US Open Tickets - key signals to buy
- Arthur Ashe
- Valued at $200+ for weekdays
- < $150 for nights; < $300 for weekends
- Grounds Passes
- Less than Ashe (should be less than any Ashe Tickets - otherwise, just wait)
- Armstrong
- Ashe price +/- $50 (good for closer tiered seats, smaller stadium)
- Grandstand
- Ashe +/- $40 (best for 2nd or 3rd rounds, depends on matchup)
Are ticket prices too high? Should you sell? Ways to "trade" for another stadium?
- Stick to Ashe Stadium - if you want rain protection insurance with the roof or for a must-see player.
- If Armstrong or Grandstand are only slightly more expensive, get those instead.
- With similar prices, it's better to have a quality seat you can use than a cheap pass.
- Grounds Passes should always be cheaper than Ashe!
1) Arthur Ashe Stadium
A "good price" range for Ashe currently is about $200-$250 for Day Session tickets.
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| Select "BEST SEATS" and slide the Max price to $250 (or $300) |
Ticketmaster tips for the best resale price for the closest seat
- In the menu tab, select "Best Seats" (not lowest price)
- Move the Max Price slider down ($250 or $300 to start)
Wonder how much better seats you'd get for $50 more?
Just shift the price bar up one notch to $300 or $350. Find the best incremental price and best views. Sometimes it's better to sit closer rather than at a corner angle. I prefer the baseline sides.
Just shift the price bar up one notch to $300 or $350. Find the best incremental price and best views. Sometimes it's better to sit closer rather than at a corner angle. I prefer the baseline sides.
Unless you get the 100s mid-level or buy the Men's Final, never pay over $1000 for the promenade outer level!
Check out amazing Armstrong or Grandstand options in the $350-$550 range (below).
Row Letters matter more than Row Numbers!
A-C row letters are always worth at least $50-$100 more than bigger letter rows.
Going from Upper Promenade to Lower Promenade upgrade makes the biggest difference.
Almost as much as going from Lower Promenade to the cheapest Loge seats.
Think of the lower promenade as "economy plus", and Loge as business class.
The back rows (letters like W, X, Y, Z, or ZZ) often have empty seats during week 1.
Those people generally prefer to roam outside, take selfies of the NYC skyline, or lounge around at free perk booths. You might be watching a lot of the action on the giant TV screens.
Short Answer:
- Ashe is the most flexible option
- Access to all the courts
- A reserved seat in the main stadium
- Rain insurance: a covered place to shelter inside if it rains
- Play will continue under its roof, even if outside play is suspended.
Unless there is a specific player and match you want to attend elsewhere, the Arthur Ashe tickets are the safest all-around bet when buying well in advance (before July).
Grounds Pass vs Ashe Ticket
The grounds pass becomes less valuable as more big matches get put on the main stadium. Usually, by week 2, you want access to reserved Ashe seats where most key matches are held.
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Ashe is typically slightly more expensive than Grounds Passes. Yet it grants you a reserved seat (very useful if it rains) and allows you into every stadium. Any of the Grounds Passes should cost less.
The strategy is to roam anywhere, knowing you have reserved your seat in Ashe when you want to see your favorite star player play.
The top-seeded fan-favorite players will almost always play there exclusively and often at night.
Wait-and-see vs Pay-and-Pray? Before and after the official draw comes out.
The later the purchase, the more info about the draw - at the risk of higher prices!
- What to expect before the draw?
Compare matches to last year's lineup. - After the draw and during the tournament:
Use the daily "Schedule of Play" guide to choose your favorite matches during the tournament. - After matches start or same-day tickets: fans may sell on StubHub (instant transfers only)
If you're not picky, I would get the cheapest ticket. Just being at the US Open is an experience.
Then just wander around the outer 17 courts from match to match!
Most matches take about 2.5 hours to complete. Usually slightly shorter to watch the women's best of 3 sets.
US Open Campus Highlights Map
For your first lap, I would first walk around the outside courts. Then go inside Armstrong, Grandstand, and Court 17. Getting in and out of Ashe takes a longer time.
At least one of them has an exciting match. Another idea is figuring out which match will go into a 5th set and then going there for the finish.
Look around at some of the highlights below if you get bored. If you get tired, you can always come back inside Ashe Stadium later!
This free-for-all ticket gets you in the door - great for roaming around outside.
You can tour all other stadiums and over 20 outside courts except Ashe. Sometimes, if Ashe is sold out, this is the next best option, and it is less expensive. Grounds Passes are a great way to go on Labor Day weekend or check out the US Open for the first time.
Look around at some of the highlights below if you get bored. If you get tired, you can always come back inside Ashe Stadium later!
2) Grounds Passes - General Admission
These tickets should be priced at least $20 cheaper than same-day Ashe Tickets. If those tickets become too expensive, the next cheapest option is generally a Grounds Pass
You can tour all other stadiums and over 20 outside courts except Ashe. Sometimes, if Ashe is sold out, this is the next best option, and it is less expensive. Grounds Passes are a great way to go on Labor Day weekend or check out the US Open for the first time.
3) Louis Armstrong Stadium
At Armstrong, fans can sit up close on the 2nd largest court at the US Open.Be closer to the action in a more cozy space, and avoid the large crowds. You get a spot on the lower bowl with these tickets. Best if you're sure the Ashe matches are not interesting to you.
Years before Ashe was built, Armstrong was the main stadium. After the latest update in 2018, this stadium offers much better ventilation and shade for many upper sections.
Years before Ashe was built, Armstrong was the main stadium. After the latest update in 2018, this stadium offers much better ventilation and shade for many upper sections.
Buying an Armstrong ticket gives you a reserved seat up close and is a good alternative option when you would rather have a more intimate view of the players in a slightly smaller setting. Also works if the date you want to go is sold out completely (Labor Day weekend).
What is NOT included?
It lets you watch any matches except those inside Arthur Ashe.
Armstrong usually features at least 2-3 great matches (top 20 players). Plus, you will be much closer to the excitement without costing over $150. If you want the same seat quality in Ashe, it will cost >$500.
It also lets you hop over to the Grandstand (3rd court) right next door to get some shade and grab a bite to eat at the mini-food court between the two.
Bonus Option
Want a change of scenery? If prices are reasonable and you can afford a good seat, I would consider the West side tickets or along the baseline at the Grandstand. See seat maps to find the best places to sit.
This modern stadium layout has closer access to the practice courts and the Chase outdoor lounge areas. Some amazing popcorn matches have happened here over the Labor Day Weekend in years past.
Any Rows A through G seats for sections 1 through 12 would be valuable.
Some would prefer baseline seats here over Loge Level seats in Ashe. It's a toss-up.
Bonus Tip - Be First in Line with a Reservation system
Almost all the smaller courts offer a "first-come, first-serve" system. If you get in line early (gates open at 11AM. The EAST gate is the least crowded out of them), you can move quickly and get front-row seats! Check out our Top 10 tips to see how you can be in the front few rows with Chase for free.
Bonus Tip - Be First in Line with a Reservation system
Almost all the smaller courts offer a "first-come, first-serve" system. If you get in line early (gates open at 11AM. The EAST gate is the least crowded out of them), you can move quickly and get front-row seats! Check out our Top 10 tips to see how you can be in the front few rows with Chase for free.
