The US Open Tennis Championships return to New York, with some of the biggest names in tennis competing for this Grand Slam title. From August 25 to September 8, Flushing Meadows is playing host to what is sure to be a memorable series of games.The US Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the United States. Not big on tennis? You may still have heard of the Grand Slam – the four major tennis tournaments that take place across the globe: The Australian Open, The French Open, Wimbledon, and The US Open.The US Open has been held in Queens since 1978 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Though past years’ tournaments have always proved popular, this year is sure to be particularly interesting – with Rafael Nadal having just announced that he will not defend his Grand Slam title due to a wrist injury, this leaves the men’s field with just four former champions battling it out (Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Lleyton Hewitt).For the women, Serena Williams will defend her title as No. 1 in women’s singles and everyone is sure to be on the edge of their seats to see if she is going to rack up yet another Grand Slam title. In all tournaments, you can expect big names, big games, and some pretty amazing sport.Even if you are not a fan of the game, visiting the US Open can prove to be quite the memorable experience.
What to Expect
The main court is the Arthur Ashe Stadium. With seating for 23,700, this is the largest court at the event. You must have a reserved seat ticket to enter this stadium and we recommend you bring binoculars if you’d like to see your favorite players. The size of this venue means most of the affordable tickets are in the highest seats.The next largest stadium is the Louis Armstrong Stadium. Except for a selection of reservation-only seats, most of the stadium’s 10,000 seats are first-come-first-served seating, so the earlier you arrive the more likely you are to get good seats!Grandstand Stadium, the smallest of the three stadiums, is a much more up-close and personal experience, so if you want to watch a match without feeling like you’re miles away, this is the place to be.The Outer Courts are also places where plenty of action takes place. They are often courts with smaller seating capacities so you can be right up close to the match.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets at the box office are sold on the east side of the Grandstand in Parking Lot B. The folks over at the US Open website were kind enough to create a map so you can find the Box Office. If you are traveling to the US Open with children under the age of 2, they will be admitted for free but must sit on your lap. The main event sells out quickly, so be sure to buy as far in advance as possible.The tickets for grounds admission will be sold each day for the first eight day sessions. The grounds admission tickets provide access to all field courts with the exception of Arthur Ashe Stadium.A limited number of tickets are available for Arthur Ashe Kids Day – a special day on August 23 with lots of tennis related activities for kids, tennis clinics and more!
What You Can Bring
According to the US Open website you aren’t allowed to bring alcohol into the venues. Small single compartment bags (only one item per person) are allowed inside, but not backpacks.Video cameras and recording devices are not allowed inside the venues. We know there are tons of Brits in New York City, but please refrain from cheering on Andy Murray with a Union Jack; flags and posters are not allowed.Plan to arrive early to factor in the time it will take the get through security. All fans will go through a screening process before passing through the entry gates, speed lines for those without bags will be available at all gates.
Where to Eat
Although there are plenty of eating options within the US Open village, you’ll find they tend to be highly overpriced. New York International recommends saving money and eating outside the grounds. Guests are permitted to leave and return provided they get their hand and ticket stamped on the way out.We recommend exploring some of the restaurants in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing. You won’t be disappointed with the food you find. Below are some of our favorites:Pio Pio: Bring an empty stomach to this delicious Peruvian restaurant because the portions are huge and you’ll want at least 3 of their chicken empanadas. Also on the menu – delicious rotisserie chicken.Address: 84-02 Northern Boulevard (between 84 and 85 Streets)Mapo BBQ: The end of August is all about delicious barbeques so why not have some Korean BBQ? Their grilled short ribs are to die for as well as their fried chicken wings.Address: 14924 41st AvenueImperial Palace: Imperial Palace boasts delicious crab and lobster dishes as well as the best fried chicken in Flushing!Address: 13613 37th Avenue
Getting to the US Open by Public Transportation
You can take the Flushing bound #7 train from Times Square 42nd Street or Grand Central 42ndStreet to the Mets Willets Point station. It is about a 45 minute train ride and the walk to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is no more than 5 minutes.The LIRR provides service to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the US Open as well as the Metro North.If you’d like to see some tennis but aren’t committed enough to the game to buy tickets, then be sure to check out the US Open Qualifying Tournament. This free event lasts for four days from August 19 through August 22. Gates open at 10am daily.Whoever you are rooting for, the US Open is definitely one of those events that makes you feel lucky to be living in New York City. Be sure to dress comfortably and stay hydrated; we all know how hot New York City can get in August. Be sure to explore outside of The US Open village and see the beauty that is Flushing, New York.Updated August 7, 2014