The US Open is the final Grand Slam of the year, a two-week tournament that starts on Aug. 24 and wraps up in early September. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens is normally quiet, but during the US Open, the center is transformed into a hub of tennis action that attracts thousands of fans from across the country.
This year, the tournament is kicking off with a different schedule, starting on Sunday with three days of qualifying matches before the main draw begins. The first-round matches feature a number of interesting storylines, including how far can last year’s runner-up Aryna Sabalenka go? Can Jannik Sinner bounce back from a disappointing loss at Roland-Garros? Can Venus Williams, 45, continue her comeback?
If you’re planning on heading to Flushing Meadows for the tournament, be sure to check out our guide to everything to know about attending the US Open. It includes information on food and drink options, transportation, and how to watch the action at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
One of the best ways to get to the US Open during its first week is to buy a grounds pass, which allows you first-come-first-serve access to the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand and outer courts. You can also purchase tickets to individual matches. The tournament’s food court is a popular destination, but you can also enjoy lunch or dinner outside of the main stadiums in nearby areas like downtown Flushing. Pro tip: Bring your own water bottle. Glass bottles and cans are not allowed inside the main stadiums, but plastic reusable ones are permitted.