The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and arguably the most exciting major championship in the sport. As the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open happens in late August and early September and brings together the top tennis players in the world to compete on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City. With nail-biting matches between tennis legends and dramatic upsets, the US Open offers nonstop entertainment for two weeks. As one of the premier sporting events in the world, US Open tickets are highly coveted by tennis fans everywhere.
When and Where is the US Open Played?
The US Open is played annually in late August and early September. The tournament starts on the last Monday of August and runs for two weeks, culminating with the men’s and women’s singles finals on the second Sunday of September. The 2023 US Open will take place from August 28 to September 10.
All the action of the US Open happens at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the New York City borough of Queens. The tournament is played on DecoTurf hard courts, with Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and Grandstand Stadium serving as the main show courts. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has been the site of the US Open since 1978 when the tournament moved from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens where it had been held since 1915.
What Are the Different Sessions and Series for the US Open?
The US Open is more than just singles matches. Fans can choose from a range of ticket options to see the various sessions and series that make up the tournament. Here is an overview of what is available:
Day Sessions
Day sessions at the US Open consist of matches generally starting at 11:00am local time and continuing well into the evening. Depending on the day, day session tickets provide access to matches on the three main show courts – Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and Grandstand.
Night Sessions
Night sessions offer tennis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium beginning at 7:00pm local time. Only one match is scheduled for each night session, which is always a highlight match-up featuring top players in prime time. The night session match follows the day session on Ashe. Night session tickets provide entry only to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Men’s & Women’s Singles
Singles matches make up the heart of the US Open. All day and night session tickets allow you to see singles matches from the early rounds through to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The tournament culminates in the men’s and women’s singles finals on the second Sunday, which are must-see marquee events.
Men’s, Women’s, & Mixed Doubles
In addition to singles, the US Open also has men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles draws. Doubles matches are typically scheduled on the outer courts during the day session. Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand Stadium will feature some doubles matches as the tournament progresses into the later rounds. Doubles finals are played on the final Saturday along with the women’s singles final.
Juniors & Wheelchair Events
The US Open also hosts tournaments for juniors (players 18 and under) and wheelchair tennis players. These matches are played on the outer courts and a grounds admission ticket provides access. The junior and wheelchair events culminate with finals on the second Thursday and Friday.
What Are the Different Ticket Options for the US Open?
The USTA offers a variety of ticket packages and seating options to choose from when purchasing US Open tickets:
Grounds Admission
With a grounds admission ticket, you can access the outer courts and wander around the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to watch matches on Courts 4-18. This allows you to catch junior and wheelchair matches in the early rounds along with various qualifying and doubles matches. You can also visit the fan experience areas and grab food from the concessions around the grounds. Grounds admission is the most affordable way to take in the US Open atmosphere.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Tickets to Arthur Ashe Stadium give you a reserved seat at one or both of the daily sessions in the tournament’s main stadium. Depending on the specific day and session, you’ll be able to see top players competing in singles and doubles matches. Ashe Stadium has a capacity of 23,000 so every seat gives you a view of the action. Ashe is the place to be for the prime time night sessions and all the late round matches.
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Louis Armstrong Stadium is the second largest venue at the US Open with a capacity of 14,000. With a more intimate setting, Armstrong showcases matches in both the day and night sessions throughout the two weeks. A variety of singles, doubles, men’s and women’s matches happen on Armstrong. Stadium access allows you entry to Grandstand as well when matches are not taking place on Armstrong.
Grandstand
The new Grandstand court has a capacity of 8,125 and hosts an exciting slate of matches during the day. Singles matches in the early rounds are played here along with various doubles contests. Grandstand provides a fun, energetic environment to take in the action with great viewing ability from all the seats. Grandstand tickets allow entry to Louis Armstrong Stadium too when it is not in use.
Promenade Seating
Promenade seating refers to the outdoor plaza sections on the upper levels of Ashe and Armstrong Stadiums as well as standing room viewing platforms on Grandstand. Promenade tickets offer a more budget-friendly option for getting into the main stadia to enjoy the action but you will be standing the whole time. Access to the promenade area is first come, first served so arrive early to claim your spot.
Loge Box Seats
Loge boxes are luxury suites located on the lower levels of Ashe and Armstrong Stadiums. Boxes accommodate between 4-6 guests and come with amenities like couch seating, HDTVs, private restrooms, and access to exclusive restaurants. Loge boxes provide premium comfort to enjoy the tennis.
When Do US Open Tickets Go On Sale?
US Open ticket sales are staged in phases starting in June and continuing through August as the tournament approaches. Here are the key dates:
- June – Tickets packages go on pre-sale for American Express card members. Multiple options are available with tickets to day and night sessions in all the main stadia.
- July – US Open tickets go on sale to the general public through Ticketmaster. Additional ticket inventory is made available at this time.
- August – More tickets may be released in the final weeks leading up to the tournament start as the player fields and schedules are finalized.
Given the huge demand, it is recommended to purchase tickets as early as possible once they become available to secure seats for your desired sessions and courts. The most popular tickets like night sessions and weekend packages will sell out first.
What Are The Ticket Prices For The US Open?
US Open ticket prices vary depending on the specific court, session, and seat location you select. In general, night session and weekend tickets are more expensive due to high demand. Marquee events like the finals also command top dollar. Here is an overview of the pricing options:
Grounds Admission Pricing
Session | Price Range |
---|---|
Weekday day session (Mon-Thurs) | $25-$60 |
Weekend day session (Fri-Sun) | $40-$75 |
Finals weekend (Sat & Sun) | $50-$100 |
Arthur Ashe Stadium Pricing
Session | Seat Location | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Weekday day session (Mon-Thurs) | Upper level side | $80-$200 |
Weekday night session (Mon-Thurs) | Lower level side | $150-$400 |
Weekend day session (Fri-Sun) | Lower level end | $200-$600 |
Weekend night session (Fri-Sun) | Lower level mid-court | $250-$850 |
Finals weekend (Sat & Sun) | Lower level, rows 1-10 | $1,000-$3,000+ |
Louis Armstrong Stadium & Grandstand Pricing
Session | Price Range |
---|---|
Day session (Mon-Sun) | $50-$250 |
Night session (Fri-Sun) | $100-$500 |
Keep in mind that the prices above are all approximate ranges. Exact ticket costs vary each year depending on overall demand and the player field strength. All ticket prices are in addition to fees charged during the purchasing process.
Where Can I Buy Official US Open Tickets?
The USTA partners with Ticketmaster as the official ticket marketplace for the US Open. Fans can purchase tickets securely through the US Open’s Ticketmaster portal once sales open to the general public in July. Ticketmaster is the safest way to guarantee authentic event tickets.
There are also a very limited number of tickets sold directly through the US Open box office at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. You would need to purchase these tickets in person while supplies last.
While tickets are frequently resold on secondary marketplaces like StubHub, prices are inflated and you lose the peace of mind that comes with directly buying from the official source. Purchasing through unofficial channels also runs the risk of getting fraudulent or invalid tickets.
Are There Any Tips For Getting Cheap US Open Tickets?
Given the prestige of the event, cheap US Open tickets are very hard to find. However, here are some tips that can potentially save you money:
- Buy grounds admission tickets for outer court access during the early rounds
- Target weekday day sessions on Ashe and Armstrong which are cheaper than weekends
- Check for ticket discounts offered to select groups like students, military, seniors, etc.
- Purchase partial packages for day sessions instead of full series
- Shop for promenade and upper deck seating rather than lower sections
- Buy tickets as early as possible when initial pricing is lower
- Consider the first week when fewer top players are competing
While the US Open is one of the hotter tickets in sports, taking advantage of these tips can help you attend while keeping costs within your budget. But you will still have to contend with high baseline prices for most options.
What Are Some Key Tips For Attending The US Open?
To make sure you have the best experience possible when you go the US Open, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early, especially for night sessions, as entry lines can get long
- Review the permitted and prohibited items list before packing your bags
- Bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen for day matches
- Be prepared to do lots of walking around the expansive grounds
- Check the forecast and dress appropriately for hot and humid conditions
- Download the US Open app to keep up with schedules, scores, and stats
- Stop by the food village to try unique concession items you won’t find anywhere else
- Capture the memories with photos in front of the Unisphere and other iconic grounds landmarks
- Stick around after the last match of a session for post-match interviews and analysis on the big screens
By properly planning ahead, you will be set up for an unforgettable experience at the US Open seeing tennis stars up close. The electrifying atmosphere and nonstop action make it a bucket list sporting event.
How Does Attending the US Open Compare to Watching on TV?
While watching the US Open on TV provides great coverage of all the tennis action, nothing compares to experiencing the event live in person:
- On TV, you don’t get a true sense of the sheer speed and power of the players up close on the court
- The sounds of the balls coming off the racket and squeaking shoes on the court really add to the atmosphere
- You can feel the energy and excitement pulsating through the New York crowds unlike at other majors
- The grounds are buzzing with entertainment, exhibits, shopping and food that you don’t get sitting on the couch
- Unexpected delays, distractions and coaching moments occur live that the TV cameras might miss
- Walking the grounds, you can watch multiple outer court matches not shown on the broadcasts
- Seeing it in person allows you to fully appreciate how incredible the players’ athleticism really is
TV undoubtedly provides amazing US Open coverage. But there’s no substitute for attending in person and soaking in the complete experience as you watch the world’s best tennis players competing for a Grand Slam title.
Conclusion
The US Open stands as one of the marquee events on the sports calendar every year. For two weeks, the stars of professional tennis battle it out on the hard courts of New York to etch their names in the history books. Apart from the incredible tennis, the US Open offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, entertainment and energy for fans. With multiple ticket options available, experiencing this majestic Grand Slam in person should be on every tennis fan’s bucket list.