Here are my Top 3 US Open tennis fan options.This is how to enjoy the best of American Tennis when you only have a limited family vacation budget. Tickets will be on sale soon in June!
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The Art of Tennis Travel
After traveling a few weeks in Europe for the clay-court season, I really learned to appreciate tennis in a few different languages, cities, and cultures. You realize that the love of the sport still binds us all universally.
After traveling a few weeks in Europe for the clay-court season, I really learned to appreciate tennis in a few different languages, cities, and cultures. You realize that the love of the sport still binds us all universally.
When traveling to a tennis event, your main expense will be:
- Tennis Tickets (pick day or night sessions; plus grounds pass days)
- Lodging (hotels or AirBnB's) - try to book at least 1-2 months ahead!
- Transportation - get flights to NYC first; take the 7 train / LIRR or Uber (avoid parking)
If you are seriously considering going to the US Open this summer, I highly encourage you to sign up for my free US Open email list today. It has all the US Open tips, deals and even some 2-for-1 ticket promo codes you should have before frivolously spending your money at tourist traps*.
You will receive a series of step-by-step emails every few days and also be alerted when a great last-minute deal pops up.
My Expert Insider Advice - why follow me?
I have been going to the US Open for over a dozen summers now, seen all 4 grand slams, teach tennis professionally with the USPTA and work as a freelance tennis media photographer/reporter at pro tennis events around the world so I can share my years of experience on the tennis tour.
Why are you giving away all this info for free?
Companies like Ticketmaster provide me special affiliate links and limited-time offers that I share here. For each link that you click, I am compensated with a small commission percentage to help pay for my referrals.
When you purchase tickets from my links, it helps me pay for my tennis travel blog, and so I can keep writing free articles and advice to fans like you because you were referred by Tennis Bargains. Plus, we give away free tennis tickets and donate yearly to USA charities.
Why are you giving away all this info for free?
Companies like Ticketmaster provide me special affiliate links and limited-time offers that I share here. For each link that you click, I am compensated with a small commission percentage to help pay for my referrals.
When you purchase tickets from my links, it helps me pay for my tennis travel blog, and so I can keep writing free articles and advice to fans like you because you were referred by Tennis Bargains. Plus, we give away free tennis tickets and donate yearly to USA charities.
Your final price will be the same whether you buy it from my website or elsewhere, but I sincerely appreciate the VIP US Open fans who return every year.
Spreading the Tennis Love
If I could help even one fan this year find a good deal or recommendation, I would be very happy. We always really appreciate your review and feedback via Facebook messages and email replies. I make sure to read each and every single one from my followers. Thank you!
US Open Tennis Dates:
It spans one week *before* Labor Day until one week *after* Labor Day.
Technically, it is almost 3 weeks if you count the free qualifier matches that play the last week of August.
Priority #1: Narrow your Travel Dates
Flights are generally cheaper mid-week (Tues-Thurs). LGA is the closest airport, with a 15 min taxi ride away. You can also take Amtrak to Penn Station and the LIRR to Queens-Metts station. Driving, you will have to pay about $20 for parking each day.
Put it on your Calendar
I have found that the best way to start budgeting for a tennis vacation is to pull out a calendar and then figure out which days you can go. From there, you will likely need to ask for time off from your job or make sure your kids are off school. Plus it is best to share your idea with a friend or two early to make it a true tennis road trip and split some expenses!
#1 Most Action-Packed Tennis Option = Labor Day Weekend (AM + PM)
Getting time off work and school for this end-of-summer long weekend (Aug 30-Sept 2) is easy. The crowds of fans make it a very festive and popular experience. Compare StubHub Fan Tickets and Ticketmaster Resell prices to get the best final price.
The tournament always has great matches during the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions (day and night). Usually, there are no upsets yet in the draw, so the Big 3 area usually plays back-to-back these days.
If you can splurge a little, I would recommend getting Loge or Courtside seats for one session featuring your favorite player. Just be prepared to spend at least $300-$600+ per ticket, but it will be a very memorable experience.
I think this is well worth it for international travelers because they are already traveling so far. To watch Federer play at night from 10-20 meters away at a Grand Slam is magical. You will be surrounded by Hollywood celebrities and enjoy a very entertaining evening.
#2 Best Value Full-Day: Weekday first week Arthur Ashe Day Sessions
Go during the 1st week and buy either the cheapest Ashe Ticket or any Grounds Pass for $30-50 less than the Day session only. This will give you 6-8 hours of tennis if you are willing to roam. You can stay at the outside courts even after the night sessions start and see some fireworks.
My friend Chris would do this each year and crash at a friend's place in NYC each night. During the day, he would bring a small fanny pack, sunscreen, and an empty bottle to fill up his water. You will be doing a LOT of Walking around to see all the 20+ courts inside and almost a dozen more practice court just outside the East Gate.
If you want a slightly cooler experience, you can instead purchase the Evening tickets (starting after 6pm) or Armstrong or Ashe reserved tickets to sit on the shaded side during the Day.
You can thank me later :) Check out our Lounge Access article for Chase and Amex Centurion members to stay cool in the AC during the mid-afternoon heat. They offer great complimentary food, snacks, and freebie swag for fans.
#3 Almost Free Tennis Option = go during Qualifiers Week (Fan Week)
If you can only get time off in Late August or have a shoestring student budget, the best time to go is during qualifiers week. I would recommend going around August 20-24.
You will not see any big-name player matches. So do not do this if you really must see Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, but you do get a great sample taste of the grand slam atmosphere. Also if you are lucky, you may see the Big 3 practicing on the smaller courts.
The main attraction for this week is the qualifying players playing their hearts out to make the 1st round. If they win all 3 qualifier matches, they are guaranteed $50k+! You will see the top young juniors and journeyman players in the top 150 of the world competing for a spot.
If you can stay a few days longer, consider watching a few actual round-1 matches by trying to get a Grounds Pass for Day 1. It is best to get one online, but if you are willing to wait at the box office, they do sell them there as well if you are not sure.
Optional expenses to factor for fun in NYC this summer:
We give tips and suggestions in our email list:
- Food (you gotta eat but try to eat well) - great NYC cuisine you have to try and budget options
- Entertainment - after the matches or on the off-days (Broadway, museums, tours)
- Souvenirs - share the memories, share the experience, how to bring home the US Open