US Open Shade Map for Ashe Stadium and Armstrong


Find Shade at the US Open

I have created a US Open Shade Map to help anyone find cooler places to watch US Open tennis matches. The overlay illustrates how the sun will shift the shade line inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

US Open Shade Map
(Ashe Stadium with roof)

Where to Sit to find the most shade at any Tennis Event

An easy rule of thumb to find shade (or at least a slightly cooler area) is looking for the side with the umpire chair. I have sat in many tennis photographers' pits over the years. It can get toasty hot!

The Umpire Chair side is cool!
The side with the umpire chair is located on the West Side for all US Open tennis courts or stadiums. The rule works as long you don't sit directly behind the chair, which could partially block your view.

As you can see in the illustration, the shade line will slide slowly toward the East over time.

Green = cool. Red = hot. Yellow = partial sun.
North gets AM sun, South-East gets some PM sun.

US Open Ashe - Section map of sunny and shade areas

US Open Fan's tip for shade at Ashe Stadium

At the main Ashe Stadium, try seats in (Sections 340 to 324). At the Loge level in Sections 122-136


These will generally be the most shaded areas. They offer cover even while the roof is open. Also, if you need some relief away from the sun, it may be wise to move further up to the top under the roof's edges.

How to take a break in the A/C and enjoy some free snacks!

Chase and Amex offer indoor areas for cardholders - check out our fan tips and review



US Open "Heat Shelter Map". Expect heat indexes into the 90s with Humid Conditions!

Our "heat map" shows you the coolest places to go at the US Open and where to find relief from the sun highlighted in Yellow. Free swag in Purple to help you stay cool. Click the image above for a larger version.

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Chase and Amex Lounges for shelter from the heat
If you find yourself there around 1-4pm, I would suggest going inside (the shaded parts of Armstrong or Ashe). If you need a refreshment, we suggest going into one of the US Open Lounges.

Note: the Chase Lounge will require an RSVP. The Blue Amex lounge near the Chase center is open to all Amex cardholders and has a lot of kids in it with some A/C.

Practice Courts and Food Village
Highlighted in Green are the best shade areas to rest if you are outside the stadiums. The Practice Courts 1-5 have an area underneath that lets you watch the players' practice - they usually practice several hours before their scheduled match there.

Take a rest under the trees or on the grass near the center
Just behind the fountains, you can try to grab a seat on the grass just behind the fountains or under the umbrellas in the Food Village.

If you want to watch some tennis, I recommend getting a bit higher up where there is a breeze or getting under some shade provided under the Practice court viewing area.

Smart Tips to beat the heat
  • Wear SPF 15 or higher, and reapply every few hours
  • Having a hat and sunglasses is also helpful
  • Buy one at the US Open and you can take home a sourvenier too!

Beating the Heat Wave - Sun Safety
NYC in summers past had heat indexes over 90 or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix that with bad ozone conditions (code orange or red), and being outdoors for long is a bad idea. I often hear the reason most fans avoid attending the US Open is that this heat for an entire day can be very exhausting. It can even be a danger to your health if you have any elderly fans with heart or lung problems.

I highly recommend that fans drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and stay out of the direct sun. The time between 1-4pm is the hottest period, so consider resting somewhere cooler at that time.

Armstrong Stadium Shade Map

How to Find Shade under the new Armstrong Stadium's Roof
I recommend buying one in Section 1 through Section 8Below is the map of the Armstrong seating sections.

Armstrong Stadium shade line around 1pm moves toward the Rolex Scoreboard in the afternoon

Notice extra shade provided at the very top just under the roof of Armstrong. The stairs at the corners extend all the way up. Also if you stand on the very top floor near the slated sides of the building sometimes you will feel a nice breeze vent through the building's exterior.

East Side of Armstrong near the very top and at the lip of the 2nd floor has some cover

On the East side (opposite the umpire chair), there is some refuge from the sun if you climb up closer to the top. On the 2nd floor, around the entire perimeter is the "lip" of the upper deck. As long as you stay next to the railings and do not enter the lower bowl's reserved seating area you should be fine.

Similar to Arthur Ashe Stadium, look for the shade on the South and West sections. This includes sections 1-7 and 17-18.

Grandstand Stadium Shade Map

Sections 1, 2, and 3 are partially shaded near the baseline

There is less direct shade in this circular ring than in other stadiums. However, the umpire's chair side near the top of the ring has some cover and offers an easy way to walk around.

Sections 1-3 offer great baseline views and are often the most sought-after for open seating.
The lower bowl area requires a reserved ticket, or if you have the Chase Pass bracelet. Consider buying one if a good match is scheduled there during the day, especially if the good Ashe tickets are gone.

If you want a rest, look for some outdoor seating area entrance with umbrellas along the side facing the Big Globe (in purple on the map). If you want a quick bite, look for the food court area along the bottom level near the east side under the stadium. Options are somewhat more limited here but allow fans to walk over to the P1-P5 practice courts to check out top players practicing too.

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