The US Open, the biggest pro tennis event in the United States (and one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that are the sport’s most prestigious), returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in late August. It’s a chance to see the sport’s heavyweights, such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, up close as they battle for glory and $57 million in total prize money.
While any tennis fan is sure to have a great time at the Open, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you get the most out of your visit to Queens’ USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
When it is
August 26–September 8, plus Fan Week, which starts on August 19.
How to get there
Take the 7 subway train or Long Island Rail Road to Mets–Willets Point. You can drive to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, too, though you’ll have to find (and likely pay for) parking. For more on transportation options, visit usopen.org.
What’s free and cheap
The qualifying tournament, which runs from August 19 through 23, costs nothing to attend. The winners move on to the main draw; its $3.6 million in prize money makes it one of the most lucrative tournaments in America on its own. Fan Week also includes open practices, “legends” matches with distinguished tennis greats and an evening concert series. Admission to all of those events is free as well. Tickets for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, on August 24, start at $25. Opening-night tickets start at $45, and some other early-round evening session tickets will run you around $40.
What to eat
The US Open has a slew of on-site restaurants and food vendors around the grounds and within Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand. Choices include Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, the upscale Aces wine and sushi bar, a glatt kosher cart and David Chang’s Fuku chicken sandwiches. You can hit street vendors near the grounds beforehand, though outside food is not allowed on the tennis center premises.
What to bring
A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, to start. If you’re there for a day session, you’ll want to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
What not to bring
Like all other big events, the US Open has a lengthy list of what is and is not allowed. Do yourself a favor and read up to prevent any awkward moments.
What to do while you’re in Queens
Queens is NYC’s most populous borough and the most diverse large county in the United States. Our complete guide to the borough could keep you occupied for months. In the immediate vicinity of the US Open, you’ll find Citi Field (home to the New York Mets, who have a couple of home games against the Chicago Cubs early in the tournament), the New York Hall of Science, the remnants of the old World’s Fair grounds and the Corona and Flushing neighborhoods.
