US Open Tennis on a Budget


Here are my Top 3 US Open tennis fan options.This is how to enjoy the best of American Tennis when you only have a limited family vacation budget. Tickets will be on sale soon in June!

*Free* US Open Tickets, Tips for VIP Fans  when you Sign Up

The Art of Tennis Travel
After traveling a few weeks in Europe for the clay-court season, I really learned to appreciate tennis in a few different languages, cities, and cultures. You realize that the love of the sport still binds us all universally.

When traveling to a tennis event, your main expense will be:
  • Tennis Tickets (pick day or night sessions; plus grounds pass days)
  • Lodging (hotels or AirBnB's) - try to book at least 1-2 months ahead!
  • Transportation - get flights to NYC first; take the 7 train / LIRR or Uber (avoid parking)

If you are seriously considering going to the US Open this summer, I would highly encourage you to sign up for my free US Open email list today. It has all the US Open tips, deals and even some 2-for-1 ticket promo codes you should have before frivolously spending your money at tourist traps*. You will receive a series of step-by-step emails every few days and also be alerted when a great last-minute deal pops up.

My Expert Insider Advice - why follow me?
I have been going to the US Open for over a dozen summers now, seen all 4 grand slams, teach tennis professionally with the USPTA and work as a freelance tennis media photographer/reporter at pro tennis events around the world so I can share my years of experience on the tennis tour.

Why are you giving away all this info for free?

Companies like Ticketmaster provide me special affiliate links and limited-time offers that I share here. For each link that you click, I am compensated with a small commission percentage to help pay for my referrals.

When you purchase tickets from my links, it helps me pay for my tennis travel blog, and so I can keep writing free articles and advice to fans like you because you were referred by Tennis Bargains. Plus, we give away free tennis tickets and donate yearly to USA charities. Visit us on Facebook to see some of our recent European tennis trip experiences.

Your final price will be the same whether you buy it from my website or elsewhere, but I sincerely appreciate the VIP US Open fans who come back every year.

Spreading the Tennis Love
If I was able to help even one fan this year find a good deal or recommendation, I would be very happy. We always really appreciate your review and feedback via Facebook messages and email replies. I make sure to read each and every single one from my followers. Thank you!

US Open Tennis Dates:

It spans one week *before* Labor Day until one week *after* Labor Day.
Technically, it is almost 3 weeks if you count the free qualifier matches that play the last week of August.

Priority #1: Narrow your Travel Option and Dates

Flights are generally cheaper mid-week (Tues-Thurs). LGA is the closest airport, with a 15 min taxi ride away. You can also take Amtrak to Penn Station and the LIRR to Queens-Metts station. Driving, you will have to factor in about $20 for parking each day unless you own a Mercedes.

Put it on your Calendar
I have found that the best way to start budgeting for a tennis vacation is to pull out a calendar and then figure out which days you can go. From there, you will likely need to ask for time off from your job or make sure your kids are off school. Plus it is best to share your idea with a friend or two early to make it a true tennis road trip and split some expenses!


#1 Most Action-Packed Tennis Option = Labor Day Weekend (AM + PM)

Getting time off work and school for this end-of-summer long weekend (Aug 30-Sept 2) is easy. The crowds of fans make it a very festive and popular experience. Compare prices between StubHub Fan  Tickets and Ticketmaster Resell to get the best final price.

The tournament always has great matches during the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions (day and night). Usually, there are no upsets yet in the draw, so the Big 3 area usually plays back to back these days.

If you can splurge a little, I would recommend getting Loge or Courtside seats for one session featuring your favorite player. Just be prepared to spend at least $300-$600+ per ticket, but it will be a very memorable experience.

I think this is well worth it for international travelers because they are already traveling so far. To watch Federer play at night from 10-20 meters away at a Grand Slam is magical. You will be surrounded by Hollywood celebrities and enjoy a very entertaining evening.

#2 Best Value Full-Day: Weekday first week Arthur Ashe Day Sessions

Go during the 1st week (Aug 26-30) and buy either the cheapest Ashe Ticket or any Grounds Pass ~$70-$90 for the Day session only. This will give you at least 6-8 hours of tennis if you are willing to roam. You can stay at the outside courts even after the night sessions starts and see some fireworks.

This is the all-you-can-eat Buffet Option for hardcore tennis fans...

Indian Wells 2020 BNP Open: Tennis Tickets and Tips

A few tennis stars out on the lawn

Indian Wells Tennis Garden (BNP Paribas Open) 2020

Pair of Ticket Giveaways in 2019 - Serena at night
Buyer's Tip:

Update 2/20: Roger Federer is OUT of Indian Wells and Miami - he will miss tournaments up to and including French Open!
  • Since Roger is out, people who purchased their tickets too early will be looking to sell it on places like StubHub for cheap.
  • March 14-15, the Middle Weekend will be the most popular and offers a lot of big matches
  • Stadium attendees should seek South-West Seats (Sections 115-135) for afternoon sun relief!
  • Best Value? During week 1 (March 11-17), it is a Grounds Pass ticket - use it to roam all outer courts (from Day to Evening), excluding the stadiums.
  • Military, Student, & Seniors (55+) can receive a 30% discount. Valid on single session Stadium 1 Prime Loge tickets (Upper Rows) only from March 11th – 19th, based on availability.

Sign Up for Annual Ticket Giveaway to Fans

We are giving away tickets to at least two lucky fans of Tennis-Bargains.com on site!
We can offer our loyal supporters great tennis seats, even when the box office is sold out - from CA to NYC, from Indian Wells to US Open.


Tennis Fans watching Nadal practice from the Practice Court Stands
 BNP Open Tennis Ticket for Sale

How to Maximize your Tennis-Time at Indian Wells?
So many players, so little time! If you come during the first week, you can see a lot of players just from the side practice courts. It is the complete buffet of the world's top men and women players.

Tip: Study the practice schedule for the day, plan accordingly. Arrive at least one hour early to get a seat and see the Big 3.

Team Oracle
Often players in the stadium will practice on the side courts just a few hours before their match.

2019 Indian Wells Tennis Garden Photos

For the best experience, roam the perimeter in a large clockwise circle. Enjoy some of the booths, play a game of ping pong, demo some rackets at TW, then grab a seat when you get tired and stay for a while. You won't know who you may run into.


Oracle Challenger Series - World Top 500 Players
This (pre) tournament is completely free to the public and usually features players ranked in the Top 200 of the world in competition for a wild card into the BNP main tournament.

The Oracle Challenger at IW was my chance to finally meet the Asian-American legend, Michael Chang.

Just prior to the opening weekend of the BNP Paribas Open, Michael Chang was present to hand out the Finals Trophies for the Oracle Challenger Finalists!

Palm Springs Adventures

Wondering what to do before or after the tennis matches?
Palm Springs is well known for its resort golf, hiking, and gourmet food experiences. Enjoy some of the best sushi and fine dining around at the stadium's Nobu. Plenty of food choices for any tastes with many 5-star places around.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1-2 hours. Great for seniors and nature lovers.
Snow at the peak makes this the perfect time to go see a birds-eye view of greater Palm Springs.  Be sure to dress appropriately as the temperature can be more than 30 degrees colder at the top!

Joshua Tree National Park
2-6 hours. Hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and wildlife exploration.
I took on a nice long solo trek on Ash Wednesday years ago. Ranger station is excellent. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

The Living Desert Zoo
2-4 hours. Great for kids and young families.
For the animal-lovers and those up for a bit of walking, the Desert Zoo offers a look at the different habitats around the world. The butterfly garden and animal petting zoo are highlights.

Best Scenic Drive: Pines to Palms Highway
For drivers from LA or San Diego along Hwy 74, try to stop and enjoy a couple scenic vistas* just before town. The famous Coachella Valley Vista Point is the final pit stop before going down a long winding "snake" road (keep your car in a lower gear) that descends all the way into town - flanked with giant Palm trees on both sides. Paradise.

Bonus: Native "Bird Songs" of Palm Springs
*See a beautiful panoramic view from above of the surrounding valleys at the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point just a mile up the road from the other vista point. Walk to the wide platform and find the display with two buttons to listen to the "Bird Songs". Played on an outdoor speaker in the whirling wind for a great history experience as you admire the surrounding valley view - home to the Native Cahuilla Indians.
We hope you enjoy Indian Wells and all it has to offer!

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