The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and is held annually in late August and early September at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City. As one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, tickets to attend the US Open can be quite expensive depending on the specific session and seat location.
Ticket Prices for the US Open
There are a few main factors that determine US Open ticket prices:
- Session time – Day session tickets are generally cheaper than night session tickets.
- Day of week – Weekend sessions (especially Saturday) are more expensive than weekday sessions.
- Seating category – There are multiple seating categories ranging from premium seats courtside to upper promenade seats in the highest sections.
- Match-ups – Sessions with high profile match-ups between top players command higher prices.
The main seating categories at Arthur Ashe Stadium (the main stadium) are:
- Courtside Boxes – Luxury boxes right next to the court seating up to 6 people.
- Courtside – Lowest bowl seats right next to the court.
- Loge – Mid-level seats with access to exclusive lounges.
- Promenade – Upper level seats with views high above the court.
There are also more exclusive luxury suites available with food and beverage packages.
To give an idea of the range, here are sample prices for different sessions and seat locations:
Session | Seat Location | Price Per Ticket |
---|---|---|
Day session, Wednesday 2nd round | Promenade | $80 |
Night session, Monday 1st round | Loge | $200 |
Night session, Friday 3rd round | Courtside | $600 |
Day session, Saturday 4th round | Courtside Box | $950 |
As you can see, the difference in ticket prices is significant based on the factors mentioned earlier. The most expensive tickets will be for prime sessions on weekends with top players on the court.
Where to Buy Tickets
There are a few main options for purchasing US Open tickets:
- Directly from the US Open – Tickets can be purchased through the US Open website or box office once they go on sale to the general public, usually 4-5 months prior to the event.
- Reseller websites – Sites like StubHub and VividSeats sell tickets from season ticket holders and other fans reselling tickets. There is often a markup but can sometimes find deals.
- Ticket packages – Many travel agencies and hospitality companies offer ticket bundles with hotels and other perks for premium prices.
- At the gate – A limited number of tickets are sold each day at the box office at the venue, but usually for the upper promenade sections.
Purchasing directly from the US Open is recommended if possible because of lower prices and guarantee of authenticity. However, reseller sites can be an option for sold out or high demand matches.
How Ticket Prices Compare to Other Grand Slams
The other three Grand Slam tennis tournaments are the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Here is an overview of how the average price of US Open tickets compares:
- Australian Open – More expensive than US Open. Average price around $300 USD partly due to high international demand and fewer seats in main stadiums.
- French Open – Less expensive than US Open. Average around $180 USD. But far fewer seats so tickets still difficult to obtain.
- Wimbledon – Most expensive by far. Center court seats average over $1,000. Extremely limited seating and huge international demand.
In summary, the US Open is firmly in the middle of the pack in terms of pricing. Australian Open tickets can cost slightly more on average but Wimbledon tickets in particular are in another tier price-wise for the premium courtside seats.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Here are some tips for getting the best deals and saving money on US Open tickets:
- Buy early – Prices tend to rise significantly the closer you get to the tournament dates.
- Consider weekdays – Weekday sessions are generally 25-50% cheaper, especially in earlier rounds.
- Look for promos – The US Open sometimes offers deals like free ticket packs for juniors and seniors on certain days.
- Avoid finals weekend – The men’s and women’s finals on Saturday and Sunday have the highest demand and prices.
- Get upper level seats – Sitting in the Promenade sections can save you hundreds of dollars over Loge and Courtside seats.
- Check resale sites – You can sometimes get lucky with season ticket holders selling unused tickets at normal prices.
Flexibility with your dates and seating locations as well as buying as early as possible will help maximize your chances of getting affordable tickets.
Conclusion
US Open tennis tickets can range in price from around $80 for an early week Promenade seat up to over $1000 for a Courtside Box during a primetime weekend session. While not cheap, prices are on par or even discounted compared to other Grand Slam events like Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Your best bet is purchasing directly from the US Open website when tickets go on sale to get the most affordable deals before they sell out. With a little flexibility and some smart planning, you can still experience the excitement of live tennis at one of the sport’s iconic Grand Slam venues.