstand 
Arthur Ashe Stadium 
Louis Armstrong
So if you have the Arthur Ashe ticket you will be allowed to go in that stadium and all the others for general admission (which is usually the top half of the arena). If you get a seated ticket in the Louis Armstrong stadium you can go to general admission to all except Arthur Ashe and same for Louis Armstrong. I would not recommend getting a grandstand ticket because the general admission tickets have great views and the stadium is small. The general admission areas are first come first serve.
Cant make it to the OPEN?
The week before the US Open actually starts, there is a free Qualifying Tournament where you can see some of the players. Check out the official website for the schedule and free options.
Tips to know:
- Get the app, its super helpful. You can see who is playing where, what the score is, where things are located on the grounds etc.
- Make sure to try the drink of the OPEN, the Honey Deuce
- If you are an amex cardholder there is a free lounge at the Louis Armstrong stadium on the 2nd floor where you can get some AC, order drinks, charge your phone, and watch the games with commentary
- Bring sunglasses, hat or sunscreen – you will be in a lot of sun!
- There are plenty of restrooms located in the big stadium and around the complex
- Get the free amex radio at any of the pop up locations if you want to keep up with other games
- Bring a small bag or you will have to get a locker to store a big one
- You are also super close to Flushing, Queens which is known for their asian food and a fun stop on the way there or home
If you are visiting New York from out of town, check out my guide for first timers to NYC.
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