US Open Shade Map for Ashe Stadium and Armstrong


How to Find Shaded Seats at the US Open

Our US Open Shade Map helps anyone find cooler places to watch US Open tennis matches.

Whether at one of the 3 major stadiums, roaming the grounds outside, or at one of the indoor shelters with large screen TVs - fans can find the best spots to enjoy the tennis while keeping cool.

Below, the graphic illustrates how the sun will shift the shade line inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

US Open Shade Map of Arthur Ashe Stadium and Roof

Where to sit so that you're not directly facing the sun

An easy rule of thumb to find shade (or at least a slightly cooler area) is to find the side with the umpire chair. I have sat in many tennis photographers' pits over the years. It can get very hot and humid!

Peak heat is around 1-4pm
We suggest finding some shade (the cooler parts of Armstrong or Ashe) and adding some sunscreen.

The Umpire Chair side is cooler!
The side with the umpire chair is on the West Side for all US Open tennis courts or stadiums. The rule works as long as you don't sit directly behind the chair, which could partially block your view.

As you can see in the illustration, the shade line will slide slowly toward the East over time.

Green = cool. Red = hot. Yellow = partial sun.
North side gets AM sun; South-East gets some PM sun.

US Open Ashe - Section map of sunny and shaded areas

US Open Fan's tip for shade at Ashe Stadium


Try seats in the main Ashe Stadium (Sections 340 to 324). At the Loge level in Sections 122-136


These will generally be the most shaded areas. They offer cover even while the roof is open.
Moving higher up towards the top under the roof's edges also offers relief away from the sun.

Lounges with Air Conditioning

Get an air-conditioned game break and enjoy some free snacks!

Explore the Chase and Amex Lounges for shelter from the heat
We suggest going into one of the US Open Lounges if you need a refreshment.

Note: the Chase Lounge will require an advance RSVP.
The Amex lounge (highlighted in blue) near the Chase Center is open to all Amex cardholders. It has a lot of fun kid activities inside with some A/C.
Chase and Amex offer free indoor spaces for cardholders - check out our fan tips and review



US Open "Heat Shelter Map". Expect heat indexes into the 90s with Humid Conditions!

Practice Courts and Food Village

Highlighted in green are the best shade areas to rest in if you are outside the stadiums. The Practice Courts 1-5 have an area underneath that lets you watch the players' practice - they usually practice several hours before their scheduled match there.

Our "heat map" shows you the coolest places to go at the US Open and where to find relief from the sun, which is highlighted in yellow. Free swag in Purple to help you stay cool. Click the image above for a larger version.

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Sun Safety - Beating the Heat Wave
In recent summers, NYC has had heat indexes over 90 or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix that with bad ozone conditions (code orange or red), and being outdoors for long is a bad idea. I often hear the reason most fans avoid attending the US Open is that the heat for an entire day can be very exhausting. It can even be a danger to your health if you have any elderly fans with heart or lung problems.

I highly recommend that fans drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and stay out of the direct sun. The time between 1-4pm is the hottest period, so consider resting somewhere cooler at that time.



Take a rest under the trees or on the grass near the center
Behind the fountains, try to grab a seat on the grass or under the umbrellas in the Food Village.

If you want to watch some tennis, I recommend getting a bit higher up where there is a breeze or getting under some shade provided under the Practice court viewing area.

Smart Tips to beat the heat
  • Wear SPF 15 or higher, and reapply every few hours
  • Having a hat and sunglasses is also helpful
  • Buy one at the US Open, and you can take home a souvenir too!

Armstrong Stadium Shade Map

How to Find Shade under the Armstrong Stadium's Roof
I recommend buying one in Section 1 through Section 8Below is the map of the Armstrong seating sections.

Armstrong Stadium's shade line around 1pm moves toward the Rolex Scoreboard in the afternoon

Notice the extra shade provided at the very top, just under Armstrong's roof. The stairs at the corners extend all the way up. If you stand on the very top floor near the slated sides of the building, you will sometimes feel a nice breeze vent through the building's exterior.

East Side of Armstrong near the very top and at the lip of the 2nd floor has some cover

On the East side (opposite the umpire chair), there is some refuge from the sun if you climb up closer to the top. On the 2nd floor, around the entire perimeter is the "lip" of the upper deck. You should be fine if you stay next to the railings and do not enter the lower bowl's reserved seating area.

Like Arthur Ashe Stadium, look for the shade on the South and West sections. This includes sections 1-7 and 17-18.

Grandstand Stadium Shade Map

Sections 1, 2, and 3 are partially shaded near the baseline

There is less direct shade in this circular ring than in other stadiums. However, the umpire's chair side near the top of the ring has some cover and offers an easy way to walk around.

Sections 1-3 offer great baseline views and are often the most sought-after for open seating.
The lower bowl area requires a reserved ticket or if you have the Chase Pass bracelet. Consider buying one if a good match is scheduled during the day, especially if the good Ashe tickets are gone.

If you want a rest, look for an outdoor seating area entrance with umbrellas along the side facing the Big Globe (in purple on the map). If you want a quick bite, look for the food court area along the bottom level near the east side under the stadium. Options are more limited here, but fans can walk over to the P1-P5 practice courts to check out top players practicing, too.


Grounds Passes FAQ: the late summer sale

Purpose of the Grounds Pass

Historically, the Grounds Pass was a way to allow fans to fill spare capacity at the US Open. It was designed for the first 10 days only. If buying tickets in August and Ashe seats were out of reach (too pricy), the grounds pass offered fans a way to get in at slightly less than the full price.

US Open Grounds Pass
Don't pay more than ~$200 for week 1

General Seating = Great Value

The main tradeoff was that you would not have a "reserved seat". So this excluded you from Ashe Stadium and the reserved lower bowls of the Armstrong and Grandstand Stadiums.

There are plenty of "non-reserved" seats higher up and open. Generally ideal for those who weren't picky, these were a great value to roam the 20+ courts throughout the day.

Demand and Price Inflation

About 10 years ago, prices were only about $60-70 for the grounds.

For 2024-2025, the median price for the Grounds Pass is around $150-$180. Yet, the US Open still managed to set attendance records each of the last 3 years in a row.

Sign up for our alerts to US Open passes and discount promos @ https://jc10s.com/fans

The sessions for August 27 and August 28 will both offer discount codes for tickets*
Stay tuned for the promo code and release activation details!

Compare Seat Prices (# of available dates)


My first US Open ticket ever was a grounds pass

I attended my first US Open ever with a grounds pass. I sat next to a friend with a 3rd row seat on the old Grandstand baseline watching a 3rd round match. I paid less than $80 and returned for many years. 

Whenever a tennis fan comes back each year, I know they have great stories and memories to share. If they only remember the high prices or overcrowded lines, then the reputation of tennis as a sport is damaged. To grow the game, the avid fans are customers for life.

Re-sell Mania Market

A year ago, they began only showing the lowest-priced resale grounds passes. So, I would ignore the $250+ prices, because they simply are prematurely priced.

They are unreasonably high and scare away new tennis fans. The patient shopper will find more inventory in late July and August. When more tickets are introduced, the prices will come down.

Our advice for folks who just want to get in is to buy the cheapest ticket available!
This might be Ashe, Armstrong, Grandstand, or Grounds.

US Open Standard Tickets (non-resell) will be available this Summer

We predicted 2 rounds of new ticket releases last year for 2024. We expect those ticket batches will arrive with many more Grounds Passes by August for 2025.

Sign up for our alerts to US Open passes and discount promos - https://jc10s.com/fans

Many fans and NYC locals can't take a whole day off work. Or can't spend $200+ for Ashe tickets.


*New for 2024*: The Evening Grounds Pass

In 2024, the US Open introduced evening ground passes. They allowed fans to enter after 6pm for as low as $28 during week 2. They were first released on Aug 23, 2024.


Seat Geek Discount Code "TENNISBARGAINS"


Citi Open Tennis Tickets @ Washington DC

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  • Sign up with a new account with promo code "TENNISBARGAINS."
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