On Monday, one of the world’s marquee sporting events is back. The 2024 US Open Tennis Championships returns to Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as the year’s fourth and final Grand Slam.
About 700,000 fans are expected to descend upon Queens for the event. As usual, not only can you expect riveting tennis action from the tour’s elite players, but Flushing Meadows also turns into the city’s top destination for all things entertainment, food, and drink.
Whether a local or a visitor, here’s a look at what you can expect for 2024.
The Schedule
The US Open’s ticketed main draw runs from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8 (including Labor Day weekend), but the action gets going a week prior with Fan Week.
From Aug. 19-25, Fan Week attendees can get complimentary access to the tennis center grounds to watch qualifying matches, practice sessions, and more. For instance, on Aug. 21, expect a tennis exhibition featuring a lineup of all-star players and US Open legends.
With a full array of entertainment, food, and drink available, it’s a preview of what’s to come for week two. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) typically releases the schedule of play a few days before the start of the tournament.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Tennis might be the main attraction, but it’s certainly not the only appeal of the US Open. For 14 days, expect New York’s electric energy and top-notch eats on display in Flushing Meadows.
The Honey Deuce, a crowd-favorite signature co*cktail made from Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liquor, and melon balls, is back once again. Also making a return is fare from some recognizable names: Chef Ed Brown, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Chef David Burke, and Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
Coqodaq — the buzzy eatery from restauranteur Simon Kim — will make its US Open debut. Fans can also enjoy signature dishes from the Korean-inspired Better Fried Chicken restaurant, including a unique chicken nugget and caviar pairing, located on the club level of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Expect eats from popular eateries in and around New York represented at the Open: Benjamin’s Steakhouse, Dos Toros Taqueria, Red Hook Lobster Pound, f*cku, Eataly, Crown Shy, Korilla BBQ and Poke Yachty, Hill Country BBQ, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and many more.
On Aug. 22, the Open’s signature culinary event, Flavors of the Open, guests will dine on a sampling of premium items while enjoying live music and top-tier tennis action.
As in past years, both American Express and Chase cardholders (and even non-cardholders) receive select on-site perks.
The US Open American Express Fan Experience, a 20,000-square-foot interactive space for all guests will return. Also back for cardholders is an Amex Card Member Lounge and exclusive Centurion Lounge (for Amex Platinum cardholders only). Reservations are required for the Centurion Lounge and will drop on Resy daily at 10:00 a.m. EST.
For Chase cardholders, there will be an indoor lounge (reservations required except for Fan Week); a first-come, first-served outdoor Chase Terrace including tennis views, shade, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; and complimentary mobile chargers throughout the tournament grounds.
Expect US Open merchandise designed by Ralph Lauren, Fila and Wilson gear, and much more for sale.
Finally, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, anyone who books a reservation at the following NYC hotspots through Dorsia will get a free Ace Paloma at the Open, a co*cktail made with Maestro Dobel tequila, grapefruit soda, and fresh lime:
- Barbuto
- Dante West Village
- Little Prince
- Lola Taverna
- Mēdüzā Mediterrania
- Cucina Alba
Getting There
While within New York City’s borders, Flushing Meadows is about 11 miles from the heart of Manhattan and located in far eastern Queens. Driving is typically not recommended as traffic, especially near the entrance of the tennis center, can be heavy (especially since the New York Mets baseball team frequently has games at nearby CitiField during the tennis tournament).
The best way to get to the tennis action is by taking public transportation. Attendees can either take the 7 subway line to the Mets-Willets Point station or hop on the Long Island Railroad, providing more direct service from Penn Station, Grand Central, Woodside, and all stations on the Port Washington line.
If you must take a car, an Uber and Lyft pickup, and drop off zone is located at the far end of the grounds, by the South Gate.
For a more luxurious experience, consider a dayboat or a helicopter. For instance, Aman New York has an overnight package for out-of-towners (or staycationers) complete with courtside seats and a boat to the venue in partnership with Barton & Gray Mariners Club. Meanwhile, Equinox Hotel is working with Blade to offer high-rolling travelers helicopter access to the Open.