The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and the premier clay court tennis tournament in the world. It is held annually at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The French Open is hugely popular and tickets are always in high demand. Here is a guide on how to purchase tickets to the French Open.
When and Where is the French Open Played?
The French Open is played in late May and early June over a two week period. The main draws begin on a Sunday and run through the following Sunday. The qualifying matches are held in the week prior. The French Open is played at the Stade Roland Garros which is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was opened in 1928 and named after the French aviator Roland Garros.
What Are the Different Types of Tickets Available?
There are a variety of ticket options available for the French Open:
- Court Philippe Chatrier – This is the main stadium court where the top matches are played. It has a capacity of 15,000 spectators.
- Court Suzanne Lenglen – The second largest stadium court with a capacity of 10,000 spectators.
- Other Show Courts – There are a number of other smaller show courts such as Court Simonne Mathieu, Court 1, Court 7, etc.
- Grounds Passes – These allow access to the outer courts and grounds but not the main stadiums.
- Package Deals – There are various multi-day ticket packages available.
Tickets vary in price depending on factors like the court, seat location, the day session, and the round. Tickets to the premier matches in the main stadiums are the most expensive and difficult to obtain. Ground passes offer more affordable access to outer courts.
When Do French Open Tickets Go On Sale?
There are two main phases of French Open ticket sales:
- Pre-Sales – A limited number of tickets go on pre-sale many months in advance. This is typically around November of the previous year.
- General Sales – The majority of tickets are made available during the general sales period which normally begins in February/March leading up to the tournament.
It is important to be aware of these key sales dates and to act promptly because the most desirable tickets can sell out very quickly, especially for the premier courts and matches on weekends and late rounds.
Where to Buy French Open Tickets
There are a few options to purchase official French Open tickets when they go on sale:
- French Open Website – Tickets can be purchased online through the official Roland-Garros website. This is the best option for buying tickets when they first go on sale.
- Third Party Resellers – Resale platforms like StubHub may have tickets available to buy, likely at an inflated price. This is an option closer to the tournament dates.
- Ticket Packages – Travel groups and tour operators like ATP Tour Packages often bundle French Open tickets into complete travel packages.
Purchasing directly from the French Open site when tickets initially go on sale gives you the best chance at buying tickets for your desired courts and matches at face value prices. The farther out you can plan and buy, the better.
Tips for Getting French Open Tickets
Because of the huge demand, getting French Open tickets involves planning, preparation, and prompt action. Here are some key tips:
- Sign up ahead of time for a Ticket Account on the French Open site – This allows you to access the pre-sales and gives you an advantage.
- Be ready when tickets go on sale – Mark your calendar for pre-sales and general sales dates. Have your Ticket Account logged in and payment method ready.
- Act quickly – The high demand tickets sell out very fast. Be ready to purchase promptly.
- Be flexible – Have a few options in mind for dates and courts rather than fixating on one specific match.
- Consider travel packages – Packages that include tickets, hotels, etc. may be easier to obtain but likely cost more.
- Join a tennis club – Some national federations and tennis clubs get ticket allotments.
With proper planning and preparation, you can give yourself the best chance to purchase the French Open tickets you want at face value prices.
French Open Ticket Prices
French Open ticket prices can vary considerably depending on the court, seat location, session, and round. To give you a general idea, here is an overview of French Open ticket pricing:
Court | Price Range* |
---|---|
Court Philippe Chatrier | €90-€260 |
Court Suzanne Lenglen | €50-€160 |
Other Show Courts | €30-€100 |
Grounds Passes | €17-€40 |
*Price range indicates cheapest to most expensive ticket price.
Factors like weekends, night sessions, late rounds, and premium seat locations will be at the higher end. Midweek, day sessions, and early rounds will be at the cheaper end. Ground passes offer affordable access but no reserved seating.
Additional Fees
On top of the ticket prices, there are also some fees to factor in:
- Order fee – €6 per order
- Print-at-home delivery – €4 per ticket
- Mobile ticket delivery – €2.50 per ticket
E-tickets avoid the print fee. All tickets sales are final – no refunds or exchanges.
Getting to the French Open
Once you have your tickets, you need to figure out how to get to Roland Garros on match days. The stadium is easily accessible by public transportation.
By Metro
The closest metro stop is Porte d’Auteuil on Line 10. It is right by Gate A. Other nearby metro stops are Michel Ange Molitor and Boulogne Jean Jaures on Line 9 and Line 10.
By Tram
Tram line 2 and Tram line 3a also stop near Roland Garros. The stops are called Porte d’Auteuil and Boulogne Jean Jaures.
By Bus
There are also several buses that service Roland Garros on match days: 72, 123, 162, 241 and PC1.
By Car
Driving and parking near Roland Garros on match days can be difficult given all the traffic. If driving, park farther away and take public transport the remainder of the way.
Allow plenty of time when traveling to Roland Garros for matches, especially for the main courts. Security screening lines can move slowly.
Attending the French Open
Once you have your tickets and arrive at Roland Garros, there are some things to be aware of for enjoying the event:
Security Screening
All fans and bags will go through airport-style screening when entering the grounds. Prohibited items include knives, pepper spray, glass bottles, selfie sticks, etc. Be prepared for long lines during peak times.
Food & Drink
Food and beverages can be expensive like at most sports events. You are allowed to bring in 1 liter of bottled water. There are many concession stands throughout the grounds.
Schedule of Play
The French Open order of play schedule is released each day during the tournament. Be sure to check it for updates on your ticketed matches and court assignments.
Rain Delays
Roland Garros lacks a roof over most courts so rain can cause delays and postponements. Tickets for cancelled matches may be refunded or valid for other matches.
Dress Code
While there is no official dress code, it is recommended to wear tennis appropriate attire. Avoid tank tops or short shorts.
Outside Courts
For grounds passes, arrive early to stake out a spot around one of the outside courts which offer standing room viewing.
French Open Tour Packages
If you want an all-inclusive French Open experience without the hassle of buying individual tickets, consider a French Open travel package. Companies like ATP Tour Packages offer multi-day packages that bundle together:
- Guaranteed tickets to multiple matches
- Hotel accommodations
- Ground transportation
- Food and drinks at Roland Garros
- Official gifts and souvenirs
- Guided tours
Packages provide a turnkey way to attend the French Open, albeit at a premium price. The convenience and peace of mind can make them worthwhile for many fans.
Buying French Open Tickets from a Reseller
Using a secondary ticket provider is an alternative way to get French Open tickets, especially closer to tournament time. Sites like StubHub are official resellers that offer tickets sourced from other fans.
The biggest advantage of a reseller marketplace is tickets are available year round, even at the last minute. However, prices are inflated well above face value.
Ensure the reseller site offers buyer guarantees and that tickets are guaranteed valid to avoid fraud. Read reviews and ratings of sellers before purchasing.
French Open Ticket Lottery
Each year, the French Tennis Federation holds a ticket lottery that awards a limited number of tickets to lucky winners. It is free to enter the lottery which takes place in February prior to the event.
Winners are randomly selected and notified in March. They can then buy the tickets assigned to them in the lottery. It provides a chance to buy tickets without competing during the normal sales.
Conclusion
The French Open is a bucket list tennis event that every fan should experience. While high demand makes tickets difficult to obtain, you can greatly improve your chances by planning ahead, being ready to act fast when tickets go on sale, and considering all purchasing options. With persistence and preparation, you can secure the French Open tickets you want.