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.
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| 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 and max UV are 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.
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.
Try seats in the main Ashe Stadium (Sections 340 to 324). At the Loge level in Sections 122-136
Green = cool. Red = hot. Yellow = partial sun.
North side gets AM sun; South-East gets some PM sun.
North side gets AM sun; South-East gets some PM sun.
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| 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 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.
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.
- Sign up for free US Open passes and promos
- The 2025 Giveaway is 2x men's semi-final tickets
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!
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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.
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.
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
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 RoofI recommend buying one in Section 1 through Section 8. Below is the map of the Armstrong seating sections.
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| Armstrong Stadium's shade line around 1pm moves toward the Rolex Scoreboard in the afternoon |
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| Armstrong at the very top, under the lip of the 2nd floor roof also has partial cover from sun |
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.
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. 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.
