Tips for the US Open in New York – Everything You Need to Know For an Awesome Day of Tennis
Going to the US Open for the first time? There are a few things you should know before you go, and we’re sharing all of our tips for the US Open so you can actually enjoy your day instead of figuring everything out once you’re already inside. From choosing the right ticket to navigating the different courts, finding food, grabbing freebies, and surviving a full day in the sun, there’s a lot more to know than just showing up for a tennis match.
The US Open in New York is much more than sitting in one stadium watching one match. There are matches happening all over the grounds, sponsor activations, food vendors, shopping, games, giveaways, lounges, and smaller courts where you can get surprisingly close to the players.
We spent a full day at the US Open and quickly realized that you really need to treat it like an all-day event. Tickets aren’t cheap, so once you’re inside, you might as well make the most of it. Here’s everything we learned, including a few things we wish we knew before going.
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we’ve used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Basic Info for the US Open in New York
Before diving into all of the tips for the US Open, let’s go over some of the most important info like date and location.
🎾 What is the US Open?
The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, alongside the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. It’s the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar and brings together the world’s best players for two weeks of high-level competition. The tournament includes men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, junior matches, and wheelchair tennis.
What makes the US Open especially fun to attend is that you’re not limited to watching one match from one seat. There are matches happening across dozens of courts throughout the tournament, from major stadium matches featuring the biggest names in tennis to smaller matches where you can sit much closer to the players. There are also plenty of things happening between matches, including food, games, shopping, sponsor activations, giveaways, and other events.
Even if you’re not someone who follows tennis closely, it’s an easy sport to get into when you’re actually there. You can check the schedule, pick a few matches you’re interested in, wander around to see what’s happening, and end up watching players you may not have known before. That’s part of what makes going to the US Open such a fun New York experience.
📆 When Is the US Open?
The 2026 US Open runs from August 23rd through September 13th, 2026, with the main draw beginning August 30th. The tournament also includes Fan Week and qualifying matches before the main draw gets underway, so this is pretty much a month-long event!
There are day and evening sessions throughout the tournament, and the exact schedule changes as the tournament progresses. Always check your ticket and the official schedule before heading out because matches can run later than expected.
One particularly cool thing happening in 2026 is Open for All on Thursday, September 10th, when the grounds are free and open to the public during the day. You can watch championship tennis, practices, wheelchair tennis, junior matches, and enjoy the activations around the grounds without buying a regular grounds ticket.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
📍 Where Is the US Open?
The US Open is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. It’s right next to Citi Field, so if you’re familiar with the Mets’ stadium, you’re already looking in the right area.
The grounds are massive, which is something that’s easy to underestimate when you’re looking at the map beforehand. You’ll be walking between stadiums, courts, food areas, sponsor activations, bathrooms, and everything else throughout the day, so comfortable shoes are a must.
US Open Cheat Sheet
📍 Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York
📆 2026 US Open: August 23rd-September 13th, 2026
🎾 Main Draw: August 30th-September 13th, 2026
Best way to get there: 7 train to Mets-Willets Point or LIRR to Mets-Willets Point
🔗 Official website: US Open
⭐️ Good to know: The schedule, gate times, and match times can change throughout the tournament. Always check the official app before heading out.
How to Get to the US Open
Getting to the US Open is actually pretty easy, especially compared to driving into Flushing Meadows.
🚊 How to Get to the US Open by Subway
Taking the Subway in New York is one of the simplest option for getting around NYC. The easiest option for getting to the US Open is the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point. From the station, it’s a short walk to the main entrance.
We took the train with NJ Transit into Penn Station, which is a common starting point for people from Jersey or tourists staying in Midtown. From Penn you can easily hop on the E or the 123, and connect to the 7 at Jackson Heights- Roosevelt Ave.
🚆 How to Get to the US Open with the LIRR
You can also take the Long Island Rail Road to Mets-Willets Point. This is especially convenient if you’re coming from Long Island, and there are connections from Penn Station as well.
The LIRR is a bit more expensive than the Subway, but it’s faster if you time it right. We’d recommend this option if you’re in a rush, want a bit more of a comfortable ride, and when it’s off-peak hours for the most affordable ride.
US Open Tickets & Hours
One of our top tips for the US Open is to make sure you plan your visit and ticket accordingly! Not all tickets are the same, and depending on the kind of experience you’re most interested in will determine which ticket you should look into getting.
🕐 Hours of the US Open in New York
The US Open doesn’t have one simple opening and closing time. The grounds open 1-2 hours before the first matches, and your actual entry time depends on whether you have a day or evening ticket. The schedule can also change, so it’s worth checking the official schedule and app on the day you visit.
🏟️ When Do the Grounds Open?
For the 2026 main draw, day-session gates generally open at 9:30 AM, with matches beginning at 11:00 AM on most days. Evening-session gates open at 6:00 PM, with matches beginning at 7:00 PM. The final weekend follows a different schedule, with gates opening at 11:00 AM.
Here are the general 2026 times:
💡 Match times can shift, especially because matches are played back-to-back and a long match can push everything else later.
⏳ How Long Can You Stay at the US Open in New York?
This is something we didn’t realize before going. If you’re spending the money on a day ticket, plan to make a full day of it. You aren’t simply kicked out when the daytime matches finish, so there is plenty of time to explore the grounds, grab food, check out the activations, watch matches on the smaller courts, and stick around for more tennis.
The official ticketing information does note that day-session ticket holders must enter before 6:00 PM, while evening-session ticket holders cannot enter before 6:00 PM.
The matches at the US Open in New York actually vary daily, because matches can run MUCH longer than expected. One of the employees even told us that some nights they were there past 2 or 3 am!
🍴 What Time Are the Restaurants & Food Open?
There isn’t one universal closing time for every restaurant, so don’t plan your entire evening around a specific food stand being open late. Hours can vary by location and session. If you know there’s something specific you want to eat, check the US Open app once you’re there rather than assuming everything stays open until the last match.
The app’s interactive map shows food and other amenities around the grounds so you can plan accordingly.
🛋️ Hours for the Lounges
The Chase Lounge is open during the daytime from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and during the evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The Chase Terrace is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the main draw.
The American Express Fan Experience and Card Member Lounge generally follows the Fan Experience hours, which run from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the main draw, with special hours on certain days.
💡 Keep in mind that you’ll need to make reservations for the lounges, which we’ll cover later in the guide.
🎟️ Tickets for the US Open in New York
One of our top tips for the US Open is to choose your ticket carefully. There are a few options to choose from, and depending on what interests you most will determine which tickets make the most sense for you.
Grounds Pass vs. Stadium Tickets
This is one of the biggest things to understand before buying your ticket. Grounds Admission gives you access to matches around the grounds and first-come, first-served access to general admission seating in Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, and the field courts. It does not include Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Stadium tickets are different because they give you a reserved seat in the stadium you purchased while also providing access to certain other general admission areas. For example, a Louis Armstrong ticket gives you a reserved Armstrong seat plus first-come, first-served access to Grandstand and the field courts.
Day Tickets vs. Evening Tickets
There are day and evening sessions, so you’ll have to choose which tickets you’re looking to get. We’re going to let you in on a little secret though – day ticket holders can stay as long as they want, which is a big reason we’d choose a day session over a night one if you’re trying to get the most out of your ticket.
Evening tickets don’t have much of a price difference, often times none at all. Entrance is after 6 pm, so unless you’re only able to make it after 6, a day pass will make much more sense.
The tournament is expensive, and there is plenty to do beyond sitting in your assigned seat. If you can get there early and stay late, you’ll have much more time to explore the grounds and watch different matches.
Enjoying the US Open in New York: Stadiums & Activations
Now that you know our tips for the US Open tickets, here’s what the experience looks like!
The beauty of the US Open in New York is that you get to enjoy tennis all day long, in a variety of ways! There isn’t just one stadium, but rather 4 main stadiums, 13 field courts, and 5 practice courts to enjoy, as well as a plethora of activations like samples, gifts, and games to enjoy.
🏟️ The Four Main Places to Watch Tennis
There are four main areas you’ll want to understand when you’re looking at the US Open grounds.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
This is the massive main stadium and where you’ll see many of the biggest matches and biggest names. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from the US Open, especially when the stadium is packed and everyone is cheering.
The downside is that a ticket here can be significantly more expensive, and you aren’t necessarily going to spend your entire day sitting in your assigned seat.
We were pretty bummed at first to realize our tickets didn’t include this stadium, but honestly had so much fun going to the other ones and aren’t massive tennis watchers, so it wasn’t worth the price difference for us personally.
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Armstrong is the second-largest stadium and still holds that same excitement that Arthur Ashe gives you. Some people have tickets with reserved seating, which are the seats at the bottom, while general admission tickets grant you access to the top sections.
Something important to note though is that this stadium can fill up super fast! We tried getting in and had to be put on a wait list. We were never called on the wait list, but the stadium opened up after one of the biggest matches ended and we ended up going in later on.
Make sure to get there early if there is a special match you’re interested in seeing!
Grandstand
Grandstand is smaller and gives you a much closer view of the players. It doesn’t have the same massive-stadium feeling as Ashe, but makes it feel like you’re at a ball game with its open seating.
If you want to actually see the players up close rather than watching them from way up in a massive stadium, don’t skip Grandstand.
Court 17
Court 17 is another smaller court that’s worth checking out. You can get incredibly close to the action, and it gives you a completely different experience from sitting in one of the major stadiums.
The big stadiums have the cheering crowds and huge screens, but the smaller courts are where you can really appreciate how close you are to professional tennis. We would make a point of visiting them even if you have a ticket for one of the larger stadiums.
The Field Courts
Do not skip the smaller courts! Honestly, this is where we had the most fun – because it felt like we were cheering on our best friends court-side.
There are also lots of matches happening at once, so you can easily pop in and out, and explore these while being on a wait list for a lounge or bigger stadium.
🛍️ Activations at the US Open in New York
One of our favorite parts of the US Open is that you can enjoy more than just tennis! You can break up going from match to match by exploring all of the activations on the grounds.
Sponsored booths offer free giveaways, samples, games, and other interactive experiences. We got mini sunscreens, scarves, keychains, charms, electrolyte and collagen powders, and Greek yogurt. Some giveaways are as simple as scanning a QR code and entering your email address or phone number, while others involve playing a game or completing an activation.
You’ll have to line up for these, but honestly the lines move fast for most of them (except for the ones with massive prizes like the Oura Ring). You can revisit stalls as many times as you want – we probably collected 20 sunscreens and ate 10 yogurts while we were there 😂.
US Open Amenities
Now that you know how to enjoy the main attractions at the US Open, here is a bit of info about dining, lounges, and other amenities across the grounds.
🍴 Food & Drinks at the US Open
We’re going to be completely honest here: the food inside the US Open is expensive.
There are a ton of options, and many of them are recognizable restaurants and food brands from New York and New Jersey rather than just generic stadium food. The 2026 lineup includes places like Salt Hank’s, Fuku, Dos Toros, San Matteo, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Carnegie Deli, Van Leeuwen, Poke Yachty, and more.
If you’re visiting NYC just for the US Open, it’s worth the splurge, but if you’re a local, then one of our top tips for the US Open is to explore the food stalls, but actually visit the restaurants at another time. The prices will be lower, and the menus will have many more options worth exploring.
😋 Alternative Options for Eating at the US Open in New York
We were honestly shocked to find out you can bring your own food to the US Open! As we were there all day, we saved 2 meals by bringing our own food. Some people even bring their own coolers! Just remember that hard coolers are prohibited, so use a soft cooler if you’re bringing one.
Another option is to eat in Flushing before you arrive. The neighborhood is packed with fantastic and relatively inexpensive Asian food, so you can have a proper meal before heading into the tournament instead of spending a fortune once you’re inside.
Downtown Flushing is one subway station away, or a 30 minute walk if you want to explore more of the area surrounding the stadium.
🍹 Honey Deuce – the Official Drink of the US Open in New York
The Honey Deuce is the iconic drink of the US Open. It’s made with Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, Chambord, and honeydew melon balls, and it comes in the famous souvenir cup.
Everyone seems to rave about it, but we’re going to be honest: we didn’t think it was worth $22, especially because it comes premixed. We also knew it would probably be way too sweet for us, and the cup is a simple souvenir cup, rather than something really cool in our opinion.
If you really want the classic US Open experience, go for it. Just know what you’re paying for before you order one.
🚰 Water Fountains at the US Open
This is one of our easiest US Open tips – bring a reusable water bottle.
Hydration is key, and water bottles are extortionately more expensive (not to mention the negative environmental footprint they bring). There are water refill stations around the grounds, so you can fill up as often as you want.
Just make sure you’re not bringing a massive Stanley cup. It needs to be 24 ounces or smaller, and glass bottles, cans, and other prohibited containers aren’t allowed.
🚽 Bathrooms at the US Open
There are plenty of bathrooms at the US Open, and not once did we have to wait in line. They’re cleaned regularly, and the women’s restroom even have free tampons!
One of our tips for the US Open though is to make sure you time out your bathroom breaks. Once you’re inside the stadium, it’s highly frowned upon to get up in the middle of a match. So make sure you go before entering one of the matches.
📲 Complimentary Charging Stations
Don’t worry about bringing a charger with you, as you won’t find outlets around. One of our tips for the US Open is to fully charge your phone and camera before going.
If you do happen to run low on battery though, there are free charging stations you can take advantage of, where Chase rents out one portable powerbank for you to take with you while exploring the grounds.
📡 Get Free Radios & Fans
American Express Card Members can pick up a free American Express Radio at one of the radio booths around the US Open by showing their valid Amex Card.
These are available while supplies last, with one radio per Card Member per day. Platinum and Centurion Card Members can also get an additional radio for a guest. The radios are especially useful when you’re walking around the grounds because you can listen to the matches while grabbing food, checking out activations, or watching another court.
During select hours of Fan Week, Amex Card Members can also grab a free American Express fan at the radio booth located at Court 13. These are also limited to one per Card Member per day and are available while supplies last. So if you’re visiting during Fan Week and have an Amex, it’s worth stopping by to see if they’re still available.
🛋️ Lounges at the US Open
If you have access to one of the sponsor lounges, definitely take advantage of it! Chase and Amex credit card holders can get lounge access, so long as they register in advance.
Chase Lounge
The Chase lounge is for Chase card-holders, and has very limited seating. It is indoors and air-conditioned, with complimentary refreshments, snacks, charging, and even a free gift upon entry (we got a cap). The 2026 lounge also has a matcha bar during daytime sessions with matcha popsicles!
The Chase Lounge is one we would specifically keep an eye on. Reservations for the main draw are released at 9 AM each day for the following day’s session, and capacity is extremely limited.
We were on the waitlist and never got a notification that we had gotten in. We ended up monitoring it ourselves, begging our way in during the final few minutes, and somehow made it inside before it closed.
Chase Terrace
There’s also the Chase Terrace at Grandstand, which is a completely different experience. Unlike the Chase Lounge, card-holders can simply show their card and hang out here.
It’s outdoors, has shaded seating, and gives you views of Courts 8-10. It doesn’t have snacks or AC like the lounge, but it does have lemonade, iced tea, and a complimentary gift selection. We got a neck fan and Evian facial spray, but there are also a few other options to choose from.
American Express Lounge
The American Express Card Member Lounge is located on the second level of the Amex Fan Experience and gives Amex Card Members a dedicated place to take a break from the busy grounds. Card Members can bring up to two guests, although entry is subject to capacity.
If you have an eligible Platinum or Centurion Card, there’s also the Centurion Lounge, which is a separate space exclusively for those Card Members and requires a reservation.
For the Centurion Lounge, reservations are released daily beginning at 9:30 AM ET for that day’s available spots. Since capacity is limited, this is something you’ll want to plan ahead for rather than assuming you can simply walk in. The regular Card Member Lounge does not have the same reservation requirement listed in the official information.
Will You Buy Us A Coffee? ☕
As coffee lovers, we always enjoy the energy of caffeine. It helps us get the best free travel guides out there for you! 😄
👚 US Open Merchandise
If you’re looking for a souvenir, chances are you’ll be heading to one of the gift shops on the grounds.
While it’s nice to bring something home, we think the merch isn’t remotely worth it. You’ll find basic tees for $70 and simple plastic water bottles for $40. Keychains are almost $20, and pretty much anything you’ll want is kind of crappy quality with extortionate prices.
Our opinion? Skip the expensive souvenirs and collect the the cute freebies instead!
How to Prepare & Other Tips for the US Open in New York
Now that you know about the tickets, stadiums, and amenities on the grounds, let’s go over some other important tips for the US Open you should keep in mind.
📲 Download the US Open App Before You Go
The US Open app is super useful and we’d recommend having it on your phone before you arrive. You can use it to check the schedule, see where players are playing, manage your tickets, navigate the grounds, and check what’s happening around the venue.
The At Venue feature also gives you access to an interactive map and information about food, activities, amenities, and other destinations around the grounds. It’s particularly helpful because stadium capacity changes throughout the day.
We went to Louis Armstrong and found that it had filled up, so we couldn’t get inside. We got on the waitlist, but never received a notification when they reopened it. We eventually noticed that it had reopened ourselves and were able to get in at the last few minutes. So don’t rely completely on a notification. Keep checking the app yourself, especially if there’s a stadium you really want to get into.
📝 Plan Around the Schedule, But Stay Flexible
There can be matches happening on multiple courts at the same time, so look at the schedule before you go and make a rough plan for the players or matches you really want to see. That said, tennis doesn’t run on a perfect schedule. Matches are back-to-back, and one long match can push everything else later than expected.
This means your plan should be more of a guide than a strict itinerary. If a match you wanted to see gets pushed back, use the time to explore another court, grab food, check out an activation, or see what’s happening elsewhere on the grounds.
And remember that you can’t just walk into a stadium whenever you feel like it. There are employees monitoring entrances and exits, and during a match you generally have to wait for an appropriate break before entering or leaving. It’s another reason to use the bathroom and grab anything you need between matches.
🎾 Know Your Tennis Etiquette
This is one of the most important tips for the US Open! If you’ve never been to a professional tennis match before, the atmosphere can take a little getting used to. The crowd can be loud between points, but once a point is underway, you should be extremely quiet and avoid anything that could distract the players.
Keep your phone on silent, don’t use flash, and avoid standing in front of other spectators or blocking their view.
You also shouldn’t livestream or use video recording to capture the on-court action. Personal photos and non-commercial recordings are permitted within the venue’s rules, but the US Open specifically prohibits livestreaming match play and certain forms of recording or transmitting match data.
👟 Dress for a Full Day Outside
You don’t need to dress up for the US Open, but we honestly think it’s fun to! We noticed most women in cute tennis-style sundresses and skirts, and many wearing white. Men has breathable button-ups, polos, or comfortable but put-together oufdits.
You’ll be walking quite a bit, sitting outside, standing in lines, and going up and down stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must. There is no formal dress code, but you can absolutely wear a cute outfit or tennis-inspired look if that’s more your style.
The weather is the bigger consideration. New York can be extremely hot during the day, while temperatures can drop once you’re sitting outside at night. We’d bring a hat, sunglasses, lightweight clothing, and a small portable fan for the heat, plus a light sweater or jacket if you’re staying into the evening.
☀️ Lather Up the Sunscreen
Seriously, don’t forget the sunscreen! You’re going to spend a lot of time outside, and depending on where you’re sitting, there may not be much shade. We brought our own and also ended up getting free mini sunscreens through sponsor activations, but we wouldn’t count on just getting one once you’re there.
This is especially important if you’re planning to stay for the entire day. Reapply throughout your visit rather than putting it on once before you leave home.
📸 Bringing a Camera to the US Open
If you’re hoping to take proper tennis photos, you can bring an SLR camera with a lens up to 300mm. This is great news for anyone who wants better photos than a phone can capture, but there are limits on what you can bring. Dedicated video cameras, tripods, monopods, and other professional camera equipment aren’t allowed.
And yes, flash is still a no. Even if you’re excited about getting the perfect shot, remember that you’re photographing an active match with players and other spectators around you. Be mindful when taking photos – get your shot between points and matches, and make it quick rather than having a full-on photoshoot.
This is exactly what gives influencers and creators a bad rep -be respectful and don’t ruin it for everyone!
🎒 Check Your Bag Before You Leave
The US Open has a one-bag-per-person policy, and your bag can’t be larger than 12″ W x 12″ H x 16″ L. Backpacks are not permitted, although single-compartment drawstring bags are an exception. Bags are searched when you enter, so it’s important to check the prohibited-items list before you leave rather than finding out at security.
Hard coolers, glass containers, cans, laptops, selfie sticks, tripods, drones, and a long list of other items aren’t permitted. There is bag storage outside the Main Entry and Champions’ Gate for a fee, but we’d much rather leave anything prohibited at home than deal with that after arriving.
We recommend bringing:
🚫 Be Aware of Prohibited Items
While the US Open is much more lenient than other sports stadiums in New York, there are still a lot of restrictions. Check the photos below to see the main things you are not allowed to bring into the grounds, and make sure to check the official site to see if anything has changed day to day or year to year.
🏟️ Give Yourself More Time Than You Think
If it’s your first time at the US Open, we’d rather have you arrive early than spend the beginning of your day rushing through security and trying to figure out where everything is. The grounds are bigger than they look on a map, and it takes time to get through the entrance and orient yourself once you’re inside.
More importantly, don’t treat your ticket like you’re going to a regular two-hour sporting event. The US Open is designed to be experienced over the course of the day, and you’ll get much more out of it if you aren’t watching the clock the entire time.
FAQ About the US Open in New York
With all of the tips about the US Open, you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect! Missed something or still have questions though? Check our FAQ chart below:
What should I know before going to the US Open?
Our biggest tip is to treat the US Open like an all-day event rather than simply going to watch one tennis match. There are matches happening across multiple courts, plus food, sponsor activations, giveaways, shopping, lounges, and plenty to explore around the grounds. Plan around the matches you really want to see, but leave yourself enough flexibility to wander and see what else is happening.
What can I do at the US Open besides watch tennis?
A lot! You can watch matches on the smaller courts, explore the sponsor activations, collect freebies, grab food, shop, visit eligible lounges, and wander around the different areas of the grounds. We actually had a lot of fun exploring between matches, and some of our favorite moments came from matches and activities we hadn’t planned on seeing.
Can I bring my own food to the US Open?
Yes! We were honestly surprised to find out that you can bring your own food into the US Open. Since we were there all day, bringing food saved us from having to buy two meals inside. You can even bring a soft cooler, although hard coolers are prohibited.
Can I bring a water bottle to the US Open?
Yes, and we’d recommend it. There are water refill stations around the grounds, so you can refill your bottle throughout the day. Just make sure your reusable bottle is 24 ounces or smaller, and avoid glass bottles, cans, and other prohibited containers.
Can I bring a backpack to the US Open?
No. Backpacks aren’t permitted, with limited exceptions for single-compartment drawstring bags and bags used for ADA or medical equipment. The US Open also has a one-bag-per-person policy, and bags cannot be larger than 12" W x 12" H x 16" L. We recommend checking the prohibited-items list before you leave home so you don’t arrive at security with something you can’t bring inside.
Can I bring a camera to the US Open?
Yes. SLR cameras are permitted with lenses up to and including 300mm. Professional camera equipment, tripods, monopods, and dedicated video cameras aren’t allowed. You also cannot use flash photography, so keep the flash off when you’re photographing the matches.
What should I wear to the US Open?
Comfortable shoes are probably the most important thing. You’ll be walking around the grounds, standing in lines, sitting outside, and potentially staying for hours. We’d also dress for the weather with lightweight clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, plus a light sweater or jacket if you’re staying into the evening. There isn’t a strict dress code, so you can absolutely dress up or wear a tennis-inspired outfit if you want to.
Is the US Open hot?
It can be! The US Open takes place at the end of summer, and you’ll be spending a lot of time outside. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a small portable fan, and take advantage of the indoor or shaded areas when you need a break from the heat. If you’re staying into the evening, it’s also smart to have a light layer with you because temperatures can drop.
How long should I spend at the US Open?
We’d give yourself the entire day if you can. The tournament is expensive, and there’s much more to do than sit in the seat printed on your ticket. You can watch matches on different courts, explore the grounds, check out activations, eat, shop, and see matches you didn’t originally plan on watching. We found that the more time we gave ourselves to explore, the more we enjoyed the experience.
Can I leave my seat during a US Open match?
You shouldn’t plan on coming and going whenever you want during a match. There are employees monitoring entrances and exits, and you may have to wait for an appropriate break in play before entering or leaving a seating area. We’d recommend using the bathroom and grabbing anything you need between matches rather than waiting until the middle of play.
What is proper etiquette at the US Open?
Remember that tennis is a quiet sport while points are being played. Keep your phone on silent, avoid talking loudly, and don’t use flash photography. You can absolutely take photos and enjoy the experience, but don’t let filming or being on your phone become a distraction to the players or the people sitting around you. Once the point starts, put the phone away and watch the match!
Do I need to know a lot about tennis to enjoy the US Open?
Not at all. Even if you’re not a huge tennis fan, it’s easy to get into once you’re there. You can check the schedule, pick a few matches you’re interested in, wander between courts, and discover players you may not have known before. We aren’t massive tennis watchers ourselves, and we still had a great time exploring the different courts and experiencing the atmosphere.
What is the best way to get to the US Open?
The easiest option is taking the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point, which is just a short walk from the main entrance. You can also take the Long Island Rail Road to Mets-Willets Point, which is especially convenient if you’re coming from Long Island. We took NJ Transit into Penn Station and connected to the 7 train from there.
Is the US Open worth it if I don’t have an Arthur Ashe ticket?
Absolutely. We were initially disappointed that our tickets didn’t include Arthur Ashe, but we ended up having so much fun at the other courts that we didn’t feel like we were missing out. Grandstand, Court 17, and the field courts let you get much closer to the players, and there are plenty of things happening around the grounds. If you’re not a massive tennis fan, we’d personally rather spend the extra time exploring than paying significantly more just for an Ashe seat.
Are there free things to do at the US Open?
There are plenty of freebies once you’re inside, especially through the sponsor activations. We collected things like mini sunscreens, scarves, keychains, charms, electrolyte and collagen powders, and Greek yogurt. Some activations simply require scanning a QR code, while others involve playing a game or completing an activity. The bigger prizes tend to have longer lines, but you can revisit many of the booths throughout the day.
Final Thoughts and Tips for the US Open in New York
We really enjoyed experiencing the US Open because it feels like much more than going to a tennis match. You have the huge stadiums and famous players, but you also have tiny courts where you’re practically sitting on top of the action, random matches happening all over the grounds, sponsor activations, food, giveaways, shopping, and all of the little things that make the event feel like a full New York experience.
Our biggest advice is not to get too locked into your original plan. Pick the matches you really want to see, then leave yourself room to wander. Some of our favorite parts of the day were simply exploring the grounds and seeing what was happening next.
And if you’re spending the money on a US Open ticket, stay all day. That’s where you’re going to get your money’s worth.
⭐️ Round-Up of Tips for the US Open in New York
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of our tips for the US Open, let’s help you experience more of New York!
Here are our New York travel guides:
🍕 Best foods in NYC
🍴 NYC food guide
✈️ How to Get from EWR to NYC
🛫 How to Get from LGA to NYC
🛬 How to Get from JFK to NYC
🍸 22 Christmas Bars in NYC
🍴 17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
🏨 Top 10 Hotels in NYC for Christmas
🎅🏻 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
⛸ 13 Ice Rinks to Check Out This Season
🎄 The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
✨ 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
🪟 The Best Window Displays in NYC
🎁 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
🌷 Guide for Spring in NYC
📆 Unmissable Spring Events in NYC
☔️ What to do on a rainy day in NYC
📆 The best time to visit NYC
😎 33 Things to do in NYC during summer
☀️ Summer in NYC
⭐️ 18 Things to do in NYC for first-time visitors
⚾️ Things to do in NYC in Spring
📆 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
🎅🏻 The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Christmas in NYC
🍝 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
🌸 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
💧 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
❄️ Visiting NYC in Winter
📸 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
💝 The Best Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NYC
🤑 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
📖 The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
🚇 How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
💃🏻 Doing a Flying Dress Photoshoot in NYC
Now you know all about experiencing the US Open in New York! If you have any questions about our tips for the US Open, feel free to drop them in the comments below!
Want to learn more visiting NYC? We have tons of other New York Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you’re able to stay up to date with our most recent articles, and get special discounts on our shop.
Ready to start planning an incredible trip to New York? Well, we’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip all the tedious work, and simply enjoy your trip. Take a look at our travel planning packages we have, or simply email us to get started today!
Here are some other guides you’ll love:
