The U.S. Open serves up quite a New York experience every summer in Queens (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
August 25 – September 8
www.usopen.org
u.s. open 2013 slideshow
Tickets for one of New York City’s most grand events, the U.S. Open, go on sale to the general public at 9:00 am on June 9, so get ready to act fast to see 2013 champions Rafael Nadal, who captured his second U.S. Open title last year, and Serena Williams, a five-time winner looking for a hat trick, defend their titles against a parade of international competitors. First held in Rhode Island in 1881, the U.S. Open has been a New York City institution since 1968, when the tennis championship became the fourth leg of the grand slam, following the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Initially taking place in Forest Hills, in 1978 the U.S. Open moved to the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where it begins August 25 and runs through September 8. Things actually get started on August 23 with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, featuring family-friendly clinics and workshops and games and activities, with appearances by tennis professionals and live music from pop stars. If you’ve never been to the Open, you must experience this rousing New York City institution, even if you’re not a big tennis fan. You can check out exciting matches up close and personal on the smaller courts, overpay at the Food Village, and marvel at the beautiful expanse from the top of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Be sure to read the very specific rules about what you can and can’t bring in through the security line, as well as what happens if your session is rained out. And as always, if you buy a day ticket, you can stick around for night matches as well, except for those in Arthur Ashe Stadium.