Top Tips for Your First Time Visiting the US Open Tennis Tournament in NYC
I finally did it. After years of watching the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament from home, I finally checked off visiting the US Open in New York City from my bucket list.
I watch tennis regularly and never miss the Grand Slam events on TV. The problem was timing. The tournament always falls right at the start of the school year, and I always felt guilty taking time off right after we’ve just returned from summer break.
This year, I finally decided it was my year to go, especially since the tournament coincided with my birthday. I booked a solo trip to New York and planned my visit around the tournament’s opening weekend.
I arrived at the grounds when the gates opened each day and stayed until early evening, wandering from court to court and soaking in the atmosphere.
Over those two days I saw some of the biggest names in tennis including Venus Williams, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe, Jannik Sinner, and Marin Čilić.
My favorite match of the trip was watching Jannik Sinner play Marin Cilic. The energy in the crowd was incredible.
If you’re planning your first visit, these tips will help you make the most of your time at the US Open.
Honestly, it was such a memorable experience, I may take this time off again next year, and I hope you feel inspired to do the same.
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Check Out These Other NYC Posts to Help You Plan
If you are planning a trip to NYC for the US Open, you may also like these posts:
Top Tips for Visiting the US Open for the First Time
Best Place to Stay for the US Open Tennis Tournament
How to Get from LGA to Manhattan
Tip #1: Buy an Arthur Ashe Ticket
The single best tip I can give first-time visitors is to buy a ticket for Arthur Ashe Stadium.
At first glance it looks like you’re only paying for one stadium seat. In reality, that ticket gives you access to most of the tennis grounds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
With an Arthur Ashe ticket, you can also enter Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand Stadium, and all the other smaller outer courts.
That flexibility lets you wander the grounds and see far more tennis than if you stayed in one place.
I paid about $275 for my Arthur Ashe ticket and spent most of the day moving from court to court instead of sitting through one full match.
I found the price of a cheap seat in Arthur Ashe to be equivalent to or cheaper than the cost of a grounds ticket.
One of the easiest ways to ruin your trip is to buy fake tickets.
I purchased my ticket through the official Ticketmaster site for the US Open and had no issues entering the grounds.
Stick with the official ticket platform to avoid scams.
Tip #2: Go During the Early Rounds of the Tournament
Many people assume the finals are the best time to attend. In my opinion, the early rounds are even better for fans.
During the first round, almost every top player is still in the tournament. That means the schedule is packed with big names.
Over the course of my visit I saw players like Venus Williams, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz either competing or practicing.
You also get to watch players practicing on smaller courts, which is a unique experience that doesn’t happen later in the tournament.
Tip #3: Arrive When the Gates Open
I arrived right when the gates opened each morning, and it made a huge difference.
Arriving early also makes it much easier to get photos before the crowds arrive. Some of my favorite spots included Fountain Plaza, the bracket wall, the giant US Open letters, and the Unisphere outside the grounds.
I put together a full list of the best photo spots at the US Open if you want to plan your pictures ahead of time.
As the day went on, the venue got crowded, and the walkways got busy.
Tip #4: Walk the Grounds Instead of Staying in One Stadium
One of the biggest surprises of my visit was how fun it was to wander the grounds.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center spans more than 45 acres. Matches happen on courts throughout the complex.
Instead of staying in one seat all day, I moved between matches and smaller courts. Some of the most exciting moments happened on courts where you could stand just a few rows from the players.
Exploring is part of the experience.
Tip #5: Plan How You’re Getting to the US Open
Many visitors fly into LaGuardia Airport for the US Open since it’s only a few miles from the tennis center.
Planning to visit Manhattan too? Check out my guide on how to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan.
Choosing the right hotel can make your visit much easier. I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton LaGuardia Airport, a property near LaGuardia that offered a free shuttle directly to the tournament grounds.
I took the complimentary hotel shuttle from the DoubleTree by Hilton LaGuardia Airport, which made the trip stress-free. The ride took about 12 to 15 minutes and ran on a set schedule through the hotel concierge.
However, I noticed many visitors arriving in different ways.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft drop passengers at the same lot as the shuttles.
It’s a large designated parking lot by the New York Hall of Science, a short ten-minute walk from the entrance.
This works well if you’re coming from a nearby neighborhood.
Others arrived using the subway and Long Island Rail Road, which stop at the Mets–Willets Point Station, just a short walk from the tennis grounds.
The subway is often the most affordable option and runs frequently during the tournament.
The best choice usually depends on where you’re staying and how much convenience matters after a long day of tennis.
Tip #6: Pack a Bag for a Full Day at the US Open
You’ll spend hours walking around the grounds, so packing a few basics makes the day much more comfortable. I wore a small crossbody to the tournament and quickly realized it wasn’t big enough after visiting the sponsor tents.
I purchased an official US Open tournament tote for around $25, and it worked perfectly.
You can bring a bag up to 12″x12″x16″.
You do have to carry anything you bring, so keep it minimal.
I would definitely bring a refillable water bottle and use the water stations around the grounds to stay hydrated.
There are large lockers outside the entrance if you need them for storage.
You’ll use your phone constantly throughout the day for photos, maps, and the tournament app.
Don’t forget to bring a portable charger.
If you forget one, some sponsor booths offer charging stations. I even saw chargers available at the Chase Bank booth.
The sun shone both days I visited, and even though it was only in the seventies, I still needed sunscreen.
You can grab free sunscreen on the grounds at the La Roche-Posay sunscreen booths.
I would also make sure to have a hat and sunglasses, which will help more than you expect.
You will walk a ton, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Tip #7: Budget for Food and the Famous Honey Deuce
Half the fun of attending the US Open is eating your way through the grounds. The food scene feels more like a pop-up New York food festival with tennis in the background.
Food at the US Open is excellent but definitely expensive. You’ll find everything from quick snacks to full meals. Expect snacks to begin at $12 and meals at around $25.
I tried several items, including potstickers from Korilla BBQ, pizza from San Matteo, street tacos from Dos Toros Taqueria, and Van Leeuwen ice cream. Everything was delicious, but prices add up quickly.
The specialty cocktail, the Honey Deuce, is part of the US Open tradition. The Honey Deuce is a vodka lemonade with raspberry liqueur and frozen honeydew melon balls that look like tennis balls.
It’s cold, sweet, and designed for hot afternoons in the stands, and also very expensive. At $23, it’s definitely a splurge, but many fans consider it part of the US Open tradition.
I treated mine like an edible souvenir and enjoyed every sip.
Keep an eye out for quick surveys or sign-ups that reward you with food credits or merchandise.
A quick survey at the Cadillac booth earned me a $10 food voucher, which covered snacks I was already planning to buy. These take minutes and can stretch your budget in a real way. I walked away with snacks, small souvenirs, and a bag full of branded goodies.
Tip #8: Visit the Sponsor Tents and Merchandise Booths Early
Beyond the tennis matches, there’s an entire festival atmosphere at the US Open. Sponsor tents, interactive games, photo spots, and lounges are scattered throughout the grounds.
I shared all my favorite experiences, photo spots, and fan activities in my full guide to things to do at the US Open.
My favorite experience was the American Express Fan Fare building, where I answered tennis trivia, designed a personalized tennis ball, and tried interactive games.
One tip: visit these tents early in the day. The lines get very long later in the afternoon.
The official merchandise stores are huge and packed with great souvenirs.
I even customized my own US Open Polo shirt at the Ralph Lauren store on-site.
One tip: buy early in the day. Popular sizes often sell out as the tournament progresses.
Tip #9: Download the US Open App or Buy the $5 Program
Keeping track of matches can get confusing.
The official US Open app helps you follow the daily schedule, match results, and court assignments.
I also recommend buying the $5 printed program when you enter. It includes a helpful map of the grounds and the daily schedule.
I didn’t see it for sale once I entered the grounds, so make sure to pick it up before you enter.
Tip #10: Bring Your American Express or Chase Cards
Many sponsors offer special perks to cardholders.
American Express and Chase both have lounges and special-access areas on the grounds.
The Chase lounge is especially popular, so it’s smart to reserve a seat early.
These spaces are a great place to cool off and relax between matches.
Solo Travel Tips for Attending the US Open
I’ve taken a solo trip to New York City before, so going solo to the tournament didn’t feel awkward at all. In fact, I met many others who were there by themselves. The crowd is friendly and mostly focused on tennis.
For me, the hotel shuttle removed transportation stress, which made the whole trip smoother.
I felt safe staying close to the US Open, but tons of people use the subway to get there from Manhattan. The entrance to the tournament from the subway station is a short walk, and you’re with crowds the entire way.
Eating solo never felt awkward. Everyone is grabbing quick meals and rushing back to matches. You blend right in.
The best part of solo travel is freedom. I stayed at courts I loved and skipped matches that didn’t interest me. That flexibility made the birthday trip feel personal.
Will You Visit the US Open?
Going to the US Open turned out to be even better than I expected.
The combination of world-class tennis, fan experiences, great food, and the energy of New York makes it one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.
Seeing my favorite players in person felt surreal. Watching tennis on TV is great. Sitting courtside is unforgettable. I’m glad I stopped waiting for perfect timing and just booked the trip.
You don’t need a complicated plan or a travel partner. You just need a ticket and a reason to go. That’s enough to turn a normal weekend into a memory that sticks.
