Things to Do at the US Open Tennis Tournament (Besides Watching Tennis)

Explore the US Open Grounds

You could easily enter the US Open grounds and head to your seat, but you would be missing so much.

One of the best things to do at the US Open is simply wander the grounds. The entire complex at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center spans more than 45 acres, and there’s always something happening.

At the center sits Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world and home to the biggest matches.

Just behind Ashe is Louis Armstrong Stadium, which ended up being one of my favorite places to pop into during the day.

The stadium is smaller and more intimate, and the open concourse offers great views across the grounds.

A short walk away is Grandstand Stadium, another fan favorite, where the seats feel incredibly close to the court.

The smaller courts, scattered throughout the complex, are perfect for catching practice sessions or matches up close.

One area you won’t want to miss is the Court of Champions Display, near the Champions’ Entry (formerly the South entrance).

I spent a ton of time here reading the bronzed plaques lining the walkway dedicated to tennis legends and past champions.

My advice is simple. Give yourself time to explore. Some of the best moments at the US Open happen when you’re just wandering the grounds.

Wander Through the Sponsor Tents

The sponsor tents are one of the most entertaining parts of the US Open experience, and they don’t cost anything to visit.

Major brands set up interactive spaces where visitors can play games, win prizes, and pick up free swag.

You’ll find brands from airlines to hotels to jewelry to make-up, all providing swag.

Not only can you enter for prizes at most booths, but many also have some awesome photo ops set up. In some cases, like at the Emirates booth, the hosts will take photos for you.

Receiving a Polaroid photo, placed in a branded Emirates photo frame, makes a fun keepsake from the day.

Just a few steps away, the Tiffany & Co. booth offered a chance to pose for photos with replicas of the official US Open trophies. For tennis fans, standing next to those trophies is a pretty special moment.

The La Roche‑Posay tent, a brand I first learned about on our Mediterranean cruise, turned out to be one of the most practical stops of the day. Who would say no to luxury brand sunscreen?

The ESPN booth was another highlight with an ESPN broadcast photo setup and some great giveaways.

If you have the ESPN app on your phone, show it at the booth, and you might receive free swag.

One unexpected stop was the Mount Sinai Health System booth, where visitors could create a personalized digital avatar and pick up small items like bandages. Sometimes the simplest giveaways are the ones you appreciate most after walking miles around the grounds.

I’m not sure how closely my avatar resembles me, but it was fun to see what it came up with.

I thought I’d walk through the sponsor tents quickly. I ended up spending a big chunk of my day there and loved it.

With so many things happening across the grounds, it helps to have a plan for your day. I share more practical advice in my guide with my best tips for visiting the US Open tennis tournament, including what to bring, how tickets work, and how to snag free food.

American Express Fan Fare Experience

One of the most popular attractions on the grounds is the free American Express Fan Fare experience located by the Main entrance.

Expect to wait in line to enter, so get there early. I was turned away on the afternoon of day one because it had reached capacity.

But once inside, you’ll be immediately greeted with interactive displays, including one that analyzes your swing, a game of Glow Tennis, a tennis trivia station, and the option to design a personalized tennis ball, printed while you wait.

You do not need an American Express card to enter or participate, but if you do have one, you have access to extra perks, such as the second-floor lounge and free US Open giveaways.

Customize US Open Merchandise

The official merchandise shops at the US Open are massive, and you could fill your afternoon shopping.

One of the coolest experiences I had was inside the Ralph Lauren Polo shop, where I customized my own US Open shirt.

Being able to personalize the shirt made it feel like a unique souvenir from the trip.

Just remember to shop early in the day. Popular sizes tend to sell out quickly as the tournament progresses, and you will want to give them time to print your creation, so you can pick it up before you leave for the day.

Relax at the Outdoor Lounges/Bars

Between matches it’s nice to find a place to sit and relax.

One of my favorite areas was the outdoor lounge space sponsored by IHG. There’s a bar, shaded seating, and they were even showing golf on one of the TVs.

It’s a great place to recharge before heading back out to explore the courts.

Watch the Entertainment Around the Grounds

Another thing that surprised me was how much entertainment happens throughout the complex.

While walking between stadiums I saw:

• stilt walkers entertaining the crowd
• live music performances
• roaming entertainers interacting with fans

These small moments add an unexpected festival vibe to the entire experience.

Keep an Eye Out for Celebrity Sightings

The US Open attracts celebrities from sports, entertainment, and fashion.

When walking the grounds, whenever you notice a security force, keep your eyes open for a famous player or celebrity walking nearby.

Many famous guests sit courtside in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but you may also spot them walking around the grounds or visiting sponsor lounges.

You never know who might show up during a big match.

Enjoy the Food and Drink Scene

Another surprise at the US Open is the food. The tournament has become known for bringing some of New York City’s best restaurants to the grounds.

Walking through the complex feels a little like wandering through a food hall. You’ll find everything from tacos and pizza to deli sandwiches and gourmet desserts.

I sampled several favorites during my visit, including tacos from Dos Tacos, pizza from San Matteo, and ice cream from Van Leeuwen. Other well-known New York spots like Carnegie Deli and Eataly also have booths at the tournament.

And of course, no visit would be complete without trying the famous Honey Deuce, the official cocktail of the US Open.

Made with Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and melon balls that look like tiny tennis balls, it has become a tradition for many fans attending the tournament.

For a more celebratory drink, the Moët & Chandon champagne bar offers a stylish place to sip a glass of bubbly.

One of my favorite touches was the postcard bar, where visitors can write and send a postcard directly from the US Open grounds.

The US Open is More Than Just Tennis

The US Open is more than a tennis tournament. It’s days worth of food, photos, entertainment, and fan experiences. If you’re planning your first visit, make time to wander, explore, and enjoy the grounds.

Between sponsor tents, food, photo ops, live entertainment, and celebrity sightings, there’s always something happening.

You’ll leave feeling like you experienced more than just tennis. You’ll have the full US Open experience.