Since I was a young girl, I’ve loved watching tennis. Although not a tennis player myself, this sport has always pulled me in with its intensity, grace, and, of course, its players. One of my fondest memories was watching Billy Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in the “Match of the Sexes.” In addition to King, the tennis stars of that time were Evert, McEnroe, Borg, and Navratilova. Tennis was on your local network and one made sure to tune the games in when they aired. There was no cable or streaming back then.
Finally, in my 30s, I attended my first professional tennis match. And it was, of course, at the U.S. Open. Unfortunately, life got in the way of doing this regularly in future years. Watching it on TV would have to suffice. But last year, my husband and I decided to make our attendance at this fantastic event an annual tradition. So with our second year at the Open behind us, here are my tips on how to have a perfect U.S. Open tennis visit starting with…
Book A Match At Arthur Ashe and/or Louis Armstrong Stadium
If you want to guarantee seeing tennis, this is a must. These are the only stadiums at the Billy Jean Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens that have roofs. And although my husband and I enjoyed a full day of indoor and outdoor tennis at the 2021 Open, it wasn’t to be in 2022. The men’s and women’s quarterfinals were held on the first day of rain in NYC in weeks! Luckily, we bought tickets for these games which were held at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Whew!
All games and practices held throughout the park that was not in these two stadiums were canceled.
So my advice is not to buy just a grounds pass if you want to guarantee seeing tennis. Of course, if you buy these passes the day or so before and know the weather will cooperate, go for it. Otherwise, you might be stuck with passes you can’t use.
If you like to get to bed early…
Book Day Games if You’re Not a Night Owl
Day passes to the two main stadiums will guarantee that you will get out of the Open typically by dinnertime. If you go for the evening passes, do not expect the matches to necessarily end by 10 or 11 am like a Broadway play. If games get delayed from earlier on or a match extends itself, they can go on until well after midnight.
My next tip is…
Don’t Bring A Knapsack
Visitors to the Open don’t read the prohibited items listed on their website. You are not allowed in with a knapsack. Period! Drawstring bags and small purses are allowed, as long as they fall within certain dimensions. For information on this, click here.
Bring Snacks
You are allowed to bring in snacks which help with costs. This also helps if you’re picky, have dietary restrictions, or have kids with you. There are, of course, plenty of indoor and outdoor food choices to satisfy most so visitors will certainly not go hungry.
Take the Time to Explore the Park
The park offers its visitors more than just tennis courts. There are photo ops everywhere of statues, player murals, and more.
And to keep hydrated AND save money…
Bring An Empty Water Bottle
Water fountains and water dispensers exist throughout the park to fill up your reusable bottles. If you can’t find one, ask a park employee. Believe me, paying $8 or more for a water bottle adds up. And just think, you can use then use this money to buy some U.S. Open swag!
Bring A Hat, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen
This is a must and really a no-brainer if you’re attending the Open during the day. No further explanation is needed here.
Take Mass Transit to the U.S. Open
Although this is not possible for everyone, it is really the best option. The tennis stadium is right next to Citifield. If the Mets are in town, expect a traffic nightmare. Parking passes should be purchased ahead of time if possible.
But take the subway or Long Island railroad if you can. You’ll thank me later.
Check U.S. Open Benefits On Your Credit Cards
Certain banking cards offer perks at the U.S. Open. I’m not going to list the cards here. Check with your own bank for details. You never know. You may get discounts on swag, tickets, and even free headsets to listen to commentary while watching the matches.
And last but not least.
Enjoy and Take It All In
After all, you’ve made it to the U.S. Open. Maybe not as a contender but as an enthusiastic spectator. Live in that moment.
To read about more things to do in New York, visit “My Postcards from New York Travel Series” by clicking here.