Kourtin’ Karen’s US Open Tips
I’ve attended the US Open tennis tournament many, many, many times over the years so I’ve put together some hints for those who have never attended and seasoned US Open attendee veterans. (As always this is a work in progress)
First of all attend Fan Week which begins on August 18, the day the US Open Qualifying Tournament begins – it’s FREE!! The US Open is the only major tournament where the “Qualies” are free to attend!
More information on Fan Week:
2025 US Open Fan Week Begins on August 18From the USTA
US OPEN FAN WEEK KICKS OFF AUGUST 18 WITH BEST-EVER LINEUP OF WORLD-CLASS TENNIS AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR FANS OF ALL AGES
- New ‘Silent Disco’ Brings Unique Dance Party to Fountain Plaza August 18
- Legendary NYC Artist, Producer and DJ D-Nice Returns to Headline Fan-Favorite US Open Block Party August 22
- Watch the World’s Best Players Practice Up Close and Catch All the Action of US Open Qualifying Tournament – All For Free
- See the Full Lineup of Fan- and Family-Friendly Activities at USOpen.org/FanWeek
- Free Grounds Admission All Six Days August 18-23
FLUSHING, N.Y., July 30, 2025 – The USTA today announced the can’t-miss lineup of world-class and fan-friendly shows, events and activities set to make this year’s US Open Fan Week the biggest and best-ever free tennis and entertainment festival preceding the US Open Singles Main Draw. US Open Fan Week – the first week of the US Open – runs August 18-23 this year at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and features free grounds admission all six days. In addition to the previously-announced, separately ticketed events taking place during Week 1 – the blockbuster US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins played August 19-20 and the fan-favorite Stars of the Open presented by Chase held August 21 – US Open Fan Week will feature a packed schedule of free and accessible tennis and entertainment for fans and families of all ages.
Experience World-Class Entertainment and See Iconic Tennis Players Up Close – For Free
The first-ever US Open Silent Disco joins Fan Week’s lineup of free entertainment for 2025, taking place Monday, August 18, from 7-9 p.m. on the Fountain Plaza. Thousands of fans will be able to groove the night away to three different varieties of tunes – Top-40 hits; ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s throwback; and Latin and HipHop Fusion – spun by DJs Jasmine Solano, DJ Whutever and DJ Curly Nez through green, red and blue sets of headphones, each representing one of the different playlists.
Today’s hottest music will take over the Fountain Plaza on Friday, August 22, as the fan-favorite US Open Block Party – a nighttime, festival-style celebration – returns for a second consecutive year. Legendary New York City artist, producer and DJ D-Nice returns to headline the Block Party, accompanied by renowned producer and DJ Beverly Bond and hosted by KTU’s Maxwell and Z100’s Shelley Rome.
Fan Week also continues to offer one of the best deals in sports – free grounds admission to watch the US Open Qualifying Tournament and to see the biggest stars in tennis practice up close. The Qualifying Tournament, played on the field courts of the US Open August 18-21 – features 128-draw men’s and women’s tournaments that determine the final 16 players to gain entry into each of the US Open Men’s and Women’s Singles Main Draws, which begin on Sunday, August 24. Fans can also enjoy free access to see the biggest stars in tennis practice on the US Open’s practice courts and stadiums throughout Fan Week, including featured practices in Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand, as well as inside Arthur Ashe Stadium via the Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience.
Mike Lawrence/USTA
Fan Access Pass is Your Ticket to the Block Party and Silent Disco, Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience, Giveaways and More
Fans can download the free Fan Access Pass – the must-have, digital ‘ticket’ that grants special access to certain areas, events and giveaways during Fan Week, including:
- Free access to headphones for the Silent Disco (August 18) and free advance reservations for the US Open Block Party (August 22).
- The Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience, including the Media Day Fan Event on Friday, August 22, where fans can sit up close to hear from top players directly, as part of their interview circuit.
- A wide range of free giveaways, and more.
Registration is available at fanpass.usopen.org, with the ability to download your pass to your mobile wallet for easy access.
Weeklong Entertainment and Activation throughout the US Open Grounds
Fan Week offers something for everyone at any time throughout the grounds, including a variety of entertainment on the Fountain Plaza Stage Monday through Friday. Heineken Happy Hour will take place on the grounds from 5-7 p.m. Monday, August 18, through Friday, August 22, for friends and colleagues to enjoy music from a lineup of well-known DJs, tennis and special drink offers.
All US Open concessions will be open again during Fan Week, with a $10 kids’ meal deal available every day. All of the on-site sponsor booths and activities will also be open – including the dynamic, indoor US Open American Express Fan Experience, with a court to play Red Ball Tennis, a high-energy, low-pressure spin on the world’s healthiest sport – to ensure all those attending US Open Fan Week can enjoy a true US Open experience.
Lineup of US Open Fan Week Events
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025
US Open Qualifying Tournament Begins (Free to attend with Grounds Admission)
Details: 128 men and 128 women battle for the final 16 spots in the singles Main Draws on the US Open’s field courts, beginning on Monday, August 18, and running through Thursday, August 21. Players in the Qualifying Tournament traditionally are ranked between No. 100-250 in the world, and the field includes everything from rising young stars to veterans on the comeback trail.
Location: Field Courts
Details: Monday, August 18-Thursday, August 21
US Open Silent Disco (Free via Fan Access Pass)
Details: A unique, silent dance party on the Fountain Plaza featuring three different varieties of tunes – Top-40 hits; ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s throwback; and Latin and HipHop Fusion – spun by DJs Jasmine Solano, DJ Whutever and DJ Curly Nez through green, red and blue sets of headphones, each representing one of the different playlists.
Location: Fountain Plaza
Time: 7-9 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins – First Round and Quarterfinals
Details: Blockbuster reimagination of the official US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, with 16 star-studded teams of the best men’s and women’s players in the world competing together for a Grand Slam title and a $1 million champions’ prize. Fourteen of the confirmed teams were announced on July 29, with today’s biggest stars, legends of the game, current or former singles and doubles world No. 1s and Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles champions.
Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins – Semifinals and Finals
Details: The ultimate showdown evening that will crown the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles champions with the $1 million champions’ prize.
Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium
Time: 7-10 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025
Stars of the Open presented by Chase (Ticketed event to Benefit USTA Foundation)
Details: Fan-favorite exhibition event featuring a marquee lineup of today’s top stars and US Open legends, to be joined by world-famous celebrities.
Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Player Participants: Coco Gauff, Joao Fonseca, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Juan Martin del Potro, American wheelchair stars Dana Mathewson and Casey Ratzlaff.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025
US Open Media Day (Free, via US Open Fan Access Pass)
Details: The game’s biggest stars will participate in US Open Media Day inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a fan-facing portion of their interview circuit allowing fans in Ashe to hear directly from the players up close and personal (Fans must register for this event via Fan Pass; Visit USOpen.org/FanWeek for more details).
Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium
Time: Beginning at noon.
US Open Block Party (Free with RSVP via Fan Access Pass)
Details: Legendary NYC artist, producer and DJ D-Nice returns to headline the fan-favorite US Open Block Party, the night-time, festival-style celebration returning for a second consecutive year. Also performing will be American author, businesswoman, producer and one of the world’s preeminent DJs and Black Girls Rock founder Beverly Bond.
Location: Fountain Plaza
Time: 8-10 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation (Free)
Details: The long-running Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the largest grassroots tennis event in the world, honoring Arthur Ashe’s legacy of instilling the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence alongside promoting the sport of tennis to young people, will take place on Saturday, August 23, with kids and family activities all throughout the grounds, featuring top players, music acts, face painting and a free special show in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Grounds
Time: 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; 11 a.m. Stadium Show; 1:30 p.m. Fountain Plaza Show
*All players and participants are subject to change. 2025 US Open: Dude Perfect and Lineup of Rising Music Stars to Headline Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Saturday, August 23
August 7, 2025 by Tennis Panorama News (Edit)
FAN-FAVORITE DUDE PERFECT AND LINEUP OF RISING MUSIC STARS TO
HEADLINE ANNUAL ARTHUR ASHE KIDS’ DAY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
- World’s Largest Grassroots Tennis Event Allows Kids of All Ages to Watch the Pros Practice and Hone Their Skills on the Tennis Court for FREE
- Dude Perfect Returns for Fourth Consecutive Year to Rock Arthur Ashe Stadium with Sports and Entertainment Show Alongside Tennis’ Biggest Stars
- Rising Music Sensations 2BYG, Liamani, Magnus Ferrell, That Girl Lay Lay, and Young Dylan to Headline Fountain Plaza Stage with Epic Performances
FLUSHING, NY, August 7, 2025 – The USTA today announced that fan-favorite YouTube sensations Dude Perfect and rising music stars 2BYG, Liamani, Magnus Ferrell, That Girl Lay Lay and Young Dylan will headline the lineup of epic music, sports and entertainment performances making this year’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation the best-ever rendition of the world’s largest annual grassroots tennis event. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which celebrates the life and legacy of tennis icon and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, will be held Saturday, August 23, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with free admission to the US Open grounds and all on-site activities.
The Dudes – Tyler “The Beard” Toney, “The Twins” Cory and Coby Cotton, Garrett “The Purple Hoser” Hilbert, and Cody “The Tall Guy” Jones – will perform their popular stadium show for the fourth consecutive Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, at a new time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Dudes will be joined by some of the biggest names in tennis – including reigning US Open women’s singles champion and current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka – as the renowned sports entertainment troupe will test their tennis skills with a variety of fun and off-kilter challenges while concocting some multi-sport fun. The Dudes will also host a meet & greet with fans following the show.
Following the Dude Perfect show, a blockbuster lineup of young music and entertainment stars will headline the Fountain Plaza Stage for fans of all ages to enjoy. The lineup includes: R&B vocal group 2BYG; multi-talented vocalist and actor Liamani; singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation Magnus Ferrell; breakout singer, rapper and actress That Girl Lay Lay; and rising actor and hip hop artist Young Dylan, who will also co-host the show. Fountain Plaza Stage performances will run from 1-3:30 p.m.
A festival atmosphere will permeate the National Tennis Center on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Featured practices starring some of the game’s most popular players will entertain fans in the US Open’s main stadiums, while many of the field courts will feature tennis activities for kids. On-court lessons, drills, contests and competitions will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, while the rest of the grounds will offer plenty of off-court fun, such as face-painting and temporary tattoos, storytelling, hair-braiding and beading,balloon artists and roving entertainers. The US Open also will offer a specially priced $10 meal for kids and their families.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day has historically brought together the biggest names in tennis and entertainment to honor Arthur Ashe’s legacy. AAKD has been a showcase for artists such as Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Shawn Mendes, Flo Rida, Ava Max, Ne-Yo, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Alessia Cara, CNCO, and Kim Petras. Many of the biggest names in tennis, including Rafael Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Carlos Alcaraz, have been joined by celebrities such as Ansel Elgort, Will Ferrell, Jon Cena, Sofia Carson and Michelle Obama, among many others.
Besides entertaining thousands of kids and showcasing the hottest talent each summer, AAKD helps promote the sport of tennis to young people and continue Arthur Ashe’s legacy of instilling the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence. For more information about Arthur Ashe, visit the Arthur Ashe Learning Center.
AAKD also celebrates the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, a nationwide group of more than 250 nonprofit youth development organizations that provide free or low-cost tennis programs, academic support and life-skills training to thousands of kids each year. Founded more than 50 years ago by Ashe, along with Charlie Passarell and Sheridan Snyder, the NJTL is now a cornerstone of the USTA Foundation, the national charitable arm of the USTA that utilizes the powerful combination of tennis and education to enhance the lives of thousands of under-resourced youth.
AAKD marks the culmination of US Open Fan Week, which begins Monday, Aug. 18 and runs through Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, during which the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are free and open to the public. Fan Week includes the free-to-attend US Open Qualifying Tournament and a host of other events and activities, including the reimaged US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. The Singles Main Draw will start on Sunday, Aug. 24, and conclude with the women’s singles final on Saturday, Sept. 6, and the men’s singles final on Sunday, Sept. 7. For more information visit USOpen.org/FanWeek.
*All players and participants are subject to change.
Don’t forget to drink water! It can get very hot during the US Open so you’ll need to keep hydrated! You are allowed to bring in H2O, otherwise you’ll be paying a small mortgage for a bottle of water on the grounds of the BJKUSTANTC= Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center
Don’t forget to wear sunblock/sunscreen to the US Open! Again, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear sunblock! Don’t take any chances.
One of the best kept secrets, the day before the US Open begins (August 24) is a great day to wander the US Open grounds. Unofficially it’s called “practice” day. You get to see all of the players. Best of all-free admission to BJKUSTANTC!
Volunteer at the US Open. Applications to be a volunteer open up early in the year and closes in early July. Check out USTA.com under volunteering.
Wear very comfortable shoes! Unless you are going to park your butt in one stadium for the entire day, wear very comfortable shoes. Wear your sneakers, if you are going to be hopping around from court to court as I do! Half of the fun of the US Open is that you are able to watch matches on many courts. You are not limited to sit at one court during the day like some other tournaments.
Take the #7 subway to the US Open! It’s inexpensive and you may meet lower ranked players and future stars (juniors) while riding. Besides, it’s better than driving in all that traffic!
Dress in layers. The September weather can be crazy if you are going from day into night. You start off the day in shorts and then during the night the temperature can drop drastically! Bring a sweatshirt/sweater just in case! And a waterproof jacket in case it rains!
Want to see some tennis before the US Open? The US Open Qualifying tournament starts the week before the US Open and is free! You may catch a few rising stars, and see some players on the grounds practicing.
Attend at least one day session during the first week of the US Open. The first week of the US Open provides so many matches to choose from on all courts! It’s great to be able to “court” hop!
Check out the newest show court – Court 17. Nice and small venue, excellent sight lines.
Get to the open early as there are long security lines to enter the BJKUSTANTC! Depending on the day, you may be waiting as long as a half an hour to get in.
You are allowed to bring one bag with you onto the grounds. Quoting USOpen.org: “All bags are subject to search, must be a single compartment and cannot be larger than 12″Wx12″Hx16″L.”
For those of you don’t like to carry bags-DON’T bring a bag if you can help it. It’ll just make you have to wait in the (at times MUCH) longer lines with these searches. May I suggest wearing “cargo” shorts or pants as they contain many pockets in which on may carry items.
Save money by printing out the schedule of play and the draws before you head out to the open. Draw sheets/schedules cost at least 5 dollars each day if you buy them at the BJKUSTANTC.
See matches with players that you are not very likely to see play singles at another US Open.
Try to see a match in The new Grandstand and the new Louis Armstrong. In my opinion, the best seats in the house are on Court 17. (I miss the old Grandstand from years ago)
There is a big food court at the BJKUSTANTC, if you want to mortgage your house to buy something. You are allowed to bring in some food and some water into the BJK USTANTC so save a little money! ( But if you are getting something at the Food Court, may I suggest one of those delicious crepes, not the sweet ones, but the “meal-type” crepes. I love the spinach, chicken and cheese one- called “Le Poulet.”)
If you are taking the subway be sure to have enough money on your Metrocard to return home. You do not want to have to stand in line waiting to buy a metrocard after the matches. May I suggest a ten trip or a weekly Metrocard for those of you attending the Open for several days.
If you absolutely do not want to take the subway, you can take the Long Island railroad between New York’s Penn Station and the Willets Point stops on the Port Washington branch. Unlike the subway, the railroad does not come every 5 minutes, usually every half an hour. It takes about 20 minutes each way. For more information on the Long Island Railroad and the Subway: https://www.mta.info/
You can have your picture taken with the Men’s US Open trophy for free on the grounds of BJKUSTANTC! Usually the sponsor of the men’s tournament sets up a booth along with the vehicle that is being promoted. They’ll e-mail you the picture and you can send it to all your friends! I freely admit that I have done this every year since this promotion began.
The first Friday of the US Open is USTA Membership Appreciation Day! If you are attending that day- September 3rd, be sure to bring your membership card/number to the Indoor Tennis facility! That day every USTA member who stops by will receive a little gift and free snacks in the tent all day long! You will even be entered into raffles for wonderful prizes! For those how are not yet members it’s a good day to become one.
For a great photographic moment have your picture taken in front of the Unisphere or with the Unisphere in the distance. There are a couple of great spots in Ashe to do this. Also in front of the fountain next to Ashe or outside the South Gate entrance to the BJKUSTANTC.
When entering the BJKUSTANTC, use the South Gate entrance! Not too many people use it, so the lines are shorter. It’s the entrance closest to the Unisphere.
For those of you who have never attended a live professional tennis match, if possible, try to sit on the ends (facing the backcourt baseline) of a court as opposed to the sides of a court. Sitting on the sides, you may be be forced, depending on how high up you are sitting, to move your head back and forth to follow the ball. Your neck will begin to hurt! Trust me on this. It’s a personal preference, I know many people who will only sit on the sides.
Check out the Tennis Hall of Fame Exhibit. Each year there is a unique display.
Attend a Day session during the first week of play. Tons of matches everywhere. A court hopper’s delight. Matches lasting into the early evening and sometimes beyond. For me its the best value as a tennis fan! ©Kourtin’ Karen loves attending the “day into night” session!
Explore the “Walls of Champions” close to the South Gate as you enter the BJKNTC. See all of the names of past US Open Champs as well as the “honor” roll. Last year the Davis Cup was on display.
If you are attending the second week of the open watch the Wheelchair competitions! You will appreciate the efforts that these athletes put out!
Check out the Junior competition during the US Open. See the future tour number ones!
The legends competition usually begins on Labor Day, see old favorites play, take pictures and get autographs!
Check out the practice courts! See your favorite players in action! During the US Open Qualies many players are on the main courts and outer courts practicing. The day before the US Open begins is “practice day” as all of the courts are used. It’s the best day to take pictures and get autographs.
See the American Express US Open Fan experience, replacing the Smashzone.
Dont forget to bring your sunglasses! They will cut down the glare when you are watching matches with the sun shining directly on you.
Bring a small towel! For wiping off sweat or wiping off your seat.
Bring a small umbrella, ella, ella. Just in case. Light colored umbrella if possible. If it doesn’t rain you can use it to shield the sun!
Before and during the US Open check out the tennis events taking place in New York City such as the Taste of Tennis on August 21th!
For you celebrity watchers, attend the Night Sessions at the US Open! The stars come out at night!
Those of you that keep Kosher or have other special dietary concerns, there are all types of food stands to meet your needs!
Take a sports side trip during the US Open? If you are a big baseball fan like I am, may I suggest visiting Yankee Stadium or CitiField and taking the respective tours.
Again. Water. Drink. Water. Keep hydrated! It’s gets hot at Flushing Meadows! There are water fountains around the grounds.
You can check items outside the BJKUSTANTC. If you are coming straight from the airport to the US Open or you brought a back pack by mistake, you can check your bags in one of the bag checks before entering the grounds as you can’t carry in large items. It’s a few dollars per item, cheaper than the water.
Another touristy side trip. See the Statue of Liberty by taking the Staten Island Ferry. Great views of lower Manhattan and Ms. Liberty to boot and a nice little ride to see another part of NYC. Did you know that a lady from Staten Island is credited with bringing tennis to the US?
Don’t forget to bring your phone and/orcamera! Picture alert. Have your picture taken in front of Ashe Stadium in front of the fountains!
If you have a US Open Club pass with your night session ticket, you are allowed to enter the BJKUSTANTC grounds as early as 5 PM. (We all know that we will court-hop at the end of the Day session before the night session begins.)
If you are not a member already, join the USTA while you are at the open!
Make a donation to USTA Serves. They usually have a booth on the NTC grounds near the membership booth. This foundation not only supports local tennis but educational programs as well.
Visit the various exhibitor booths on the US Open grounds. Many free giveaways! In 2007 one of the most popular booths was a drug maker that handed out free bags that were the size of Olivier Rochus!
2025 US OPEN with Star Chefs and Elevated Fan Dining Experiences
July 30, 2025 by Tennis Panorama News (Edit)
The Dobel Tequila Club Unveils New Culinary Partnershipwith Oyamel by José Andrés Group James Beard-Nominated Rising Star Chef Robbie Felice’s pastaRAMEN Makes US Open Debut Restaurateur Simon Kim Introduces Fresh Spin On Popular COQODAQ Concept Returning Celebrity Chefs Include Alex Guarnaschelli, Kwame Onwuachi, Ed Brown, David Burke, Josh Capon, Pat LaFrieda and Masaharu Morimoto
Click here for a preview of offerings
FLUSHING, N.Y., July 30, 2025 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its hospitality partner Levy today announced a preview of their unbeatable culinary lineup available to fans on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the 2025 US Open. This year’s tournament will feature a star-studded roster of globally renowned chefs, offering fans extraordinary food and drink experiences that match the intensity of the game on the court. From gourmet bites to signature dishes by culinary icons, the US Open continues its tradition of delivering championship-level food alongside world-class tennis.
Tennis fans can experience world-class Mexican hospitality through Dobel® Tequila’s exciting new culinary partnership with Oyamel by José Andrés Group, bringing together two masters of their craft to celebrate the rich regional diversity of Mexican cuisine and vibrant cocktail experiences inside the Dobel Tequila Club. Guests will enjoy various Mexican dishes, including Oyamel’s Taco Cochinita, made of Yucatán-style pit barbecued pork, achiote, Mexican sour orange and pickled red onion.
Making its US Open debut, pastaRAMEN will bring its unique Wafu Italian cuisine to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2025. Led by James Beard-nominated Rising Star Chef Robbie Felice, pastaRAMEN will present fans with a bold fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Originating as an invite-only omakase pop-up in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, pastaRAMEN is now based in Montclair, N.J. It holds the distinction of being the first Italian ramen shop in the United States, taking inspiration from Kabenoana, a 1950s Tokyo restaurant whose name translates to “hole in the wall.”
Restaurateur Simon Kim, the Founder and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, the group behind the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse in New York City’s Flatiron District, will return for his second year with a fresh twist to his beloved restaurant concept COQODAQ. Known for its elevated approach to Korean-inspired Better Fried Chicken, the revamped “CQDQ” will be located in Food Village and feature a curated menu of fan-friendly favorites, including the iconic nuggets. The original COQODAQ, featuring signature dishes such as “The Golden Nugget” — the renowned chicken nugget paired with caviar — will also be available to fans in the club level of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Teaming up once again in Aces are Michelin-starred Chef Ed Brown, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and James Beard Award-winning Chef Kwame Onwuachi. Guests will enjoy local and seasonal seafood creations, sushi and other specialties that they have come to know and love from the US Open’s distinguished seafood spot.
Michelin-starred and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli returns to the US Open for her fifth consecutive year, bringing fans delectable dishes and exhilarating cocktails from her Mediterranean bistro, Fare. Also returning is Chef David Burke’s popular Cuban-American fusion spot, Mojito by David Burke, as well as Chef Josh Capon’s Fly Fish with its lobster rolls, tuna poke, oysters, and more.
This year’s tournament also includes new dishes and returning favorites from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Champions by Benjamin’s Steakhouse, Carnegie Deli, San Matteo NYC, Dos Toros Taqueria, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Fuku, Eataly, Korilla BBQ and Poke Yachty, Hill Country BBQ, King Souvlaki, The Migrant Kitchen, The Nourish Spot, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and more.
Fans looking to indulge in a refreshing beverage while they watch the top tennis players compete on the court can enjoy an impressive selection of drinks, including the US Open’s signature cocktail, the Grey Goose® Honey Deuce™. New this year, the US Open is excited to announce Clos du Bois as its official wine partner. Clos du Bois wines will be offered at bars and select concessions. A delicious variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available from official US Open partners, including Aperol®, Dobel® Tequila, evian® Natural Spring Water, Heineken®, Lavazza Coffee, and Moët & Chandon.
Food and drink options will be available for fans onsite during US Open Fan Week from Aug. 18 to Aug. 23 and through the main draw from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7. For more information about this year’s US Open culinary experiences, visit usopen.org.
Security tips – from USOPEN.org
“We encourage you to arrive early to avoid delays and help to speed the entry of all spectators.
All fans will go through a screening process before passing through the USTA National Tennis Center entry gates.
There will be a limit of one bag per person admitted onto the grounds.
All bags are subject to search, must be a single compartment and cannot be larger than 12″Wx12″Hx16″L.
There will be no bag storage on the grounds. For a nominal charge, there is a bag storage facility outside the grounds.
Speed lines for those fans without bags will be available at all gates.
The following items are prohibited and MAY NOT be brought onto the premises of the NTC:
-sealed packages of any kind;
-briefcases;
-ALL knapsacks/ALL backpacks ;
-hard coolers or like containers;
-glass bottles or cans;
-aerosol cans or noise making devices;
-alcoholic beverages;
-commercial video cameras or recording devices;
-computers or laptops;
-food (except in limited quantities, or for medical, dietary or infant purposes);
-weapons (regardless of permit);
-pets (unless a service animal);
-flags, banners or signs;
-laser pointing devices;
-tennis racquets;
-bicycles; scooters of any type; in-line skates; roller skates; skateboards;and any other items deemed unlawful or dangerous by the USTA and/or US Open personnel, in its sole discretion.”
For USOpen.org’s list on “Visiting the Open” click here.
See tennis before the US Open! If you live in the New York Area check out the New Haven Open. If you are in North Carolina attend the Winston-Salem Open.
US Open Qualifying Tournament – week of August 18, 2011.
Attend Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day – August 23, from 9 a.m. Stadium show is noon to 2 p.m.
Open Practice Day- August 24 – Come see all of the players getting ready for the opening day of the tournament. It’s free and the gates open at 11 AM. A great day to get autographs and take photographs!
Picture Alert! If you are sitting in the Upper Promenade, try taking some pictures of the Manhattan sky line!
Safety alert- First Aid stations– just in case you need to know where they are:
-Arthur Ashe court Level room 1424, club level near gate 7, Promenade level near gate 30
-West of Court 8
-Grandstand court- next to the ticket office
If you are sitting in the Upper Promenade of Ashe, try getting a seat in Sections 311-315 as you can peek over the top and see what’s going on at Armstrong Stadium since the Ashe stadium scoreboard never seems to show the scores from Armstrong.
Bring wash/dry wet napkins and paper towel/tissue, so you won’t need to get up from your seat if you get dirty, sweaty.
If you have an American Express card, please pick up a free US Open Radio! Hear match updates throughout the day while you are there! If you don’t have an Amex, ask someone who does to get a radio for you!
In addition to sunscreen, bring one of those sun shirts (SPF 30 or higher). Fishing and outdoor stores sell them. You can wear over your t-shirt or polo, or drape over your legs if the sun is beating down. Also adds warmth in the evening. Convertible pants (that zip off into shorts) are also an option.
Take home a piece of the open! You can purchase a ball used during the open as a souvenir! The money goes to one of the USTA foundations!
Support USTA programs in your neighborhood whether with money or with volunteering! They are all supported by the US Open!
Read the US Open Fan Guide! It has everything you need to know about attending the US Open!
Checklist- tickets, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, lanyard, towel, schedule of play and water. Enough said!
I encourage you to leave your cars at home and so does the USTA, as parking space is very limited. Use Mass Transit!
Enjoy your US Open!
More to follow…
For more information on the US Open: USOpen.org or USTA.com.
To purchase tickets to the US Open – USOpen.org or Tickets
(Karen Pestaina aka “Kourtin’ Karen” is the woman behind Tennis Panorama News. She freelances for various media outlets in and out of tennis and has worked for many a broadcast news entity. She witnessed her first live tennis match as a pre-schooler at Forest Hills when Guillermo Vilas upset Jimmy Connors to win the 1977 US Open. This branded her as a Vilas fan for life.
Also check out Jon Wertheim’s US Open Tips
