The Ultimate Guide to Attending the US Open in New York City for First Timers 2025
Every year, tennis fans from around the world flock to New York City to witness one of the most thrilling sporting events of the year—the US Open. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, the tournament offers an unforgettable experience of world-class tennis, electric crowds, celebrity spottings, and an iconic New York atmosphere. Labor Day weekend in the city truly isn’t complete with a visit to Queens to attend the US Open.
Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just looking for an exciting event to attend, here’s everything you need to know about going to the US Open.
Getting Tickets
Tickets to the US Open go on sale months in advance (usually around May), and securing them early is the best way to get good seats at reasonable prices. There are several ticketing options, including:
- Grounds Passes – Provides access to outer courts, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
- Day & Night Session Tickets – Grant entry to either the daytime or evening matches in Arther Ashe or Louis Armstrong. I recommend getting the Arther Ashe tickets as those will provide you with the best matches and entry to other general admission matches in Louis Armstrong & Grand Stand (unreserved seats).
- Luxury Suites & Premium Seating – Offer exclusive perks such as VIP lounge access, gourmet dining, and the best views.
If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, resale platforms like StubHub and Ticketmaster can be useful, but expect higher prices as the tournament progresses.
I recommend if it is your first time attending the US open, get day session tickets in
Arthur Ashe Stadium. This will give you access to the grounds as well as some of the smaller matches in the Grandstand. We paid about ~$350 each on StubHub a month before the event. Try to get tickets on the website when they drop if possible.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in Manhattan and taking the trip to Queens for the US Open. You can stay in Queens but New York City will offer you a more well rounded weekend and a places to explore after the matches. Here are some top recommendations:
- Near the Venue (Queens) – Staying in Queens, particularly in the Flushing area, allows for quick access to the tournament. Hotels like The Parc Hotel and Hyatt Place Flushing offer convenience and comfort.
- Manhattan – If you prefer to be in the heart of NYC, Midtown is a great choice. Hotels like The Westin Grand Central, The Langham, and Park Hyatt New York provide easy access to public transit for a quick trip to the US Open. Some of my other favorite hotels are Arlo NoMad, The Plaza, and the Standard Highline.
- Brooklyn – Brooklyn will always have a specical place in my heart so if youre looking to stay a little off the beaten path with some amazing resturnts Brooklyn can be a great choice. My favorites are 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, The Hoxton Williamsburg, Arlo Williamsburg.
How to Get There
The US Open is held in Queens, and the easiest way to get there is via public transportation:
- Subway – Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station. Best way to get home from the day or night sessions as traffic to leave the stadium will be crazy.
- Rideshare & Driving – Parking is available but limited, and traffic can be intense on game days. Highly recommend Rideshare if you’re going to drive.
Public transportation is highly recommended due to the high volume of attendees. However, for the day session we took an uber and it was actually pretty reasonable in terms of pricing. The traffic was a little bad as we got closer to the stadium but not horrible. Monitor the prices of the rideshares if you would like to drive 🙂
What to Expect at the Venue
The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center features several courts, including the massive Arthur Ashe Stadium. Be sure to:
- Explore the Fan Village, where you can enjoy interactive games and giveaways.
- Check out practice courts to see top players warming up.
- Try some of the best food options, including the famous US Open Honey Deuce cocktail and the iconic lobster roll. Obviously be prepared to pay some high prices for the food and drinks.
Best Time to Visit
The tournament runs for two weeks, from late August to early September. The early rounds offer a chance to see multiple matches across different courts, while the later rounds feature high-stakes battles between the biggest names in tennis. The night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium are particularly electric and worth experiencing. However, as I mentioned previously, I think if it is your first time attending the US Open the day session might be better.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Dress comfortably – New York’s late summer heat can be intense. It was super humid when we went and a little rainy, be prepared for any weather. Good news if that Arthur Ashe has a retractable roof so whatever the weather you will be kept dry 🙂
- Arrive early – This allows time to explore, find seats, and catch warm-ups. Also recommend purchasing any kind of merch when you get there. We tried to get ours when leaving the stadium and it was absolute madness. Also things sell out quickly so if you want merch, get it right when you walk in!
- Stay hydrated – I think this one is self explanatory but Water stations are available throughout the venue.
Exploring NYC After the Matches
If you’re visiting from out of town, take some time to explore New York City of course! Some nearby options include:
- Flushing’s Chinatown – Amazing dumplings and noodles just minutes away.
- Times Square & Broadway – Hate to be basic but if you’re a first time visitor you have to visit
- Central Park – Perfect for a post-match stroll.
- Really anywhere in NYC – will save my NYC recommendations for another blog post but get lost in the city and find your own hidden gems
Final Thoughts
Attending the US Open in New York City is a bucket-list experience for any tennis fan or any sports fan. From the thrilling matches to the vibrant atmosphere, it’s an event unlike any other. Whether you’re watching a rising star on an outer court or a Grand Slam champion in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the energy of the US Open is something every sports lover should experience at least once.
Are you planning to attend the US Open this year? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
If you like traveling for specific events and holidays, check out my Mexico City De Dia Muertos itinerary <3
