By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
On top of the other sports spectaculars this summer – the NY Knicks becoming NBA Champions, NY-NJ hosting FIFA World Cup matches including the final – the summer comes to its thrilling conclusion with what puts New York City in the epicenter of the global sports firmament each year: the US Tennis Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens.
It begins with Fan Week, August 23-29 – a whole week of free activities including the thrilling Qualifiers tournament as players vie for a coveted spot in the US Tennis Open, opportunities to watch at close proximity the greatest tennis players today in their practice sessions (I’ll never forget Nadel taking off his shirt), and all the excitement as the tournament comes to life in this vast complex. (Each day has its own events. See the full schedule of Fan Week activities, https://www.usopen.org/en_US/fan-week/schedule-of-events.html)
Take note: New this year for the first time, adults have to register for a Fan Week Pass – it’s free, but you say what days you intend to come and how many minors are attending. (Also note that backpacks are not permitted.)
Another change this year is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation is scheduled at the beginning of Fan week, Sunday, August 23, 9:30-am to 6 pm, celebrating the life and legacy of tennis and cultural icon Arthur Ashe and inspiring young people.
They are very good about publishing the practice schedule for the pro players you are dying to see close up. It is also the best opportunity to get autographs!
I actually enjoy watching the Qualifying Matches immensely, and you get to see the players so close, you can appreciate the skill in a way you can’t by watching on TV.
The U.S. Open tournament runs through September 13, and the US Open Tennis Association offers any numb er of special experiences.
New this year: The Championship Lounge, a premium hospitality club debuting this year at the US Open, is an ultimate luxury experience available only for the semifinals and finals during Championship Weekend.
On Court experiences include On Court Session (an exclusive 10-person private lesson with tennis legends on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court); Courtside Views (watch every point played from 10 of the most coveted seats in the newly expanded courtside bowl); The Overlook+ Access (all-inclusive premium buffet and an open bar featuring beer, wine and spirits); Private Car Service (arrive like the pros with a complimentary chauffeur for an effortless transition to the grounds); Play Like A Pro (master your game during a private hitting session and enjoy one-on-one time with tennis legends on the tournament’s official practice courts); Serving Change: The Billie Jean King Experience (a special fireside chat with Billie Jean King with access to a shared luxury suite at this year’s Mixed Doubles Championship).
This year, US Open Tennis fans will see the unfolding of the US Open’s largest single investment, $800 million, in the US Open and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: the reimagination and modernization of Arthur Ashe Stadium, along with the creation of a new, state-of-the-art Player Performance Center.
The project is self-funded by the USTA, with New York City continuing to benefit from more than $1.2 billion in annual economic impact from the three weeks of the US Open. Combined with the US Open’s most recent transformation project, completed in 2018, the USTA has invested nearly $2 billion into the US Open and its home facility, without using public, taxpayer or government funding.
The transformation is taking place over three phases and will be completed by the 2027 US Open, without interrupting play or fan access for the event.
This year is a year of transition, with fans seeing much of the stadium revamped, including the interior of Arthur Ashe Stadium, an upward extension of the courtside-level bowl with 2,000 new seats, expanding the courtside experience from 3,000 to 5,000 seats; a 40 percent increase to the promenade-level concourse, adding significantly more open space for fans at the promenade and loge levels; two new dedicated luxury suite levels.
Also included in the project is a state-of-the-art, $250 million Player Performance Center, which will provide US Open competitors with best-in-class amenities. This facility, to be ready for 2027, will be located on the west side of Arthur Ashe Stadium, adjacent to the practice courts.
US Open Elevates Luxury Experiences
Fan Week at the US Open is aimed at welcoming locals and regular folk. But once the tournament gets underway, it becomes this elite, elegant affair with scores of ways to elevate the level of exclusive and luxurious experience.
The transformation of Arthur Ashe Stadium is in full swing, particularly with US Open Premier offerings of access tp luxurious suites, premium club spaces and innovative courtside experiences. Packages to three updated luxury destinations for the 2026 tournament – The Blue Room, The Club and The Overlook at the US Open – include admission into one of the three hospitality clubs, and access to coveted courtside seating in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Blue Room: For the first time, US Open Premier guests can enjoy in-stadium hospitality. In addition to a ticket to one of the best seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this hospitality package also includes exclusive access to The Blue Room, located at the former Aces Restaurant in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Blue Room the highest tier of US Open Premier offerings, with dedicated seated tables for a plated multi-course dining experience, as well as an all-inclusive bar. The Blue Room also has takeaway options so you can enjoy food and drinks while watching your favorite players take the court.
The Club (formerly known as the US Open Club) offers a new premium dining experience on the east side of Arthur Ashe Stadium, featuring a sprawling buffet of gourmet food selections. The all-inclusive specialty cocktail and beverage service also includes an elegant cocktail hour with passed drinks. The Club also offers grab-and-go options so you can take premium food and beverages back to your stadium seat.
The Overlook at the US Open (previously the Overlook and 1968 Room) remains at its prime vantage point between courts 12 and 17 but with more premium offerings. Guests have a world-class culinary experience with a rotating selection from chef-attended food stations; open bar service; sweet treats at a grab-and-go candy bar, dessert and gelato stations which can be enjoyed . at The Overlook’s elegant indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Select multi-session hospitality ticket packages are available to purchase now, including full-tournament series packages in The Club.
NYC Lays Out Red Carpet for US Open Attendees
Coming or hosting guests from afar? New York is laying out the red carpet:
Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, an official travel partner of the USTA and US Open, can arrange a customized experience for the tournament, Aug 30-Sept. 13. US Open travel packages are designed to make your trip effortless, exciting, and deeply memorable. Each package includes your choice of hotel accommodations in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, round-trip transportation to the grounds, hospitality upgrades, and exclusive add-ons. You choose your hotel, the days you want to attend the Open, and choose your seats including suites. (https://onlocationexp.com/tennis/us-open-tennis-tickets, 858-675-3555, info@tours4tennis.com).
The Barclay Ace Experience, at the Intercontinental NY Barclay, an official Hotel Sponsor of the US Open through IHG Hotels & Resorts, starting at $7,500, includes: a stay in the hotel’s luxurious Lexington Suite; two US Open Grounds Passes for Saturday, September 5th Day Session (all matches outside Arthur Ashe Stadium); private roundtrip transportation to and from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; tennis-themed welcome amenity, exclusive US Open x IHG Hotels & Resorts swag, make-your-own Honey Deuce cocktail kit inspired by the tournament’s signature drink, in-room access to the Tennis Channel to catch every match.
For travelers looking for a more accessible way to experience the tournament, the hotel is also offering its Game, Set, Match package, available Aug. 24-Sept. 13, which includes upgraded premium accommodations along with the same tennis-inspired welcome amenities, exclusive swag, Honey Deuce cocktail kit and Tennis Channel access. (https://www.icbarclay.com/offers/game-set-match)
LUMA Hotel Times Square has launched the “Sip & Stay” US Open Package, featuring Honey Deuce-inspired cocktails from onsite restaurant AperiBar, and US Open tennis ball sugar cookies from Padoca Bakery. LUMA is located near Penn Station for seamless access to the LIRR and subway direct to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (https://www.lumahotels.com/times-square/offers/the-us-open-sip-stay/).
Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza is offering its “Ace Your Stay” package, designed for guests looking to experience tennis season in NYC while enjoying an elevated stay. The package includes a tennis-themed welcome cocktail, a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability, and late check-out. The hotel’s Midtown location also makes it an especially convenient home base for tennis fans. Located just steps from Grand Central Terminal, fans can easily connect to the 7 train or Long Island Rail Road for access to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
Created exclusively for the US Open, The Langham’s “Between Sets” package focuses on the time when not at the tournament. The program includes: overnight accommodations; access to The Langham Club, including daily breakfast and refreshments; an exclusive signed tennis ball from a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion; round-trip private SUV transportation to and from one US Open tournament session; The Summer Recovery Facial by Estheraphy; and Match Point Turndown. (https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/new-york/offers/celebrate-offers/us-open-2026/)
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park’s “Game, Set, Match” package, is crafted for true fans of the sport. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation to the tournament venue, and specially curated welcome amenities including an official branded hat to wear at the match. Valid for stays Aug. 29-Sept. 14. (Book 7 days in advance: https://www.marriott.com/offers/game-set-match-OFF-207621/NYCCP-nyccp-the-ritz-carlton-new-york-central-park, 212-308-9100, email centralparkERS@marriott.com)
Lotte New York Palace unveiled its most exclusive tennis experience yet: a $100,000 stay that combines VIP access to tennis’ biggest week, luxurious accommodations and a 12ct diamond Tennis Bracelet from Martin Katz priced at $62,000. Available for stays August 24–31 (two-night minimum), the 2026 “Game Set Sparkle” experience centers around the hotel’s dazzling three-story Jewel Suite by Martin Katz, paired with exclusive access for four to the annual Palace Invitational, Aug. 27, the hotel’s invitation-only pre-US Open celebration, a private Champagne and canapés reception for up to four guests on the Jewel Suite’s rooftop terrace, and intimate 30-minute in-suite consultation with jeweler Martin Katz. This experience also includes a reimagined “Palace” Tennis Bracelet, set with 84 round diamonds that suggest the New York skyline. The experience is anchored by the Jewel Suite by Martin Katz – a 5,000+ square-foot, three-story residence inspired by Art Deco glamour, complete with a soaring crystal chandelier, floating displays featuring more than $1.5 million in Martin Katz jewelry, a private rooftop terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, grand piano, and sweeping Manhattan skyline views (lottenypalace.com).
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