One of the biggest events in Tennis is coming and we can’t wait
Avid tennis players and casual fans agree that the US Open is electric. A lot goes into putting on the tennis event of the year, so we caught up with two in-the-know Greenwich residents. Eric Butorac, Senior Director of USTA Player Relations and Business Development, and Elizabeth Schrohe, Player Relations and Business Development, were excited to share their thoughts.
Kids in Tow
Think Fan Week. You get the full feel of the US Open experience, and it’s totally free. If you’re considering bringing kids, this is the best time to go. The vibe is relaxed, and you can take plenty of close-up player pictures and get autographs.
Family Time
New this year is the exciting Mixed Doubles Championships on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday the 20th. This will be a reimagined and elevated mixed doubles format, featuring a million-dollar prize. Early-round matches on Tuesday in Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums will be top-notch and a less- expensive way to enjoy a day at the Open.
The Tennis Junkie
Buy tickets to any of the early-round day sessions. Look for upper-level seats in Ashe or Armstrong stadiums (insurance in case it rains). Plan to be at the gates when they open at 10 a.m. The first hour after gates open is the ideal window to catch the players practicing. The best deal of the US Open is the daily grounds passes (limited availability). With a grounds pass, you can access the general admission section in Louis Armstrong, spend the day watching matches on the outdoor courts and watch Arthur Ashe matches on the giant screens outside the stadium.
Date Night—or Day
Wrap up summer with a date night—or day—over Labor Day weekend. Savor some of the hottest NYC restaurant spots at the stands and cafés. Sample Coqadoc’s chicken nuggets with caviar, and wash it down with the Open’s signature drink, the Honey Deuce. Cap off your special outing with something from the onsite Ralph Lauren shop that features commemorative US Open apparel. For an added touch, RL offers customization.
U.S. Open Visit Tips
Plan Ahead for Travel
• Build in extra time for traffic and parking.
• Avoid arriving right at match start times
(11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.).
Avoid Peak Entry Times
Give yourself time to park, go through security, shop, snack and get to your seat.
Check Out The Mets Schedule
• Traffic and parking are much worse on Mets home-game days.
• There is no US Open parking in the Mets lot when there’s a game.
Prep for Weather
•Bring a hat, sunscreen and a paper fan.
•Stay cool at the air-conditioned Amex Fan Experience.
Explore the Shops
• Save time to browse for official gear and souvenirs.
Download the US Open App
• Get maps, live match updates and event info at your fingertips.
• usopen.org
Expert Tip
Before you go, print out the day’s Order of Play to plan your day, allowing room to adjust. You never know when you might catch one of those epic five-set matches.
The Wow Factor
Consider booking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The US Open features a number of custom opportunities to make memories that will last forever.
Consider the Play Like a Pro experience. Spend the day just like a professional player during Finals Weekend. Get picked up by the Player Car Service and have breakfast in the Player Dining Area. Next, spend two hours hitting balls with the likes of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport or other legends. Finally, enjoy a Player Only Shopping Experience before you shower and arrive in your suite to watch the match of the day.
Another new offering is Hit on Ashe. Yes, you can hit on the storied court! Your Player Service Car will drop you off at the Player Entrance, and you’ll be ushered in for a tour and walk the Player Hallway—that seminal place where we watch our favorite players being interviewed as they walk out to the court.
You will then enter tennis’s biggest stage—Arthur Ashe Stadium. For an hour, you’ll hit with a pro, soak in the atmosphere and, of course, leave with amazing photos—all followed by a shower and lunch in a premium hospitality space before watching tennis’s top stars from a courtside seat.
A Special Celebration
For that big birthday blowout or anniversary celebration, plan a grand slam victory by booking a luxury suite. You and 20 of your friends will enjoy special parking passes, prime views and a chef-curated menu. Take the celebration to the next level by including a VIP appearance, featuring top athletes, legendary stars and renowned coaches. From corporate suites to special-occasion bookings, visit US Open hospitality online for an array of ideas and options. hospitality.usopen.org
Eric and Elizabeth’s Favorite Spots
Where to Watch
Eric: The top of Court Five
Elizabeth: Practice Courts 1–5, where players warm up
Dine & Drink
Eric: The Fuko spicy chicken sandwich
Elizabeth: The Aperol Spritz seating area by Court 5 (after work, of course)
Best Day
Eric: Thursday of the final round of qualifying
Elizabeth: Monday of Labor Day weekend (you can still get up-close to matches on the non-stadium court