Going to US Open tennis in NYC this summer? If that’s an enthusiastic “Yes!”, get ready for an incredible time as the legends and new blood battle it out on the tennis courts.

Of course, before the fun starts you need to ace the itinerary. I know how over-whelming planning this trip to New York for the US Open Tennis can be so I have put together a small guide with a few pointers that should help.

About 2024 US Open Tennis – when and where it takes place

The 2024 US Open Tennis Championship will take place from Monday, August 26th to Sunday, September 8th in New York City (NYC).

In the borough of Queens, specifically. 

I point this out as it is fairly common for anyone unfamiliar with New York to assume that NYC refers to Manhattan, its most famous borough. NYC actually consists of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.

And even though its largest borough doesn’t get a shoutout from Alicia Keys and Jay-Z on that classic Empire State of Mind track (la la la LA la!), Queens is definitely a big part of the  “concrete jungle where dreams are made of…”

As summer draws to a close, Flushing is the place to be in NYC as big tennis dreams come true for both players and fans at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Introduction to USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The complex is huge. It has 22 courts, including Louis Armstrong and Arthur Ashe stadium, the biggest tennis stadium in the world.

Most of us know these grounds for being the home of the US Open Tennis Championships. But did you know that outside of the big tournament, the courts are open to members of the public?

Its namesake, Billie Jean King, is an icon of international tennis. I wasn’t even born yet in the height of her tennis career so while I can’t boast of watching her swing live, I’m a huge fan still. We can all celebrate the massive impact that her fight for gender equality has made to the game.

Achievements on and off the court is the real ace!

Getting tickets to the 2024 US Open Tennis

Wondering when you can buy tickets for the US Open Tennis this year? Tickets are going on sale from Monday, June 3rd at 9am Eastern time on the US Open website. The American Express Early Access ticket pre-sale starts from Tuesday, May 28th until Saturday, June 1st.

I strongly recommend buying tickets online in advance on the US Open website or app.

Tips for your first time going to US Open Tennis: Before it starts…

If you’re here I’m guessing that this will be your first time going to the US Open in New York. Or back after a long break. Either way, get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind of tennis excitement.

To prepare you for what’s to come, I’m sharing a few handy tips learnt through my own trial and error. Hope they can help!

Tip #1: Sign-up for US Open Fan Week tickets

If you will be in NYC in the days prior to the official start of the 2023 championship get a free pass to attend US Open Fan Week. Check out the official US Open website or app for the pass and get familiar with the daily schedule of activities.

Many of us wait until Day 1 of the Grand Slam to go into ‘Open mode’ but in reality the thrill of participating in US Open activities starts well before.

Tip #2: Stay in Manhattan and take public transit to Queens

“Should I stay in Manhattan for the US Open?” vs “Should I stay in Queens for the US Open?”

If it’s your first time in NYC for US Open tennis, chances are you are trying to decide whether it is best to stay in Manhattan and commute to the BJK National Tennis Center. Or, to stay near to the stadium in Queens and travel into Manhattan on your sightseeing days.

I recommend Option 1: stay in Manhattan. Hands down.

Manhattan is overall the better option if you want to live out the complete ‘Summer in NYC!’ holiday dream, with tennis headlining. Think about it: access to endless food and entertainment options coupled with an easy and fast mass transit connection to the tennis in Flushing, Queens.

Midtown Manhattan is the best area to focus on for your accommodation search.

Budget-wise, while ordinarily it would be cheaper to stay in Queens, during the tournament period it is not.

Tips for your first time going to US Open Tennis: On match day…

Once the US Open officially starts you want to make sure you have all the angles covered so that you’re making the most of match days. Enjoy the days out just like a New Yorker would. Grand statement, I know, but with the right planning you’ve got this.

Tip #3: Take mass transit. Do not drive.

New York’s public commuting options to the US Open are fast and affordable. Subway or train are undeniably your best options for getting to and from the stadium.

Driving will be a hassle and you should avoid it unless really necessary. That includes car services. Entering or leaving the vicinity of the stadium will take forever due to all of the vehicle and people congestion in the area. Plus, the surcharge on that Uber / Lyft ride will be insane.

You have a couple of options compliments of the NYC MTA service. First, there’s the subway.

Take the #7 subway in the direction of Flushing, Queens to the Mets-Willets Point stop. Popular subway stations to pick up the #7 in Manhattan are Grand Central Station or the 34th Street-Hudson Yards subway station on10th Avenue.

The fastest mass transit option is to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the Mets-Willets Point station. It will be the Port Washington line.

Go to the Moynihan Train Hall which is below the rather distinguished-looking James Farleigh post office, directly opposite of Madison Square Garden. The main entrance is on 8th Avenue between West 31st and 33rd Streets. Before you hop on the LIRR train, have a stroll around. Moynihan is spanking new with lots of cool retail spots.

The subway ride in particular will be packed with other fans headed to Queens for the US Open. It’s the first moment of many moments that day that you will share in the special surge of group excitement that must be airbourne. Ahhhhh, I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

Travel Tip: Download the MTA TrainTime app. Check schedules for the LIRR Port Washington departures. Purchase your LIRR ticket on the app or at station. You can buy it on the train with the conductor too but it’ll be pricier. Buy the return ticket in order to avoid long queues at the station on the way back to Manhattan. If using the subway, you can tap in with contactless for entry so no worries there.

(I bet the local residents must use an alternative station over the tournament period as our crowding at the turnstiles, on the platform, and unavoidably, in the train must be seriously annoying)

Tip #4: Enjoy the sculpture art at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Have a stroll around and take a moment to enjoy the amazing works of art proudly displayed across the grounds such as the Freedom of the Human Spirit Statue, the Arthur Ashe statue and the Althea Gibson statue.

Don’t fall into the trap of making a beeline for the courts upon arrival. Remember: the US Open is an experience so be sure to make the most of your visit both during and beyond the tennis matches!

Tip #5: Watch an evening match in Arthur Ashe stadium

Experiencing an evening game in Arthur Ashe stadium is a must-do if you will be attending the US Open. The mood is electric. Nowhere in the world will you hear a tennis crowd roar like this. Even your conservative grandma would get caught up in the frenzy of these tennis cheers (and occasionally boos…)

This is Big Tennis Energy and as far as anyone can tell, players included, the vibe is unmatched.

A small handful will not approve of the etiquette and for these fans I’d suggest going to the Wimbledon championships in July instead.

Also read: How to join the Wimbledon Queue

Tip #6: Go to Backyard at Hudson Yards to see 2024 US Open Tennis

On the days when you do not have tickets to see the tennis live you can always head to The Backyard at Hudson Yards to enjoy US Open tennis in the urban outdoor space at 31st Street and 10th Avenue. (No need to restrict your first US Open to the stadium exclusively. Across NYC, many alternative viewing experiences will be curated for fans)

A massive 30-foot screen will be set up in front of The Vessel attraction. On the day of screenings, deck chairs are laid out in front, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check out the Hudson Yards big screen schedule here.

Oh, and did I mention that this outdoor viewing experience is totally free? Fist pump.

In 2022, I couldn’t get tickets to see Serena Williams in person for the final match of her career at the US Open. Alas, there was no time for a pity party. Instead, me and a couple hundred others sat / stood glued to the big screen in Hudson Yards, all visibly watching with nervous anticipation and excitement. Believe it or not, the crowd energy practically matched that of the stadium experience. It was incredible!

Tips for your first time going to US Open Tennis: Nearby attractions in Queens to visit

Besides spending time at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, I’d recommend taking advantage of the location and seeing what else lies within / nearby to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Tip #7: See the Unisphere

The Unisphere is a large steel globe which was constructed for the 1964 World’s Fair. It became a major icon of the historic event and to this day its image remains a popular choice in media highlights of the borough of Queens.

From one angle, you can spot the Billie Jean King Tennis Center and from another you will directly face another great but lesser known attraction in the area: the Queens Museum. 

Tip#8: Visit the Queens Museum

Steps away from the Unisphere and the Billie Jean King Tennis Center is The Queen’s Museum. It is a little known, under-rated attraction that’s well worth a visit (but not on Mondays and Tuesdays – it’s closed!)

The Panorama of the City of New York is the big draw here. It is a giant scale model of NYC that leaves everyone in awe at its size. The display captures details of NYC exquisitely and it dazzles under alternate day and night lighting. If you’ve ever landed at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) you’ll especially appreciate the replica of planes arriving / departing from the renowned runway.

Connect with your inner child and play a game of identifying as many landmarks as you possibly can. It’s unimaginably fun. Tickets are free.

Tip #9: Catch a New York Mets game at Citi Field 

If your interest in sport extends beyond tennis, why not go see a baseball game at nearby Citi Field, home of the New York Mets? If you have down time around the first week of the 2023 US Open, the Mets will be playing at home a handful of times between August 26 and September 3. While there’s no telling how the Mets will perform on any given day, it’s sure to be a relaxing evening out against the backdrop of Citi Field which is a beautiful sportsground also in the Flushing neighbourhood. 

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That’s a wrap for a few tips that come to mind for anyone going to US Open tennis for the first time. Let’s set all of the planning aside momentarily so we don’t forget to do the most important thing here…

GET EXCITED. Wrapping up summer watching tennis in NYC is going to be such a blast!