Yet another "I'm going to the US Open!!" thread

Got the flights booked, just need to find a place to stay that won't cost more than my sons' college tuition.

Likely going to use Airbnb for housing, and plan on staying in Manhattan and taking the subway over to get to tennis.

Planning on grounds pass for the most part, unless wife is uncharacteristically free spendy and wants to try to buy some seats in AA that are out of the nose bleed area.

If anyone has any "If I was going to the US Open again I'd do/NOT do x, y, or z again, I'm all ears.

Thanks!

I plan on going back this year as well. Went last year and loved it! I also stay in manhattan and take the train.

If you're going during the first week, the grounds pass is all you'll need to see enough good tennis to satisfy anyone. AA has the marquee matches, but they're usually beat-downs, and you'll be so far away you won't see the ball.

I suggest not bringing in a bag (ie wife's shoulder bag) because it's a long line to get through.

and bring a big bottle of water that you can refill once you're inside

And cargo shorts, laden with power bars.

^^ power bars a great idea, in case you have to fix a hole in your shoe.

Thanks!

We're going to be at the tournament for three days, probably, the remainder of the time touristing around (our first time in NY). We're trying to figure out which days to go to the tournament...we weren't planning on buying tickets to AA, don't like the giant stadiums. Thinking about going to the tournament on Thurs/Fri/Sat - hoping a little less crowded during the week, and going through the third round means still a ton of matches to choose from on all the non-AA courts.

Reasonable strategy? We are doubles fans, and frequently spend a lot of our tournament time on the dubs match courts - can we assume that those matches will be on court on the days we'll be going?

I usually bring a backpack when I go to other tournaments...I assume that's the same long wait to get searched as my wife's purse would be? Bummer...this year at Indian Wells they were moving people through the backpack search amazingly quickly.

I'm a trail mix kinda guy, myself, but agree with the pockets full of food and water bottle, that's our standard approach. Also have my mini gel seat pad, which makes life in the bleachers so much more bearable, and nicely folds into a small size for carrying.

My wife is surfing AirBnB looking for a place in Midtown-ish, and keeps saying things like "Sixth floor and no elevator?!?" indignantly.

Hmm...she found a very nice apartment in Chelsea. Artsy town.

Redflea said:

Reasonable strategy? We are doubles fans, and frequently spend a lot of our tournament time on the dubs match courts - can we assume that those matches will be on court on the days we'll be going?

Click to expand...

Wednesday onwards is when they start double matches.

millicurie999 said:

Wednesday onwards is when they start double matches.

Click to expand...

Excellent - thanks for that info.

I've only been once (2011) and am going back this year with my husband. I agree there are plenty of great matches on the outside courts, but don't cheat yourself out of a night match on Ashe! The atmosphere is electric!! Even nosebleeds would be worth it IMO. There are some who would probably disagree, but I love Ashe at night.
I think USTA appreciation day is that Friday so if you are a member I think you get to go into an indoor AC'd area and have a free beverage and snack? Get in line early is all I can say. Also, we always came in the South entrance near the Unisphere. Not sure it is worth the hike from the train, but the lines seemed much shorter at that entrance.

Redflea said:

Thanks!

We're going to be at the tournament for three days, probably, the remainder of the time touristing around (our first time in NY). We're trying to figure out which days to go to the tournament...we weren't planning on buying tickets to AA, don't like the giant stadiums. Thinking about going to the tournament on Thurs/Fri/Sat - hoping a little less crowded during the week, and going through the third round means still a ton of matches to choose from on all the non-AA courts.

Reasonable strategy? We are doubles fans, and frequently spend a lot of our tournament time on the dubs match courts - can we assume that those matches will be on court on the days we'll be going?

I usually bring a backpack when I go to other tournaments...I assume that's the same long wait to get searched as my wife's purse would be? Bummer...this year at Indian Wells they were moving people through the backpack search amazingly quickly.

I'm a trail mix kinda guy, myself, but agree with the pockets full of food and water bottle, that's our standard approach. Also have my mini gel seat pad, which makes life in the bleachers so much more bearable, and nicely folds into a small size for carrying.

My wife is surfing AirBnB looking for a place in Midtown-ish, and keeps saying things like "Sixth floor and no elevator?!?" indignantly.

Hmm...she found a very nice apartment in Chelsea. Artsy town.

Click to expand...

THEY DON'T ALLOW BACKPACKS








US OPEN SECURITY PROCEDURES

Safety is one of our highest priorities at the US Open, and we will continue to take every reasonable step to ensure the safety of everyone entering the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center gates. We will once again be implementing several important security measures in conjunction with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies:



1. We encourage you to arrive early to avoid delays and help speed the entry of all spectators.

2. All fans will go through a screening process before passing through the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center entry gates.

3. There will be a limit of one bag per person admitted onto the grounds.

4. All bags are subject to search and cannot be larger than 12"W x 12"H x 16"L.

5. There will be no bag storage on the grounds. For a nominal charge, there is a bag storage facility outside the grounds.

6. Speed lines for those fans without bags will be available at all gates.

7. The following items are prohibited and MAY NOT be brought onto the premises:


•Backpacks
•Hard coolers or like containers
•Sealed packages of any kind
•Bottles or cans (glass or metal)
•Aerosol cans or noisemaking devices
•Alcohol
•Video cameras or recording devices
•Computers or laptops
•Food (except in limited quantities, or for medical, dietary or infant purposes)
•Weapons
•Animals (unless a service animal)
•Flags, banners or signs
•Any materials constituting unauthorized advertising or promotion
•Laser pointing devices
•Tennis racquets
•Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by the US Open personnel, in their sole discretion

Your cooperation, patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we enhance and expand our security efforts to make your visit to the US Open safe and enjoyable.

comeback said:

THEY DON'T ALLOW BACKPACKS



7. The following items are prohibited and MAY NOT be brought onto the premises:


•Backpacks...

•Video cameras or recording devices

•Food (except in limited quantities, or for medical, dietary or infant purposes)


Your cooperation, patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we enhance and expand our security efforts to make your visit to the US Open safe and enjoyable.

Click to expand...

They don't allow cameras at the US Open?

Is this really true? Were all those videos I see on the tube shot with phone cameras? Do they not know that most modern phones are both cameras and recording devices?

comeback said:

THEY DON'T ALLOW BACKPACKS

Click to expand...

Funny how you can have a bag, but not a backpack...if I carry my backpack in my hands is it a bag?

Thanks for the heads-up.

Got my tickets last Tuesday during the USTA pre-sale. We bought Loge seats for our daytime matches - I was kind of surprise they had those available during the pre-sale? I was under the impression it was pretty much only the upper promenade tickets that went on sale? I also saw some court sides available for the early rounds...now that REALLY surprised me.