US Open Grandstand: Opening Day Preview and Swag

US Open - Full Fan Preview & Grandstand Map

After 3 days at the US Open this weekend, I wanted to share my tips and findings with all the US Open tennis fans from around the world. Should give you an idea of what to expect*

Millions of fans will be attending this year in NYC or following it online and on TV.
Our goal is to make your experience fun, safe, and most importantly a good value.

Personal Weekend Experience and Opinions:
Two days of Qualifiers plus Arthur Ashe Kids Day. I witnessed a lot of new things while they were on my preview tour of the grounds at Flushing Meadows.

• ATP and WTA Player Pictures of the US Open
• Best US Open swag and freebies

The Good - Great New Venue and Sponsor Freebies

*NEW*: Our Insider's Instagram - US Open Grandstand Map is now on Instagram
- FOLLOW US for Secret TIPS and info about this new stadium!

Grandstand Court - US Open Map Guide

Grandstand Lounge - hidden secret on the far side
Access up the stairs. Turn LEFT after you pass the SMART car booth

New 2016 US Open Grandstand Court - most-shaded seats looking towards Ashe

Bonus: New Grandstand Stadium

Absolutely gorgeous architecture and a facility designed by Rossetti Architecture.

The flow of the tennis campus now draws crowds in more of a circular path, but bottlenecks still occur at the food court pavilion and effectively isolate Court 17 as it is in the opposite corner from everything else.

A few tricks to save yourself time and sweat: Walk *behind* the new Grandstand stadium area. Stick to the paths at the South edge and West Edge. There is a "secret" back entrance along the South side of the Grandstand...with lounge seating and a private bathroom if you go all the way up to the top of the Grandstand. This is where most of the ESPN crew go to use it. It's like a private little hotel up there.

Also, another optimal and shaded path you can take is between the P1-P5 courts and cut through to see the new Grandstand.

Summary

1) Good = New Grandstand Stadium and Ashe Roof. Great Weather. Lots of Tennis.

2) Bad = HIGH Food Prices. Still not Tech Savvy. Lack of Easy Info.

3) Ugly = US Open Staff Service (not everyone) - a few rotten apples in the big apple...more later

Best Perks of US Open Freebies

Free US Open Game Ball. My favorite tennis souvenir.
Tip: Go early morning to find them next to the practice courts!

All USTA members can pick up this cooling towel FREE!

Get your free US Open art poster
Just show them your pre-sale ticket.

Free Fan! Visit Orlando = Fan Friendly

Go inside the American Express Private Lounge
Amex Card gets you upstairs for Beverages and Snacks :)

Rain Update: Men's Monday Final Tickets ~$80, Women's Final ~$50 on TicketExchange NOW!

Check here on Limited Availability and Updated Prices:

http://jc10s.com/US_Open_Sold_Out_Tickets

$5 Grounds Pass for Men's Monday Finals

You can also get a $5 Grounds Admission Pass to watch the Men's Final at the US Open on the big screens. It can actually be a very exciting crowd outside the stadium. You can actually hear the players' shots echoing, fans cheering on both sides plus usually a better view than sitting at the very top of Ashe.

Tip: Be sure to pick up one of those Amex radios to get the play-by-play audio too. Can't beat $5 bucks!! 

Actually now that I think about it, if you arrive later at night and see some people leaving the match early - you could always ask them nicely for their old ticket. If Murray wins, it might be cool to go inside just to see Andy hoist his first Grand slam title! Enjoy the Finals!

US Open Weather and Ticket Update:

With severe weather canceling the 2nd men's semi-final and women's final, ticket sales are going crazy! People are trying to get rid of tickets as fast as they can tonight - Sell! Sell!

Here's the new schedule:

Sunday Schedule:

Ferrer-Djokovic 11 am, Azarenka-Serena 4:30 pm.

Monday Schedule:

Men's final on Monday ~5PM

Check here on Limited Availability and Updated Prices:

http://jc10s.com/US_Open_Sold_Out_Tickets

USOpenShop.org $15 off Promo Code

*2/1 Update*: The 2012 Rules of Tennis Edition now just $3. New US Open 2011 Tennis Balls, Towels, T-Shirts! Clearance Sale happening now! 

Get $15 OFF $50 on all order from US Open Shop.

Code available on my Facebook Fans only page

Subscribe to our mailing list for this USTA and other Promo Codes!

Purchase $15 or more before shipping, at USopenshop.org, and you can use the promo code "USTAMxxx" to get $15 OFF your order!