Coming to NYC for Labor Day and would like to go to the Open that Friday (8/31). Are people selling General Admission Tickets outside the complex? Or is it best to get tickets ahead of time?

Thanks

You can buy tickets at the door early in the competition, but by Labor Day most action is on the main courts and events would likely be sold out. You can buy tickets ahead. They go on sale on line June 11. I always get my tickets ahead....the lines are ridiculous at the door.

I see that you'll be going on the 31st....should still be a lot of action all over the complex. There are separate tix for day and night....anyway, if you know you want to go, I say get your tickets ahead. The US Open is so much fun...we go every year. It's an easy train ride from Manhattan.

The American Express pre-sale is going on right now, if you're a Cardmember.

Definitely get your tickets ahead of time. During the first week (the 31st is during the first week), it's fun to roam around the entire facility and catch matches on the various courts, as well as see others practicing.
Lizzie is right about the Amex presale which runs thru Saturday.

Hi mei. If you go every year, any advise for first timers?

We're there for the first week and have tickets to all sessions already(early purchase for USTA members). Can't wait! Appreciate any advise you have. Thanks!

daydreamin, spend a lot of time walking around and sitting and watching matches in the many small courts. It gives you a whole different experience sitting so close to the action. Also keep a sharp eye on the lookout for some of the tennis' big names who might be practicing. Last year, for example, we watched Lindsey Davenport and one of the Williams sisters (I forget which one) practicing for their next match.
During the first week, your general admission pass gets you into every court (including the grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium) exccept the main Ashe Stadium.
One word of warning: Be prepared to spend a lot of money for food and drink!

You missed the purchase window for USTA members....that was a month back, but no worries, you'll get tickets. I agree with the above posters, I also love walking around and watching the action on the small courts...and we've seen a lot of people on the practice courts. I'm a doubles player so I really love watching those matches up close on the non-stadium courts. Even though you're supposed to have tickets in the day for Arthur Ashe, we've never had a problem sneaking in during the day as long as we head to the nosebleed section. At night....it's a different story. You absolutely need tickets for the stadiums at night. You should look on www.usopen.org, there is a ton of great info there. And yes, the food is expensive and the lines are long....my kids loved it too...I had to drag them out of there last year...they can't wait to go back.

charlotteguy, be careful about buying tickets from people outside the complex. My friend got "stung" by the NYPD a few years ago. I don't know all the specifics but he had to pay a nice fine.

One more tip...try to avoid bringing a pocketbook or bag, the security bag check line can also be really long. And don't forget your sunblock. Also..there are tons of great tennis clothes for purchase. Quite a few people wear tennis outfits to the Open...I think that's a little strange, but to each his own...tennis clothes are comfy.

mei is right on with her comments about watching doubles in one of the side courts. Talk about fast head-turning action!! It's like you're sittingwith a group of friends at someone's tennis court on private property.
We get tickets in the "nosebleed section" at Ashe and love watching the matches from there. That was especially true last year, when we lucked in and saw both Federer and Nadel in action on the same day. It was great watching these two pros from on high.
As for checking tickets to get i to Ashe, it's inconsistent. Some years they checked our tickets when we entered the stadium and other years (including 2006), they didn't.

Thanks for all the great advise!

We too are doubles players and I can't wait to see some doubles matches up close. I wish they would cover more doubles on TV.

Our tickets for all sessions are for Arthur Ashe but we'll definitely roam the grounds. I can't wait! Thanks again, everyone.