Love Tennis? It’s time for the U.S. Open again
If you didn’t get enough of a tennis fix at the recent Rio Olympics, don’t worry as the U.S. Open is back in town. One of NYC’s most-attended sporting events, a visit to this Grand Slam tournament is a must for tennis fans.
Based in Queens at the famous Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, you’ll get to see all the top tennis stars in action for a two-week long tennis-fest, plus you’ll get to party among celebs, while feasting on delicious food and being entertained by live musicians.
U.S. Open runs from August 29 to September 11 inclusive
The tournament’s just about underway now, as the doors opened on August 29. However, there’s no need to panic as there’s still lots of tennis to be played, culminating in the climax – the men’s singles final – which will take place on September 11.
Getting tickets is probably easiest via Ticketmaster, although you can get some tickets from the U.S. Open official website, or by visiting the box office in Corona Park itself.
However, as you can imagine, the tickets for the top games aren’t going to come cheap. That said; there’s a whole range of options, from cheap seats at single games to a ticket for the entire week’s tournaments, which costs in the region of $2,125.
For this sort of money, you’ll not only get to see every single match-up, (if you can fit them in), but you’ll also get some other added bonuses.
Getting to Flushing Meadow
The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow-Corona Park. To get there, it’s probably easiest to jump on the number 7 train, which runs from Queens to Mets-Willet Point, or you can also take the LIRR to Mets-Willet.
For non-locals who are coming in from out of town, there are plenty of hotels in the area, ranging from budget to mid-price, although if you’re looking for somewhere a little more upmarket, the Hyatt Place is probably a good option.
It’s in a great location if you want a trip into the city to enjoy some nightlife, starting with a restaurant before perhaps visiting a casino.
Rain stopped play?
If the weather is unkind and rain stops play you can either exchange your ticket for credit or you can get your money back. However, remember that if more than 90 minutes of any game has already been played before the rain puts a stop to it, you probably won’t be eligible for a refund at all.
You may also have the option to swap your tickets and get some for next year’s tournament.
Plenty of delicious food right on site
While picnics aren’t allowed, there are plenty of eating options around the stadium. Whether you want a light snack or you’re willing to eat some international foods, your taste buds and your stomach will be treated to gastronomic delights from Cuban food to specialty sandwiches and everything in between.
If you fancy a tipple, there’s a Heineken Café and a Moët and Chandon bar, the perfect places to mingle and chat during intervals.
What to wear
There isn’t a strict dress code. In fact, there isn’t really one at all, so you’ll just have to use your common sense and dress smartly while making sure that you’re comfortable too. After all, you might be sitting for up to 4 hours in the blazing sun while the men slam it out.
Don’t take a gamble with your dress and risk being asked to leave, leave your gambling for playing online casino games such as those recommended by APNET.
Who’s going to win?
As with any Grand Slam tournament, the favorites will be shown by the rankings, so Murray and Djokovic are up there for the men, while Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber are favorites for the women’s title.
However, as we know, upsets do happen, so we’ll be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this year’s U.S. Open.