Of Course the the non-stop tennis action is a must. Outside of that, what do you in New York at the US Open, one of the most exciting citites in the world, for two weeks in between the amazing tennis?
Grand Slam Tennis Tours have been taking people around the world to see tennis for over two decades, but the staff always agrees that the excitement that surrounds New York City & the US Open is the best thing about our jobs. So without further ado, allow me to give you a few insider tips on what not to miss at this year’s event (and if you aren’t going yet, there is still LIMITED availability, hint hint):
1. Evening Session on Arthur Ashe Stadium: If you are making it from wherever you are all the way to New York City, make sure you see tennis on the main stadium under the lights at least once. From the Agassi-Blake quarterfinal five-set battle in 2005 to Sam Stosur taking out Dementieva 7-6 in the 3rd set late into the night in 2010, there is NO better atmosphere for a tennis match than a star studded evening on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
2. People watching at the Heineken Red Star Cafe: Do I wish they had a bit more options on draft (I think it’s still only Heineken & Heineken Light)? Yes, yes I do. But hanging out for a cold one or two around 5 p.m. or after the last Day Session match on Ashe Stadium is usually pretty entertaining.
3. Side Courts: I don’t care if you broke the bank & got courtside seats for the family, spend some time wandering the smaller courts and get up close & personal with some of the lesser known players. The US Open grounds can get pretty crowded, so if there is a specific match you know you want to check out you might want to keep your eye on the scores and get there a bit early.
4. A Mojito at Mojito: There is no better way to cool off from the summer sun on the US Open grounds than with one of these concoctions. Located on the outer part of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Mojito is one of the few restaurants open to all ticket holders that is not part of the food court. It is a bit pricier than the food court options, but well worth it (the Cucumber & Mint is my personal fave)!
5. Family Fun @ The SmashZone: Actually, strike that…I was not with family and I had a TON of fun here last year. A relatively new feature at the US Open, the SmashZone is an indoor facility filled with tons of different tennis games. It’s a great way to get out of the sun (and yes, the occasional rain shower) and pretend to be Rafael Nadal or Maria Sharapova!
Whatever you enjoy, there is something for everyone at the US Open, so if you’re going this year, look us up, and say hi, you can’t miss our group.
