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Just a short drive or train ride from The Knickerbocker Hotel, the spectacular U.S. Tennis Association Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens is home to the US Open, the last tournament of tennis’s annual Grand Slam, and the only one to be held in North America.
Each year, the US Open attracts the world’s best players across five categories (men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles). This year’s tournament, held from August 28th—September 10th, marks the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for men and women (other sports, please take note!). The 2022 women’s and men’s singles champions — Poland’s Iga Świątek and Spain’s 20-year-old Carlos Alcarez — will be there to defend their titles; and U.S. players-to-watch include Jessica Pegula (currently ranked 3rd for women’s singles), and Coco Gauff (currently 6th). And, of course, it’s always fun to see which celebrities will be in attendance!
Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan, or new to watching the sport, it’s exhilarating to be in NYC during the US Open. Here are a few tips and side trip ideas from our guests who make it an annual tradition.
Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash
Score Great Seats
There are four different types of tickets you can purchase for the US Open, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re intent on seeing headliners, including Top 10 ranking players, thrilling evening matches under the lights, the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, tickets to Arthur Ashe Stadium are the way to go. If you’re interested in a more intimate experience, but with lesser known players, Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand Stadium showcase thrillingly competitive matches between rising stars. For laidback spectating, the Grounds Pass offers lower cost general admission to every court except Arthur Ashe.
If you’d prefer to watch from Manhattan, the stunning St. Cloud Rooftop at The Knick, will be hosting a Labor Day Weekend US Open viewing party between Thursday, August 31st and Saturday, September 2nd. We’re even setting up a rooftop ping pong table so you can get in on the back-and-forth action!
Sample the US Open Signature Cocktail
Made with Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and Chambord, and garnished with honeydew melon “tennis” balls, the iconic Honey Deuce is to the US Open what the Pimm’s Cup is to Wimbledon. Drink one courtside or toast the victory of your favorite player from the St. Cloud Rooftop, where we’ll be serving them throughout the tournament.
Photo courtesy of US Open
Attend Open Pride
Arthur Ashe Stadium will be illuminated in rainbow colors for Open Pride on August 31. As part of an initiative to promote a core message of inclusion and amplify LGBTQ+ voices both inside and outside of the tennis world, there will be a special performance by Gotham Cheer, an adult cheerleading team that supports members of the LGBTQ+ community in need; US Open Pride merchandise will be available in the US Open shop; many players will wear branded rainbow sweatbands, and ball crew and staff will sport special Open Pride T-shirts.
Play Tennis in the Heart of NYC
If you’re feeling inspired to play, Rockefeller Center has you covered. In partnership with Racquet House, our neighbors to the east are bringing back their open-to-the-public court. You can reserve your spot by signing up for Racquet Magazine’s free newsletter, or just pop by to watch a few matches. You may even see some of the pros who will be making surprise appearances throughout the week.
Photo courtesy of Circle Line
Watch Aboard the SS Evian
The Honey Deuce may be the official cocktail of the US Open, but Evian is the official way to hydrate. NYC’s first floating tennis court — which is Evian pink, of course! — will be the site of an exclusive opportunity to watch the Men’s Final on a 3-hour Hudson River cruise, “captained” by former US Open champion Maria Sharapova. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Billion Oyster Project, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring oyster reefs in New York Harbor that we at The Knickerbocker are also proud to support.
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Visit The Unisphere… Finally
Most New Yorkers and frequent visitors to the city have seen the Unisphere from the Long Island Expressway, the Van Wyck Expressway or Grand Central Parkway; from the air, flying into LaGuardia and JFK; or in such films as Men in Black and Captain America: The First Avenger. But if you’re one of the many who have never actually gotten up close and personal with the 12-story tall sculpture of Earth with orbiting rings that was built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, here’s your chance… it’s only a ten-minute walk from Arthur Ashe.
Meet Up With the Mets
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center campus is close enough to Citi Field to share parking, and there are five Mets games scheduled during the US Open. Great news if you like your tennis with a side of baseball (unless, of course, you’re looking for a parking spot). While you’re there, you can take in the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum.
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