The U.S. Open swings into action on August 27 in Queens (photo by twi-ny/mdr)

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
August 27 – September 9
www.usopen.org

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 today and runs through September 9. Both number-one-ranked players are in action tonight, with Roger Federer taking on Donald Young in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Victoria Azarenka battling Alexandra Panova in Louis Armstrong Stadium. The other leading men’s seeds are 2011 champ Novak Djokovic at 2, Andy Murray at 3, and David Ferrer at 4, while the women are rounded out by Agnieszka Radwanska at 2, Maria Sharapova at 3, and Serena Williams at 4; 2011 women’s winner Samantha Stosur clocks in at number 7. 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 for eats from the Carnegie Deli, Farm to Fork, Fresca Mexicana, New Delhi Spice, Southern Barbeque, Stonyfield Café, Ben & Jerry’s, and others, and marvel at the beautiful expanse from the top of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Opening day will feature a live concert by Bianchi Musica at President’s Gate, with such other performers as Astoria Boulevard, B-Xtreme, Carte Blanche, Celebration Strings, and Lianah Sta. Ana scheduled for later in the tournament. Be sure to read the very specific rules about what you can and can’t bring in through the security line. 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.