How To Visit (and Enjoy) the US Open on a Budget, Part Two
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 16, 2007 | Print |
you can check them out here.
Bring your own food.
The security is tight at the US Open, but they still allow fans to bring in a small amount of food. In other words, leave your five course fried-chicken dinner behind, but you should be okay with a PB&J sandwich. Coolers and lunchboxes are prohibited, so you might want to put your food in a small plastic bag - and be sure to leave the aluminum cans behind at home. Only one bag is allowed per person, and it must be smaller than 12” x12” x16”.
Stick with the Food Village, instead of the big-name restaurants.
The US Open is no different from any other sporting event when it comes to food prices. If you want to eat food sold on the grounds, bring plenty of spare change. The Food Village between Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums offers a wide variety of food from hot dogs, chili, pizza, salad, ice cream, and more. Editor Tip: Just because you see hot dog stands all over, it does not mean that they all offer the same price. Dogs in the lower concourse area of the Grandstand cost less than the ones in the Food Village last year. Also, if you want to splurge and love seafood, check out the fried shrimp in the Village.
Forget trying to park - use public transit.
If possible, stick with public transportation during your trip to Flushing Meadows. Parking can be a nightmare, especially for the days that the Mets are in town at Shea Stadium next door. The subway and the Long Island Railway may save you a few extra bucks - and a few headaches.
Take in the qualifying tournament
If you are extremely tight for cash, yet still find yourself in the NYC area during the week before the Open begins, head to the USTABJKNTC (that’s the United States Tennis Association Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) from August 21-24 for the qualifying event. The price could not be any better (it is free), plus you’ll be able to see many stars of the future in action. You may even come across former top players that are struggling to get their ranking back or entering the twilight of their career. Plus, the women who are not planning on competing at New Haven’s Pilot Pen often arrive in NYC a little early, so you may even see them on grounds practicing.
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