Showing posts with label US Open. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Open. Show all posts

How to sit front row at the US Open - 10 best free perks

Chase Reserve Seating - learn how I got to sit front-row for free and filmed on Netflix

  • American Express Presale (Projected Dates) - Late May, Monday @ 9AM EST
Read our ticket-buying tips, articles, and credit card discount codes
  • Public Ticket Sales - June 3 @ 9AM EST
  • Buying early is most helpful in securing round 1 tickets.
  • Less stress if you have committed to travel dates and lodging.
  • For week 2 seats, plan for July to see any (BOGO) buy one, get one free promo.


Buying late or last minute? You risk paying a bit more for resell.
The trade-off by August after the draw is out. Everyone already knows who's likely playing when and where. There will be a mad dash for the best matches.

How long should you stay for the Open? 3 days or more if you are sightseeing in NYC.
Cover your tennis bases by attending at least 2 consecutive days (day and/or night sessions). That's the best way to see most players on the field. The dates 8/29-8/31 will be a good bet for Rounds 3 and 4.

US Open Fan Week - Week 1 Scouting Report

Tennis-Bargains has returned from NYC after spending the first 8 days of the US Open scouting. We recruited readers to share their stories. We post our real photos, seat shade maps, and impressions on the grounds for all the best goodies to experience.

Secret shoppers helped us sample all the food and shops this year, along with their honest feedback.


Our VIP Chase Lounge Guests on week 1 in 2023. Welcome to NYC!
We supply free VIP lounge passes to visiting fans and followers each year (perk #2).



During Fan Week, the Chase DNCE Soundcheck offered users an in-person experience at this sold-out concert.

We were among the first to sign up and tell the public about it.

The 2022 DNCE music concert was completely sold out in just hours! We gifted four very lucky fans a seat later. They were big fans of "Cake by the Ocean".

During the US Open, check Facebook and IG for our giveaways and extra ticket releases.

Sold-out 8/26 DNCE and Joe Jonas - Chase Sound Check concert tickets.
Our 4 lucky winners all got to go. Sent via Ticketmaster seat transfer emails!



Disclosure:
We are not sponsored by the US Open, USTA, JP Morgan, Amex, or any of their paid advertisers.
All opinions below are my own as a "Tennis super fan" for over 15 years.

I will not endorse any perks I haven't personally tested, and even then, only if I would use it myself.

To support USA Tennis and Charities:
We dedicate a small percentage of our ticket profits back to growing the game whenever fans buy tickets directly from our links. You help us continue to operate independently and contribute to charity work each year.

US Tennis is funded with each ticket you buy. Along with Humanitarian and Hurricane relief we donate each year. We also collect dollars from the ticket fees to put them back to support worthy causes responsibly.

Charities we have funded with tennis ticket fees: "Tennis Plays for Peace", "The American Red Cross",  "Aceing Autism," and "USTA with Tennis United."


Tennis travel fans can also follow us on Instagram or join our "US Open Fans and Friends" Facebook Group.

US Open Freebies: some luck, some skill - all good!

US Open Fans and Friends - advance info for savvy fans

Arriving at 9:30 each morning, I discovered some lesser-known perks that even US Open ushers and their supervisors needed to learn.

Our email VIP subscribers (anyone who regularly opens and clicks our links) will get priority access to our previews.

Last month, we revealed this fantastic, all-new 2022 feature called "Chase Pass," which offers only 100 daily bracelets for exclusive access and reserved seating.

Sponsor Faceoff: Chase vs. Amex Perks. Chase Wins 3-2

  1. Chase Pass gets you into Grandstand Reserve Seating @ Section 2, Rows M-O (front baseline seats with Chase Logos). Great shade after 4pm! I invited fans and fellow tennis coaches.

    Each day, lucky friends (new and old) joined me in watching players like Felix AA.
    These seats were so good that one guy even suggested I shouldn't tell anyone else!

  2. Chase Lounge - advance RSVP required. It gets you A/C, fruit cups, ice cream, and more. You can bring up to 3 guests. Enjoy! For a standby waitlist, register at the door at 10AM.

    Best Snacks: Free fruit cups, Kind Bars, popcorn, refreshments, ice cream, hat, and A/C!!

  3. Chase Terrance - Great Snacks and Views

    Elevated side-court viewing just behind the Grandstand


    Spreading the joys of tennis; Famous World's Fair globe background.

  4. Chase Pass for Reserve Seating at Grandstand
    I often sat here watching players like Matteo Berrettini and Felix Auger-Aliassime from the baseline. For Day 1, I had just paid over $180 for a similar grandstand seat just a few rows away. I discovered the specially-branded Chase logo seats in Section 2! Four daily single matches were played here during week 1.


    With our seats, you may get a cameo on Netflix while filming Break Point.

    Buying these seats separately will cost you a pretty penny.


    After some investigative research and asking around several US Open ushers and supervisors, I discovered the special Chase Pass (limit 100 per day) grants you a bracelet that allows you to sit in the first 3 rows (M-O) of the baseline at the Grandstand court for free!

    It was actually outlined on the usher's papers, but many were still learning about it. Most fans had no idea why these seats were all branded "Chase" on the front.

See the Full Article >>
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How to watch Serena and Rafa at the US Open 2022

US Open has just announced the first-round lineups for both Serena and Rafa!

Best Prices for each US Open Stadium

Check these 4 links before buying, to get the best prices of the day!
Grounds | Armstrong | Grandstand | Ashe


Labor Day tickets are still on-sale around $200+ for Ashe!

Nadal's next match is Monday, Sept 5 in the Day Session

Carlos Alcaraz plays in the Monday Night Session

Fact: Rafael Nadal has been playing night sessions for his first 3 rounds. Our research suggests he will play an Ashe Day session soon this week. Check back to see our updates!


Fan Tip: Our 3-step Ticketmaster Trick for a great budget seat!

The quickest way to find the best seats on Ticketmaster within budget

  1. Click the Best Seats tab
  2. Adjust your Max Price slider (and move up the Min Price)
  3. Scroll down the list to pick a decent seat at a reasonable price!

General Seat Picking Tips for Tennis

  • Usually, baseline seats or near the players' boxes are very good.
  • If you are going during the day, please refer to our shade map!
  • It doesn't make much of a difference at night beside the bright LED signs.

Serena's last match was Fri Night, Sept 2 @ 7PM

Serena has been chosen to play on the odd days of the tournament (Aug 29, 31, etc). The exact play schedule will be announced 1-2 days before and updated here! She has made it to the 3rd round so far!

Price Spike Alert:

If you want to go during the day (and not watch Serena play but hope to see just her practice), I would recommend buying a Monday Grounds Pass if the lowest Ashe ticket is over $90.

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US Open: Best Deals and Special Events

 

Fan Favorite and Best Value tickets for the US Open

Hottest Tickets for the US Open

Fans are quickly buying up the weekend sessions the fastest.
Discounts are priced with our savings tips from Chase (5% Cash Back) and American Express ($20 off $100). Tennis starts in a few weeks, in late August!

Top Tennis-Bargain deals:

  1. Arthur Ashe Stadium Tickets - Access to All Courts (as low as $60 Day, $35 Eve tickets)

  2. Grounds Passes starting at $70 - First come, first serve access to all Courts *except Ashe*
    Buy these if Ashe is $80+ and you prefer to stay outside the big stadium.

  3. 50% OFF Tickets as low as $33.75 for Round 2 matches on Wed Aug 31 and Thurs Sept 1

  4. Tennis Plays for Peace: Ukraine Relief Exhibition - Aug 24 @ 7PM. $25 Tickets for Charity!
    Watch Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek live on Aug 24 to raise charity money for Ukraine.


1) Weekend Prime-Time Matches

2) Weekday Deals for Great Value

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US Open Amex Offer - Get $20 off $100 back for 2022

US Open Amex $20 OFF $100 Offer is back for 2022!


Get $20 off $100 at the US Open with the Amex offer.
See FAQ and Terms for details.

Add offer to enroll on valid American Express credit cards

Simply add this to your card from your American Express Offers page. Or enroll once at the US Open at any Guest Info Booth or the American Express Exhibit in South Plaza. The offer expires on 9/12/22.



Spend $100+, Get $20 Back Offer
Get a one-time $20 (USD) statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to spend $100 (USD) or more in one or more purchases at participating on-site merchants at the US Open between August 28 and September 11, 2022 (or, if final day of tournament play is extended, September 12, 2022.) 
Enrollment
Enrollment available until September 11, 2022 via AmericanExpress.com or when you visit any American Express location on-site (i.e., an American Express Radio Distribution booth, American Express Card Member Lounge, Centurion® Suite (exclusive to Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members), any Guest Info Booth or the American Express Exhibit in South Plaza) during the 2022 US Open. An Amex® Brand Ambassador will guide you through this process and confirm whether your Card has been successfully enrolled in the offer.

The free complimentary bag check and Lounge access are very nice perks to make your US Open experience much more enjoyable!

American Express Preferred Seating


  • Session 2 - Monday Evening (Aug. 29) - Louis Armstrong Stadium
  • Session 4 - Tuesday Evening (Aug. 30) - Louis Armstrong Stadium
  • Session 17 - Tuesday Day (Sept. 6) - Arthur Ashe Stadium
  • Session 19 - Wednesday Day (Sept. 7) - Arthur Ashe Stadium
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US Open: 3 fastest ways to arrive from NYC Hotels

3 "Express" Hotels to go by foot, subway, or train

I've been going to the US Open regularly and NYC for over 35 years! With input from my family in Queens plus tennis friends in NYC, here's our short list of hotels. You can cruise car-less on your next US Open visit.

US Open travelers will stay near the US Open, Downtown NYC, or a hybrid option.

If you are there in August, you may see us there during Fan Week! Welcome back to NYC 2022.
Tune into the NBC Today Show on Aug 25 as we join TopCourt special guests at 30 Rock.

1) Go by foot: stay nearby LGA or Flushing

Spending most of your time at the Open? You might want to be able to walk there and back. Very useful last year in 2021 when the subways were flooded! Or when there's a Mets game playing.
  • Allows you to get some rest at the hotel during the middle of the day
  • Use the "Show on Map" button at the top right.
  • Plot a path on Google Maps to ensure it's less than a 1-mile walk
  • Ideally, look for one that is near one of the bridges or a metro stop on the 7 train line
  • Nearby hotels ranked by user ratings

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Option: Flushing, NY (Chinatown) is just one "7 train" stop away.
  • Opt to walk there along Roosevelt Ave
  • Saves parking fees and time at the game
  • Use Bonvoy points or your free night voucher!
Get free referral bonus points (up to 3 free nights) with a Bonvoy Sign-up from Amex.

2) Going by Train: Penn Station and the LIRR

Hampton Inn near Empire State Building
If you're planning to do more activities in the city and only plan to go to the US Open once or twice, it might be better to explore hotel options near downtown Manhattan.

Going from Downtown to Flushing Meadows?
Taking the LIRR at Penn Station is about $10 and 20 minutes with very comfortable seats and only 1 stop.

Tip: keep your train ticket out so the conductor can punch the card. A nice souvenir from the journey!

NYC Sights
I would spend at least 2 days visiting this amazing city for the first time in NYC. You'll do a lot of walking - so wear comfortable shoes and buy a metro card!

Broadway Week: 2-for-1 Tickets

Broadway shows are a top NYC attraction.
Staying near Penn Station puts you very close to the action and near subways. Just remember to book those Hamilton tickets way in advance!

Broadway week starts September 6 - 25.
This event happens twice a year and offers 2-for-1 tickets. Book online using promo code "BWAYWK"

Need a tour? Must-see stops include Times Square, the Empire State building, seeing galleries at the MET, and walking above the High Line district.
Pay what you want Walking tours are another very popular option!

Just be aware that many downtown rooms might be much smaller and/or more expensive than normal. After all, you're in the town that never sleeps! But this might be a positive.
To stay somewhere a bit calmer than downtown and a bit nicer than Flushing, there is a little secret area called "Long Island City" (or LIC) - not to be confused with Long Island. It puts you between the two areas of interest while keeping prices manageable.
LIC Hotel - Skyline Deck View

For 2022, we opt to stay nearby LIC on Roosevelt Island, where we'll share some spectacular city views. It sits right across the river from Manhattan yet has a few train stops in the area. It takes just a few stops to reach the city.

Express Train - 7X Purple Train (3 stops to the Open)
If you plan to watch any night matches at the Open, look for the 7X. As in "X for the express train."

US Open Evening Match? Get from LIC within 3-5 stops during the weekday evening rush hour commute between 3pm - 9pm.

Express Trains have a Diamond #7 symbol
Local Trains Stops have a Circle symbol.

Sent exclusively to fans who open our links or read our newsletters regularly.
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US Open Tennis, Ticket Deals for Summer in August

The Start of Summer and the US Open Tennis Series

Our great American summer tradition - between BBQs and fireworks. Professional sports means enjoying a fun day together and cheering on our favorite players. Nothing beats sharing some food with all your friends and a chance to collect an autograph or collectible souvenir.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the pools open, school is out, and your adventure awaits!


Cheaper to Wait? When to buy US Open tickets?

Note the initial offer prices and look for special sale promotions between July and early August. More seats become available during the summer. Deals are usually for mid-week at the promenade seating level near the upper rows of Ashe.

It is our advice to have travel plans set before getting tickets. Having plane and hotel tickets ready helps me narrow down my dates. Next, decide how many day or evening sessions you plan to attend. I prefer two Ashe day sessions for max value so you'll see most of the players.

#1 Most Popular Date - Smart Shopping

Sat, Sept 3rd is the most popular middle Saturday!
Sign up for our emails to get our 15+ years of attending US Open and tennis tournament tips.

You will be notified when special promo offers are announced. The Amex Centurion suite and Chase RSVP lounge also become available for online reservations during the Summer.


"Buy in July vs Rush in August" - Summer Ticket discount trends

In past years, we have purchased 2-for-1 ticket deals and seen prices as low as $30. Sponsors such as Emirates, Amex, JP Morgan, and IBM often have discounted ticket codes. We share the sponsor deals on our email list!

We are neither paid nor sponsored by the US Open, and our opinions are completely our own. These limited-seat deals become available and are very useful if you just want to roam the grounds. More people will start selling tickets by mid-August, making it a buyer's market.



The US Open Series features tennis events held across the USA (July - August)
It signals the beginning of the US Hard Court tennis season. Everything leads up to the big finish in NYC with the US Open in August. Attending any of these events across America will give fans a sneak preview locally for anyone who can't make it to the Big Apple.


I share my personal travel experiences on the ATP and WTA tennis tour at JCtennis. Feel free to check it out if you want inspiration or a sample guide for planning your own post-vaccination tennis vacation.

Full Stadiums, more positive signals from Sports Fans in Europe


Being a photographer on the court and at their press conference, my opinion is from an insider perspective at actual pro tennis events. I watch the conditions and players on the ATP and WTA tours daily. It was an honor to dust the same clay off my shoes as Nadal and Djokovic.

Witnessing the energy and passion of the full Spanish crowd at Madrid’s stadium is the most amazing way to feel connected with a sea of cheering fans full of energy, waving their red and yellow. 

Feel the spirit of Tennis Fandom in person
Like a Champions League soccer match, the entire crowd erupts together in a wave of humanity. Tennis fans enjoyed the clash between Nadal and Alcaraz with stars from Real Madrid soccer players and even the King of Spain himself in attendance.


We heard the packed Parisian crowd again at the French Open in Paris. So far, so good. Regarding public safety and health, we look back a few weeks after these sporting events conclude.

This is the most encouraging sign that major sporting events can return fully this year in a post-vax environment.

See the Full Article >>
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US Open - American Express Card Preferred Seating Sale

US Open Amex Preferred Seating Tickets Available Now

American Express Members - Preferred Seating Codes
Enter the "INCENTUR" at the top. Preferred seats are closer than regular seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium! It can be cheaper than the standard price for the better Lower Promenade Seats. Must use your Amex card to check out*


Did you miss the Amex 2-for-1 Presale Offer?
Don't worry, if you sign up for our email list you can still get other US Open promo codes for August and September! We currently see a 25% OFF discount for select Armstong and Ashe tickets. Quantities are limited. The June 2-for-1 promo codes lasted only a few days.

Grounds Admission Passes - 1-Day Ticket Option


US Open Insider Tip #1 - TicketMaster Market for the US Open
Another major source of public tickets is those sold securely by season ticket holders. If they can't go for any reason, they will usually sell it here.

You can buy their seat directly via the *US Open TicketMaster Listings*.

*Advice: Bookmark this site as new ticket prices and availability are up to date here*



*Seats labeled "Instant Access" are available right now

How to show the American Express Seats:

  1. Pick any available session date - Click Find Tickets >>
  2. Enter "INCENTUR" into the Offer Code Box
  3. Click the "Type" button -> American Express Preferred Seating to highlight those seats.
  4. Use your American Express card at CHECKOUT to secure your seats!

Tip: Select "Verified Resale Tickets" to list all "auction" tickets; hidden to most casual fans

Look at the top, click on Type (with the Ticket Button).
Check the box for "Verified Resale Ticket" to reveal additional seats.

Want US Open Tips Email Alerts?
Get instant access to Discount Promo Codes




For popular dates such as (Fri-Mon) during Labor Day weekend, buy early!

US Open Advice and Deals

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US Open Tennis: Tickets advice for fans

US Open Tennis Tickets vs Package Plans

Buying individual tickets instead of packages can save you lots of money and offer more flexibility!

Only buy a package if you're sure you can attend most sessions.

It is still a buyer's market unless you get a marquee matchup for the later rounds.

The rounds leading up to the Labor Day weekend have been also popular in recent years. Note that this year, the two semi-finals for the men are sold as individual tickets.

In the past, these "Super Saturday" sessions were combined and sold as one ticket. Now they are individually worth slightly less with only one semi-final feature each.


Want all the real tips about finding the best US Open Ticket deals?


Which Day Sessions will get sold out first?

The most popular dates are generally the Saturday session for Labor Day weekend. Closely followed by the Finals Championship weekend tickets.

If you want to lock in these dates, it might be worth ordering now. Otherwise, you likely have time to buy individual tickets in July or even August.

Tip: Always buy from the Official Ticket Seller before trying resellers.

US Open Stadium Tickets

The Ashe tickets are the most flexible. Followed by the Grounds Pass, and then Armstrong and Grandstand. Because you do not know the draws and schedules until August, getting an individual stadium pass other than Ashe is a bit risky.

However, Armstrong and Grandstand will guarantee you a relatively close view of the action in one location (without needing to roam around the grounds).

Are "Multi-Session Ticket Plans" sold as a package a smart idea?

Only if you are planning to attend a series of multiple days and nights: you can purchase a ticket mini-plan today. This is recommended only for those who plan to commit to most day and night sessions during either championship weekend or Labor Day weekend.

I have purchased this plan before. Then had to sell several sessions that I could not attend personally. This option will allow you secure seats early. However, you become responsible for handling seats you do not want. This package also works well if you need a larger batch of seats all in a row.

Generally, after the sale of extra seats, you come out even or possibly slightly ahead. However, it is very dependent on many factors such as demand for particular sessions. Remember the inventory risk for you, the package ticket holders.

How much do US Open Ticket Plans Cost?
Depends on the session. For the opening week, it can be $290 per seat. For the entire tournament at every round, it is above $2000 per seat.

Strategy for June - "Hold". For July/Aug - "Buy"

Wait until the general sale dates to compare the retail prices to resell tickets. See how much demand is there for the popular sessions first. Wait for the 2-for-1 discount codes (via our email) to appear in late July, or early August before committing to weekday seats.

If your favorite player does not make it to 2nd week, yet is a popular fan favorite, you may still get good money for your seat. In September, a case can be made to Sell. Factor in weather conditions and if a player has the potential to break a grand slam record if they win the US Open (Nadal, Serena).


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US Open Grandstand: Opening Day Preview and Swag


US Open - Full Fan Preview & Grandstand Map

After 3 days at the US Open this weekend, I wanted to share my tips and findings with all the US Open tennis fans from around the world. Should give you an idea of what to expect*

Millions of fans will be attending this year in NYC or following it online and on TV.
Our goal is to make your experience fun, safe, and most importantly a good value.

Personal Weekend Experience and Opinions:
Two days of Qualifiers plus Arthur Ashe Kids Day. I witnessed a lot of new things while they were on my preview tour of the grounds at Flushing Meadows.

The Good - Great New Venue and Sponsor Freebies

*NEW*: Our Insider's Instagram - US Open Grandstand Map is now on Instagram
- FOLLOW US for Secret TIPS and info about this new stadium!
US Open Grandstand Map
Grandstand Court - US Open Map Guide

Grandstand Lounge - hidden secret on the far side
Access up the stairs. Turn LEFT after you pass the SMART car booth
New 2016 US Open Grandstand Court - most-shaded seats looking towards Ashe


Bonus: New Grandstand Stadium

Absolutely gorgeous architecture and a facility designed by Rossetti Architecture.

The flow of the tennis campus now draws crowds in more of a circular path, but bottlenecks still occur at the food court pavilion and effectively isolate Court 17 as it is in the opposite corner from everything else.

A few tricks to save yourself time and sweat: Walk *behind* the new Grandstand stadium area. Stick to the paths at the South edge and West Edge. There is a "secret" back entrance along the South side of the Grandstand...with lounge seating and a private bathroom if you go all the way up to the top of the Grandstand. This is where most of the ESPN crew go to use it. It's like a private little hotel up there.

Also, another optimal and shaded path you can take is between the P1-P5 courts and cut through to see the new Grandstand.

How to defeat the bad - high pricesSummary
1) Good = New Grandstand Stadium and Ashe Roof. Great Weather. Lots of Tennis.
2) Bad = HIGH Food Prices. Still not Tech Savvy. Lack of Easy Info.
3) Ugly = US Open Staff Service (not everyone) - a few rotten apples in the big apple...more later


Best Perks of US Open Freebies

Free US Open Game Ball. My favorite tennis souvenir.
Tip: Go early morning to find them next to the practice courts!
All USTA members can pick up this cooling towel FREE!
Get your free US Open art poster
Just show them your pre-sale ticket.

Free Fan! Visit Orlando = Fan Friendly
Go inside the American Express Private Lounge
Amex Card gets you upstairs for Beverages and Snacks :)






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