The US Open is back in Queens from August 24-September 13th, and you don’t need box-seat money to see great tennis. Here’s how to do it right without going broke.
Buy tickets now, and know your cheap days
Ticket prices only go up as the tournament gets closer and as demand builds, so if you know you’re going, buy now. If you’re flexible, look at early-round sessions specifically. They’re a different animal from the finals: 2026 early-round tickets are running $115 to $366, sometimes lower, while finals seats can hit four and five figures on resale. Check out current pricing on Ticketmaster.
Even better: the 2026 US Open has a full Fan Week, August 23 through 29, with free grounds admission through a free Fan Access Pass in the US Open app (18 and up, no ticket required). There’s also a separate free grounds day, Open for All Day, on September 10. That’s 8 free days if your schedule can work around it.
Know before you go: outside food is an option – with limitations
You may bring food, but sealed packages of any kind are not permitted. All guests go through a screening process, and you may bring one bag per person, subject to search, sized no larger than 12″W x 12″H x 16″L. Backpacks are not allowed (except single-compartment drawstring bags). Empty water bottles are fine, and there are refill stations inside. Small soft coolers with non-alcoholic drinks are typically okay. You can full information of what to bring or not to bring here.
The 7 train is the only way to get there AND a foodie’s dreamline
Consider picking food up on the way or grabbing a bite on the way to the grounds. The US Open is best accessed via public transportation. From The Local, you can hop on the 7 train at Court Square (direction Queens) and take it straight to the venue at Mets-Willets Point. The 7 train runs right through a corridor of some of the absolute best food in the city. Jackson Heights is a surefire bet with incredible South Asian, South American, Southeast Asian, and Mexican cuisine. A quick hop off/hop on the 7 Train at Jackson Heights – Roosevelt Av/74th Street will not disappoint.
The one splurge: get the Honey Deuce
It’s the official drink of the tournament: Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, topped with honeydew melon balls cut to look like tennis balls. It comes in a collectible acrylic cup people genuinely keep. It’s not cheap, (last year it was $23) but it’s the one drink everyone gets at least once, and you walk away with a souvenir. Did you even go to the tournament if you didn’t get a Honey Deuce [and post a pic]?!
Check your credit card benefits before you go
If you carry an Amex, you may be able to enjoy the US Open like a VIP with these perks: a Card Member Lounge, a checkout-free Amex Shop with local vendors, a one-time $10 statement credit on $100+ spent on-site, free court time at area tennis and pickleball courts, and a free earpiece for ESPN commentary.Check your specific card’s benefits page before you go, some of this needs enrollment ahead of time.
Start at The Local
Come through The Local before you head out. It’s a straight shot on the 7 with no transfers, so it’s genuinely on the way whether you’re coming from Manhattan or already in LIC. It’s a great option to pregame before heading over on the train. If you opt for an early session, head back our way and you can catch the afternoon games on the TV at our bar.
