Buying tickets at the door for the US Open tennis tournament is possible, but not always the best option. The US Open is one of the biggest and most popular tennis tournaments in the world, so tickets sell out quickly. Planning ahead and purchasing tickets online in advance is usually the best way to secure seats. However, if you find yourself in New York during the US Open without tickets, buying at the door is still a possibility.
Buying Tickets At The Door
The US Open does sell some tickets at the door each day of the tournament. These are tickets that were not sold in advance and have been held back for same-day sales. The number of tickets released for door sales varies day to day based on how many advance tickets were sold. More door tickets tend to be available early in the tournament, especially for the outer courts. By the second week and later rounds, far fewer seats will be available this way as demand increases.
You can buy US Open tickets at the door at the on-site box office. It is located near the Main Gate at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the tournament venue. The box office is open 9am to 9pm daily during the tournament. Tickets can be purchased with cash or credit card.
The biggest downside to buying tennis tickets on-site is that the selection is very limited. You won’t get to choose your seats; whatever is still available is what you’ll be offered. Mostly high-up seats in the upper decks or outer courts will be left. Prices do not tend to be discounted compared to advanced purchases.
Buying Tickets Online
Purchasing US Open tickets online ahead of time has some major advantages compared to buying at the door. The main benefit is having your pick of a much wider selection of seating locations throughout Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the outer courts. You can compare views and prices to find the perfect seats for your budget and preferences.
Buying online also allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts. Ticket prices tend to get higher the closer it gets to tournament time. Ordering a few months in advance can save you money and ensure you get tickets before they sell out.
The US Open’s official ticket marketplace is USOpen.org/tickets. You can also find authorized resale tickets on sites like StubHub. Make sure to buy from reputable sources to avoid counterfeits or scams. Print your tickets at home or have them on your phone ready to scan.
If you want the very best seats like those near the court, online is the way to go. The most desirable tickets always sell out fast. Waiting to buy at the door risks missing out on seats you really want.
When To Line Up
If you do plan to purchase US Open tickets on-site, timing matters. The earlier you can get in line, the better selection you’ll have. Keep in mind the box office does not open until 9am. Arrive then or slightly before to maximize your options.
On weekdays, you may only need to arrive 15-30 minutes before the box office opens. Crowds tend to be smaller earlier in the day on Monday through Thursday. The real key is getting there before other fans start lining up.
Weekends and evening sessions will have more competition for tickets. Give yourself 1-2 hours lead time on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and for night matches. The most in-demand days like Labor Day weekend you may need to queue up 2+ hours ahead. Setting your alarm early is a small price to pay for the chance at tickets.
Inclement weather can also impact lines. Rain or storm delays that halt play mid-day tend to bring more hopeful ticket buyers out earlier when matches resume. Check the forecast.
Getting To The US Open
When lining up to buy US Open tickets on-site, you need to factor in time to get to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The venue is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY. There are several transportation options to choose from:
Subway – The 7 train runs directly to the tennis center, stopping at the Mets-Willets Point station. From Manhattan, the ride takes around 30-45 minutes.
LIRR – The Long Island Railroad Port Washington branch stops at Mets-Willets Point by the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Connect from Penn Station or other city stations.
Bus – The Q48 and Q58 buses make limited stops to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Q44 goes to Main Street in Flushing where you can transfer to the 7 train.
Car – If driving, be aware parking is extremely limited. Mass transit is a better option. If you must drive, reserve parking ahead of time on the US Open website.
Taxi/Rideshare – More expensive but very convenient. Ask to be dropped at the Main Gate entrance. Prices surge during the tournament, so factor that in.
Bike – Bike racks are available if cycling. Ride share services like CitiBike can also be used.
What To Bring
Only some items are permitted into the US Open grounds, so come prepared:
– Printed or mobile tickets – Have them ready at the gate to scan. Print-at-home tickets must not be damaged, stained, or copied.
– Small bags – One bag no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” is allowed per person. Backpacks and large totes will be turned away.
– Cash – If buying tickets at the box office, have cash ready. ATMs inside have high fees, so best to bring what you need. Credit cards also accepted.
– Clear/plastic bags – If bringing a bag, it must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Opaque bags are prohibited. Small clutches 4.5” x 6.5” may be okay.
– Jackets/blankets – For night matches, dressing in layers is wise. A light jacket or blanket can provide warmth in your seat.
– Rain gear – If rain is possible, pack a compact rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas are not permitted in seating areas.
– Sun protection – Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm help overcome hours in the sun watching tennis.
– Comfortable shoes – You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds, so wear sneakers or comfortable flats.
– Food/drinks – Try to grab a bite onsite by the outer courts. Prices are very high inside the stadiums. Drinking fountains are available to refill bottles.
Types of Tickets Available
If you successfully buy US Open tickets at the box office, what type might you get? Here are the main categories:
– Arthur Ashe Stadium – The largest stadium and host of prime sessions like finals weekend. Seating over 23,000 fans with suites and boxes too. Limited availability.
– Louis Armstrong Stadium – The second biggest court with 14,000 seats. Hosts many top matches in early rounds. Upper rows most likely for door sales.
– Grounds Admission – Ticket to walk around the outer courts without assigned seats. Ideal for fans wanting affordable access.
– Arthur Ashe Lower Boxes – Lowest level of Ashe near the action. Extremely popular and pricey when available.
– Promenade Seats – Elevated side sections of Ashe with good views. Probably the best seat at door.
– Armstrong Loge – Box seats in the lowest levels along the sides of Armstrong. Gracious seating if open.
– Luxury Suites – Private suites for 20-40 guests with premium amenities. Sold on licenses, not for day-of.
Saving Money
US Open tickets don’t come cheap, especially as demand increases. If your budget is tight, here are some ways to pay less:
– Buy grounds admission – The cheapest way in. Lets you wander for as low as $35-60 depending on the day.
– Get partially obstructed views – Sections with poles or other minor obstructions cost less. The trade-off may be worth it.
– Choose upper rows – Nosebleed seats high up in Ashe or Armstrong run cheapest. Still lets you get in the door.
– Take public transportation – Avoiding parking fees saves cash. Stick to cheap subway and bus routes.
– Bring your own food – Dining inside is expensive. Pack a sandwich, snacks, and water instead.
– Shop early rounds – Week 1 and 2 matches are naturally cheaper with top players still in. Quarters, semis, and finals quickly inflate.
– Buy last minute – If you can risk it, waiting until the day before or day of may score discounts.
– Go with a grounds pass – General access passes can offer big savings if you don’t need a reserved seat.
Key Dates And Sessions
Knowing which dates of the US Open tend to have the highest demand can help gauge availability:
– Opening Day – The kickoff on Monday draws crowds eager for play to begin. Landing seats this day means getting there very early.
– Labor Day Weekend – One of the hottest times all tournament. Everyone wants to celebrate the holiday weekend watching tennis. Expect long lines and quick sell outs. Come Friday or earlier for a shot.
– Quarterfinals – With just eight players left, the stakes are high. Fans flock to see who advances to the semis making tickets scarce.
– Women’s Semifinals – Typically played on Thursday. A rare chance to see four top female players battle.
– Men’s Semifinals – The Friday semis always attract swarms hoping to witness the emergence of the finalists. Prime time for grounds passes.
– Finals Weekend – Undoubtedly the toughest sessions for which to score seats. Both the women’s final on Saturday and men’s on Sunday are hot commodities. Sheer luck may be needed.
Booking Early Rounds Strategically
Although the closing days carry the most prestige, early rounds can be strategically booked to see your favorite stars:
– Day 1-2: Best chance to target big names like Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal while the draw is fresh. Their matches may fall off primetime later on.
– First Tuesday: All 32 seeded women play their opener by this day. Pick who you want to see and act fast.
– Second Wednesday: The men’s seeds like Djokovic and Federer will all have played once by now. Aim for this day to increase odds.
– Middle Sunday: Typically off during other Slams, the US Open offers matches throughout its run. Use this bonus day wisely.
– First Thursday: With the schedule flipped, both men and women play key second round matches at this point. Don’t overlook early upsets.
Insider Tips
Use these US Open ticket-buying pro tips:
– Sign up for Fan Access emails. Subscribers get early ticket access before the general public.
– Follow the US Open social accounts for special offers. Last minute deals may pop up there first.
– Check tournament updates and weather. Rain delays causing cancellations can free up seats as refunds are issued.
– Scout the grounds map ahead of time. Decide your ideal seating zone so you can request it more easily.
– Be open to outer courts too. Tickets for Grandstand or Louis Armstrong can provide great tennis at lower prices.
– Ask the box office staff what’s available. They can offer guidance on best options for your budget.
– Head first to Ashe. Armstrong and grounds passes tend to last longer, so try for Ashe seats right when doors open.
– Don’t give up! Keep checking as cancellations and releases happen daily. Persistence pays off.
Conclusion
Buying US Open tickets at the door is certainly feasible but involves risks of limited selection and high prices. With smart planning, early arrivals, flexibility, and some tenacity, scoring seats this way is possible. Online purchases still make the most sense for guaranteeing you get tickets and ideal seats, especially for marquee sessions. But for those spontaneous New Yorkers and tennis fans up to the challenge, heading out early and crossing your fingers may pay off with the thrill of live US Open action.