US Open Shade Map for Ashe Stadium and Armstrong


How to Find Shaded Seats at the US Open

I have created a US Open Shade Map to help anyone find cooler places to watch US Open tennis matches. The overlay illustrates how the sun will shift the shade line inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

US Open Shade Map
(Ashe Stadium with 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 finding the side with the umpire chair. I have sat in many tennis photographers' pits over the years. It can get toasty hot!

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 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 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.

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

Chase and Amex offer indoor areas for cardholders - check out our fan tips and review



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

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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Chase and Amex Lounges for shelter from the heat
If you find yourself there around 1-4pm, I suggest going inside (the shaded parts of Armstrong or Ashe). We suggest going into one of the US Open Lounges if you need a refreshment.

Note: the Chase Lounge will require an RSVP. The Blue Amex lounge near the Chase center is open to all Amex cardholders and has a lot of kids in it with some A/C. Need a ticket?


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.

Take a rest under the trees or on the grass near the center
Just behind the fountains, you can 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!

Beating the Heat Wave - Sun Safety
In recent summers, NYC 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 this 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.

Armstrong Stadium Shade Map

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

Armstrong Stadium 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 some 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.


US Open's 3 keys to early seats and fun event experiences

Getting the Best US Open Experience

I have personally attended over a decade's worth of Grand Slam tennis. Been to NYC dozens of times in my life with family living there. I will help you explore NYC hot spots and tennis scenes like a local.

This is how we celebrate tennis in the Big Apple every Summer. From Central Park to the Upper West Side, Roosevelt Island to the Statue of Liberty - this is America. 

Whether for a solo trip or with friends/family, spend a vacation in one of the best cities in the USA. In 2026, we have our 250th birthday in DC. In 2028, we will host LA's Olympics, too.

Traveling with the pros on tour, I have a unique insider's view. I can directly compare ours to all the other Tennis Majors: Wimbledon, French Open, and Aussie Open...even the 2024 Paris Olympics.

I have been a tennis fan, coach, photographer, journalist, and player of this beautiful sport.


PRO TIP: I find great seats for even sold-out session tickets here. We always buy extra for annual giveaways, too!

Get notified with our instant email price alerts whenever the latest ticket deals pop up.

Tennis Timeline:

From past experience, I trust only 
verified "Instant Access" tickets from the Official Tickets for the US Open. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is! Generally, the better seats go fast, so the sooner you research the better. Be patient and check back for new batches to snag them fast!

The main goal is to share my best tips, pictures, and experiences with other US Open fans. We also guide a free Facebook group called US Open Fans and Friends. Great for planning tips plus NYC meetups with other sports fans in town.

As a USTA Organizational Member, we are committed to helping make your US Open Experience fun and affordable for ALL our fellow Americans. Please give a like, if you found this article helpful.

My dream is that you, too, can tell all your tennis buddies that your whole family gets to watch the US Championship in person and save money with our US Open ticket promo codes!




US Open Tips & Discount Alerts



US Open - Free Ticket Tips and Promo Codes

Get regular updates when new ticket deals pop up so you can watch tennis for less than the box office price. Plus, you can enter our annual prize giveaways for free to attend the US Open.


Tip #1: Get there early and run into Armstrong or the Grandstand stadiums *first*
To get close, sit in the front rows across from the umpire's side or along the center baseline.

If you're up for walking around to see more matches, get cheaper Grounds Pass Tickets for these outside courts and smaller stadium access during the 1st week of the tournament.


Being able to watch your favorite US Open Champion for an hour? That's every tennis fan's dream! Sometimes, you can even bump into the tennis players' box in the catty corners across from the umpire chair. More tips are below...

Subscribe HERE to learn how to get even closer to the action!
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Knowing who will be playing - when and where is half the battle. So you can witness tennis glory live!

Tip #2:
The night before you go to the US Open, always check the Schedule / "Order of Play" page to plan out the next morning. Figure out which players and courts, in the order you want to hop to next.

Download the US Open app for updated scores to see when matches are about to start or end. Plus, try time it so you can get to the stadium entrance line before the odd-numbered games (so that they let you into the stadiums). Otherwise, you need to wait for another changeover.

Tip #3:
Find tickets to several popular dates, even if "sold out" on the US Open webpage...you can still find season ticket holders willing to sell verified seats. Don't get scammed by scalpers (*bookmark for the best prices* which are updated daily)

More tips coming to my US Open Fans email subscribers! Re-subscribe if it's been a while.


Fan Review: Rafael Nadal Academy and Summer Camps

Road to Rafa Tour Guide and Summer Camps


Rafa Nadal Statue at Stadium Court

Travel with me on the "Camino of Clay" across Europe and visit Rafa's homeland.
A travel guide for Rafa fans with my own road map. To help every tennis pilgrim find their path.
Barcelona and Mallorca are perfect for young adults and families!

Can't make it to Europe? No worries.
Rafa's coaches stop by the USA this Summer!

Junior and Adult Summer Tennis Camps in the USA


Very Limited Spaces Remaining for 2025.
Sign up for Junior Summer Camps today!
Use discount code "JCTENNIS"

*Juniors will have chances to win signed Rafa gear, plus a 1-week sponsored camp in Mallorca*

For fan vacations, I recommend a quick hop over to Palma (the capital) and his hometown of Manacor.




Before returning, fans should pick up Rafa swag (hats, shirts, merch) for friends and family.

ATP 250 Grass Tournament - Wimbledon Warm-up Event

Fans can also watch Tennis on Grass: ATP 250 Mallorca Championships near the end of June!


Marc Lopez joined the team in 2022. He is the most friendly coach and Rafa's doubles partner.
At Madrid, he and Feliciano Lopez were honored at their retirement ceremonies.

Spanish Legend David Ferrer had his farewell in Barcelona and is now tournament director!

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