US Open Tennis Labor Day NYC

[robr]

We're going for 4-5 days & will stay in Manhattan.
I've never been to this tournament. Is it best to buy advance tickets and just see whomever is playing that particular day, or are tickets available locally? Other suggestions also welcome.

 

[TXSNOS]

I have been twice, but the last time was in '89, I think. Both times we had tickets for certain days before we left, but on the second trip we also bought tickets for additional sessions from scalpers. I'm not sure whether scalping is legal in NY, so be careful. Our scalped tickets were bought by a NY friend who was pretty sly about it.

The new main stadium had not been built yet when I went so not sure how it works now, but our tickets allowed us to watch any match that was being played during that particular session. We had specified reserved seats in the main stadium, but all the other matches on the outer courts were first come, first served. I think it may be different now, though, regarding the main stadium. You may need a separate ticket for admission to the main stadium.

Both times we went during the first week of the tournament and loved it. Lots of matches going on and you can see most of them really close up. It's also very easy to move from one match to another. If you can get tickets for a night session, I highly recommend it -- slightly different crowd and feel from the day sessions. God, I love the Open. I must get back soon.

 

[next2naus]

buy in advance, good seats down low are not cheap, all seats have a good view. check out the side courts for fun up close matches. dress light as it will still be hot and there isn't exactly a ton of shade.

yes there is beer and booze being sold. take the "John Rocker" express to the game

 

[MikeUT00]

You'll have a blast. Been a couple of times, most notably in 2001 when the finals were 3 and 2 days before the Tuesday 9/11. (Yes, I was there when the WTC got hit. Scary-*** time I'll never forget.). It was a great tournament that year.

Definitely get tickets early. Night session is worlds different from day session, as someone mentioned above. Go to at least one night session if you can. The stars are going to play on the show courts. If you are there mid fortnight, then you'll probably be there for 3rd - 4th round matches, which can be good ones. Don't forget to go to the practice courts and get autographs if that is your thing.

Ashe Stadium (the big one) is really nice. True, court level seats are a little expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion. If budget is no problem, grab them. If you go to a match where it is not terribly packed, they let people come down to the bottom mid session. Second tier seats are a good value, and if you work your way down, you can come out way ahead. The top level of Ashe is freakin' high. Remember, this isn't a football field. I wouldn't recommend sitting that high. I had to once, and it wasn't enjoyable. The only thing nice about it is if you sit on the South side of the stadium (from the television camera angle, if you are looking at the TV, South side would be the left side of the court), if you look over the top of the stadium from the top row, you get a kickass view of Manhattan. Really nice at sunset.

Armstrong Count is nice too. Any seat is good because it isn't nearly as high as Ashe. The outer courts okay, but you won't see many stars out there if that is your thing. If not, they have some of the best matches, competition wise.

One of the best things about the Open, or any event like it, is the people. There are so many different people from all over the world that come. Really cool to hang out and meet some of these folks. Through meeting people in the stadium, we were able to go to Lleyton Hewitt's victory party when he won in 2001. Those Aussie's were crazy as hell. Good people.

If staying in the city, the "Rocker Express", which is the #7, is the right line. Take it to the very last stop, which is Shea Stadium. The Tennis Center is right next to Shea. The subway stop is inbetween the two venues.

Scalpers are around, but you kinda have to look for them. They'll hang out at the subway stop, closer to the Shea side. Also at the exit of the Center near the South side of Ashe, which is where the players exit. It's one of the main car service pick-up and drop-off places. Once you get to the main gate though, you don't see many. Not sure of the NY laws. Perhaps that is why they are not hovering everywhere?

Man, all of this talk makes me want to go back this year! Still sad that Agassi won't be there. Best tennis match I ever saw was the quarterfinal between Andre and Pete where they played four flawless sets of tennis. No breaks of serve. All sets went to a tiebreak. Talk about an electric night session! It was the highest level of tennis ... a privilege to watch.

 

[DAGMAR]

I was there for Blake Agassi in 2005. Probably one of the top 5 sporting events I have ever been to

 

[Jive_Turkey]

In reply to:

---

---