10 best US Open perks and upgrade



VIP Chase Lounge Guests on week 1. Welcome to NYC!
Free VIP lounge passes to visiting fans and followers each year (perk #2).


Our ticket-buying tips and discount codes
  • Buying early is most helpful in securing round 1 and Labor Day weekend tickets.
  • Less stress if you have committed to travel dates and lodging booked.

Buying late or last-minute? You risk paying a bit more for resell.
The trade-off by August after the draw is out. Everyone already knows who's likely playing when and where. There will be a mad dash for the best matches.

How long should you stay for the Open? 3 days or more if you are sightseeing in NYC.
Cover your tennis bases by attending at least 2 consecutive days (day and/or night sessions). That's the best way to see most players on the field. The dates 8/29-8/31 will be a good bet for Rounds 3 and 4.

US Open Fan Week - Week 1 Scouting Report

Tennis-Bargains has returned from NYC after spending the first 8 days of the US Open scouting. We recruited readers to share their stories. We post our real photos, seat shade maps, and impressions on the grounds for all the best goodies to experience.

Watching Felix in action from the front row of the Grandstand

Secret shoppers help us sample all types of food and shops, giving with their honest feedback.


All opinions below are my own as a "Tennis super fan" for over 15 years.

I will not endorse any perks I haven't personally tested, and even then, only if I would use it myself.

To support USA Tennis and Charities:
We dedicate a small percentage of our ticket profits back to growing the game whenever fans buy tickets directly from our links. You help us continue to operate independently and contribute to charity work each year.

US Tennis is funded with each ticket you buy. Along with Humanitarian and Hurricane relief we donate each year. We also collect dollars from the ticket fees to put them back to support worthy causes responsibly.

Charities we have funded with tennis ticket fees: "Tennis Plays for Peace", "The American Red Cross",  "Aceing Autism," and "USTA with Tennis United."


Tennis travel fans can also follow us on Instagram or join our "US Open Fans and Friends" Facebook Group.

US Open Freebies: some luck, some skill - all good!

US Open Fans and Friends - advance info for savvy fans

Arriving at 9:30 each morning, I discovered some lesser-known perks that even US Open ushers and their supervisors needed to learn.

Our email VIP subscribers (anyone who regularly opens and clicks our links) will get priority access to our previews.

Last month, we revealed this fantastic, all-new 2022 feature called "Chase Pass," which offers only 100 daily bracelets for exclusive access and reserved seating.

Sponsor Faceoff: Chase vs. Amex Perks. Chase Wins 3-2

  1. Chase Pass gets you into Grandstand Reserve Seating @ Section 2, Rows M-O (front baseline seats with Chase Logos). Great shade after 4pm! I invite fans and sit with fellow tennis coaches.

  2. Chase Lounge - advance RSVP required. It gets you A/C, fruit cups, ice cream, and more. You can bring up to 3 guests. Enjoy! For a standby waitlist, register at the door at 10AM.

    Best Snacks: Free fruit cups, Kind Bars, popcorn, refreshments, ice cream, hat, and A/C!!

  3. Chase Terrance - Great Snacks and Views

    Elevated side-court viewing just behind the Grandstand, overlooks courts 8/9/10


    Spreading the joys of tennis; Famous World's Fair globe background.

  4. *No longer offered* - Chase Pass for Reserve Seating at Grandstand
    I often sat here watching players like Matteo Berrettini and Felix Auger-Aliassime from the baseline. For Day 1, I had just paid over $180 for a similar grandstand seat just a few rows away. I discovered the specially-branded Chase logo seats in Section 2! Four daily single matches were played here during week 1.


    With our seats, you may get a cameo on Netflix while filming Break Point.

    Buying these seats separately will cost you a pretty penny.


    After some investigative research and asking around several US Open ushers and supervisors, I discovered the special Chase Pass (limit 100 per day) grants you a bracelet that allows you to sit in the first 3 rows (M-O) of the baseline at the Grandstand court for free!

    It was actually outlined on the usher's papers, but many were still learning about it. Most fans had no idea why these seats were all branded "Chase" on the front.

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US Open: NYC Hotels, transportation, and tours

3 "Express" Hotels to go by foot, subway, or train

I've been going to the US Open regularly and NYC for over 35 years! With input from my family in Queens plus tennis friends in NYC, here's our short list of hotels. You can cruise car-less on your next US Open visit.

US Open travelers will stay near the US Open, Downtown NYC, or a hybrid option.

If you are there in August, you may see us there during Fan Week! Welcome back to NYC 2022.
Tune into the NBC Today Show on Aug 25 as we join TopCourt special guests at 30 Rock.

1) Go by foot: stay nearby LGA or Flushing

Spending most of your time at the Open? You might want to be able to walk there and back. Very useful last year in 2021 when the subways were flooded! Or when there's a Mets game playing.
  • Allows you to get some rest at the hotel during the middle of the day
  • Use the "Show on Map" button at the top right.
  • Plot a path on Google Maps to ensure it's less than a 1-mile walk
  • Ideally, look for one that is near one of the bridges or a metro stop on the 7 train line
  • Nearby hotels ranked by user ratings

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Option: Flushing, NY (Chinatown) is just one "7 train" stop away.
  • Opt to walk there along Roosevelt Ave
  • Saves parking fees and time at the game
  • Use Bonvoy points or your free night voucher!
Get free referral bonus points (up to 3 free nights) with a Bonvoy Sign-up from Amex.

2) Going by Train: Penn Station and the LIRR

If you're planning to do more activities in the city and only plan to go to the US Open once or twice, it might be better to explore hotel options near downtown Manhattan.

Going from Downtown to Flushing Meadows?
Taking the LIRR at Penn Station is about $10 and 20 minutes with very comfortable seats and only 1 stop.

Tip: keep your train ticket out so the conductor can punch the card. A nice souvenir from the journey!

NYC Sights
I would spend at least 2 days visiting this amazing city for the first time in NYC. You'll do a lot of walking - so wear comfortable shoes and buy a metro card!

Just be aware that many downtown rooms might be much smaller and/or more expensive than normal. After all, you're in a town that never sleeps! But this might be a positive.

Broadway Week: 2-for-1 Tickets

NYC Attractions

Check out these other broadway shows and sport events (MLB Mets / Yankees) during the US Open

Broadway shows are a top NYC attraction.
Staying near Penn Station puts you very close to the action and near subways. Just remember to book those Hamilton tickets way in advance!

Broadway week starts September 8 - 21.
This event happens twice a year and offers 2-for-1 tickets.
Book online using promo code "BWAYWK"

Must-see stops include Times Square, the Empire State Building, seeing galleries at the MET, and walking above the High Line district.

Pay what you want - walking tours are another very popular option!

Please consider visiting the 9/11 and World Trade Center memorials.
If you have time, take a guided tour. Here is one great walking video tour. A very solemn and quiet area of a busy city to pay your respects.

To stay somewhere a bit calmer than downtown and a bit nicer than Flushing, there is a little secret area called "Long Island City" (or LIC) - not to be confused with Long Island. It puts you between the two areas of interest while keeping prices manageable.
LIC Hotel - Skyline Deck View

For 2022, we opt to stay nearby LIC on Roosevelt Island, where we'll share some spectacular city views. It sits right across the river from Manhattan yet has a few train stops in the area. It takes just a few stops to reach the city.

Express Train - 7X Purple Train (3 stops to the Open)
If you plan to watch any night matches at the Open, look for the 7X. As in "X for the express train."

US Open Evening Match? Get from LIC within 3-5 stops during the weekday evening rush hour commute between 3pm - 9pm.

Express Trains have a Diamond #7 symbol
Local Trains Stops have a Circle symbol.

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US Open Tennis, Ticket Deals for Summer in August

The Start of Summer and the US Open Tennis Series

Our great American summer tradition - between BBQs and fireworks. Professional sports means enjoying a fun day together and cheering on our favorite players. Nothing beats sharing some food with all your friends and a chance to collect an autograph or collectible souvenir.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the pools open, school is out, and your adventure awaits!


Cheaper to Wait? When to buy US Open tickets?

Note the initial offer prices and look for special sale promotions between July and early August. More seats become available during the summer. Deals are usually for mid-week at the promenade seating level near the upper rows of Ashe.

It is our advice to have travel plans set before getting tickets. Having plane and hotel tickets ready helps me narrow down my dates. Next, decide how many day or evening sessions you plan to attend. I prefer two Ashe day sessions for max value so you'll see most of the players.

#1 Most Popular Date - Smart Shopping

Sat, Sept 3rd is the most popular middle Saturday!
Sign up for our emails to get our 15+ years of attending US Open and tennis tournament tips.

You will be notified when special promo offers are announced. The Amex Centurion suite and Chase RSVP lounge also become available for online reservations during the Summer.


"Buy in July vs Rush in August" - Summer Ticket discount trends

In past years, we have purchased 2-for-1 ticket deals and seen prices as low as $30. Sponsors such as Emirates, Amex, JP Morgan, and IBM often have discounted ticket codes. We share the sponsor deals on our email list!

We are neither paid nor sponsored by the US Open, and our opinions are completely our own. These limited-seat deals become available and are very useful if you just want to roam the grounds. More people will start selling tickets by mid-August, making it a buyer's market.



The US Open Series features tennis events held across the USA (July - August)
It signals the beginning of the US Hard Court tennis season. Everything leads up to the big finish in NYC with the US Open in August. Attending any of these events across America will give fans a sneak preview locally for anyone who can't make it to the Big Apple.


I share my personal travel experiences on the ATP and WTA tennis tour at JCtennis. Feel free to check it out if you want inspiration or a sample guide for planning your own post-vaccination tennis vacation.

Full Stadiums, more positive signals from Sports Fans in Europe


Being a photographer on the court and at their press conference, my opinion is from an insider perspective at actual pro tennis events. I watch the conditions and players on the ATP and WTA tours daily. It was an honor to dust the same clay off my shoes as Nadal and Djokovic.

Witnessing the energy and passion of the full Spanish crowd at Madrid’s stadium is the most amazing way to feel connected with a sea of cheering fans full of energy, waving their red and yellow. 

Feel the spirit of Tennis Fandom in person
Like a Champions League soccer match, the entire crowd erupts together in a wave of humanity. Tennis fans enjoyed the clash between Nadal and Alcaraz with stars from Real Madrid soccer players and even the King of Spain himself in attendance.


We heard the packed Parisian crowd again at the French Open in Paris. So far, so good. Regarding public safety and health, we look back a few weeks after these sporting events conclude.

This is the most encouraging sign that major sporting events can return fully this year in a post-vax environment.

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