2026 US Open Tennis Guide Dates NYC Things to Do Hotels FAQ Tickets
The US Open is where late-summer New York turns into a tennis city. Day sessions bring sun, crowd noise, and outer-court drama. Night sessions at Arthur Ashe Stadium feel like a Broadway show with break points.
The 2026 US Open is scheduled for Monday, August 31, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York. Qualifying and fan events usually take place the week before the main draw, so travelers who want a lighter, lower-cost tennis experience should keep an eye on the official schedule as it is released.
Use the official US Open site for the latest schedule, draws, ticket updates, and entry rules:
What to know before planning your 2026 US Open trip
The US Open is the final Grand Slam of the tennis season and one of New York’s signature sporting events. It is easy to reach by subway, packed with food options, and spread across several courts, which makes the tournament feel more like a festival than a single match.
Key event details
Detail | What to know |
Main draw dates | August 31 to September 13, 2026 |
Location | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center |
Neighborhood | Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens |
Main stadium | Arthur Ashe Stadium |
Other major courts | Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand |
Best official source |
The schedule typically starts with early-round matches across many courts. That is a great time to see star players, doubles teams, rising talents, and long five-set battles in the same day. The second week narrows the field, raises the stakes, and gives the sessions a more intense feel.
What ticket types usually mean
US Open ticket options can vary by year, but these are the common categories fans should know:
Grounds admission
Usually best for exploring outer courts and catching multiple matches in one day.
Reserved stadium seats
Best if there is a specific session, court, or player matchup you care about.
Day sessions
Good for seeing more tennis, especially in the first week.
Night sessions
Best for atmosphere, big names, and prime-time drama.
Premium and hospitality options
Better for travelers who want upgraded seating, lounges, or hosted experiences.
Buy through the official US Open ticket page when possible. If you use resale, check whether the seller is authorized and review mobile ticket rules before you arrive.
How to get to the National Tennis Center
The easiest route for many visitors is the 7 subway train to Mets-Willets Point. The station is a short walk from the tennis center and also serves Citi Field.
The Long Island Rail Road may also serve Mets-Willets Point during major events, depending on schedules. Check the MTA website before your trip for current subway, LIRR, and service information.
Driving is possible, but traffic near Flushing Meadows can be slow during popular sessions. If you drive, check official parking information close to the event date. Rideshare and taxis can work well, but expect heavy demand after night sessions.
Best things to do in NYC during the US Open
A US Open trip does not have to be only tennis. The tournament sits in Queens, one of the best food boroughs in the country, and Manhattan is a straightforward subway ride away. Build your days around match times, then add one or two New York experiences around each session.
Eat your way through Flushing
Flushing is one of New York’s best neighborhoods for food. Before or after a day session, head toward downtown Flushing for dumplings, noodles, hot pot, Korean barbecue, bakeries, bubble tea, and late-night snacks.
Good areas to explore include:
Main Street in Flushing
New World Mall food court
Roosevelt Avenue near the 7 train
Prince Street and 39th Avenue for cafés and casual meals
This is one of the easiest ways to make the trip feel local. It also beats rushing back to Midtown for dinner after every session.
Spend time in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
The tennis center sits inside Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to some of Queens’ most recognizable landmarks. If you have a few hours before a match, walk over to the Unisphere, visit the Queens Museum, or take a break by Meadow Lake.
The park is especially useful for families or travelers with early arrival times. It gives you space to stretch, slow down, and reset before a long session in the stands.
Catch a Mets game at Citi Field
Citi Field is next door to the tennis center, so baseball and tennis can pair nicely if schedules line up. The Mets’ home schedule changes each year, so check the official New York Mets schedule closer to your travel dates.
If both teams and weather cooperate, a Mets game can turn a US Open day into a full Queens sports trip.
See a Broadway show after a day session
A day session and an evening Broadway show can work, especially if you leave enough time for the subway ride and dinner. Take the 7 train from Mets-Willets Point toward Times Square, then walk or transfer depending on the theater.
Book ahead for popular shows. For a more flexible plan, look for same-day tickets if you are comfortable choosing from what is available.
Visit the classics without overpacking the day
If this is your first New York trip, choose one major attraction per non-tennis block. The mistake is trying to see everything between matches.
Smart pairings include:
Morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, then a night session
Walk the High Line and Little Island before an evening in Queens
Central Park and lunch on the Upper West Side before taking the train
Staten Island Ferry for skyline views on a free morning
MoMA or Rockefeller Center on a rainy day
For city planning, the official tourism site NYC Tourism is a helpful starting point.
Where to stay near the US Open
Hotels near the National Tennis Center can book quickly around the tournament. The best choice depends on whether you want to be close to the courts, close to Manhattan nightlife, or close to airports.
Always check current rates, cancellation terms, and transit options before booking. Amenities can change, and shuttle service may vary by date.
Hyatt Place Flushing LaGuardia Airport
Approximate location
Downtown Flushing, a short trip from the National Tennis Center by taxi, rideshare, or subway.
Why it works
Hyatt Place Flushing LaGuardia Airport is a practical choice for fans who want to stay in Queens and keep travel time manageable. It puts restaurants, cafés, and the 7 train nearby, which makes it easy to reach both the tournament and Manhattan.
Amenities to look for
Spacious rooms by New York standards
Fitness center
Breakfast options
Easy access to Flushing dining
Proximity to LaGuardia Airport
Renaissance New York Flushing Hotel at Tangram
Approximate location
In the Tangram development in Flushing, near shopping, restaurants, and transit.
Why it works
This is one of the stronger choices for travelers who want a newer hotel feel in the neighborhood. Staying here makes Flushing meals easy, and the trip to the tennis center is short compared with most Manhattan hotels.
Amenities to look for
Modern rooms
On-site dining and bar options
Fitness center
Access to shops and restaurants
Good base for Queens-focused trips
Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
Approximate location
Central Flushing, close to the subway and neighborhood restaurants.
Why it works
The Sheraton LaGuardia East is a convenient Queens option for fans who want a full-service hotel feel without staying in Manhattan. The 7 train nearby helps if you plan to split time between the US Open and Midtown.
Amenities to look for
On-site restaurant and lounge
Fitness center
Meeting and event spaces
Walkable access to Flushing food spots
Short ride to the tennis center
The Parc Hotel
Approximate location
Downtown Flushing, near the 7 train and many restaurants.
Why it works
The Parc Hotel can be a good fit for fans who plan to spend more time out exploring than inside the hotel. Its location is the draw. You can eat well nearby, reach the tournament quickly, and use transit for Manhattan.
Amenities to look for
Rooftop bar or lounge areas, depending on availability
Compact city-style rooms
Breakfast options
Walkable neighborhood location
Access to subway and dining
Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport
Approximate location
Near LaGuardia Airport, with a short ride to Flushing Meadows depending on traffic.
Why it works
Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport makes sense for quick trips, late arrivals, or early departures. It is not as walkable for restaurants as downtown Flushing, but it can be convenient if airport access matters most.
Amenities to look for
Airport-focused location
Fitness center
Bar and casual food options
Contemporary rooms
Shuttle details to confirm before arrival
Should you stay in Manhattan instead
Manhattan works well if the US Open is only part of a larger New York vacation. Midtown, Times Square, Grand Central, and Bryant Park put you close to Broadway, museums, restaurants, and multiple subway lines.
The tradeoff is travel time. After a late night match, the ride back can feel long. If tennis is the main reason for the trip, Queens is usually easier. If sightseeing and nightlife matter just as much, Manhattan may be worth it.
Simple itinerary ideas for tennis fans
A good US Open itinerary leaves room for long matches. Tennis does not run on a perfect clock, and that is part of the fun.
Two-day trip
Day one
Arrive in Queens, check in, eat in Flushing, and attend a night session.
Day two
Spend the day on the grounds with a day session ticket. Watch outer-court matches, explore the practice courts if open, and stay flexible.
Four-day trip
Day one
Arrive, settle in, and explore Flushing.
Day two
Attend a day session and walk through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Day three
Sightsee in Manhattan, then attend a night session.
Day four
Add a Mets game, museum visit, or food-focused Queens day before departure.
Full-week tennis trip
If you are staying for most of the first week, mix ticket types. A combination of one reserved stadium session, one grounds-focused day, and one night session gives you variety without making every day feel the same.
Pack for heat, sun, and the chance of rain. Late August and early September in New York can be humid, and many seats are exposed during the day. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle if current event rules allow it.
FAQ about the 2026 US Open
When is the 2026 US Open Tennis tournament?
The main draw is scheduled for August 31 through September 13, 2026. Qualifying and fan events usually take place the week before the main tournament. Check USOpen.org for the final schedule.
Where is the US Open played?
The tournament is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York. The main stadium is Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Where should I buy US Open tickets?
Start with the official US Open tickets page. It is the safest place to check ticket options, session details, mobile ticket rules, and official resale information.
What is the best way to get to the US Open from Manhattan?
The 7 subway train to Mets-Willets Point is usually the simplest public transit option. Check MTA service updates on match day, especially for late-night returns.
Is it better to attend a day session or a night session?
Day sessions are better for seeing more matches, especially early in the tournament. Night sessions are better for atmosphere and marquee matches. If your schedule allows, try one of each.
Can I bring a bag into the US Open?
Bag rules can change by year. Review the official US Open entry policies before you pack. Traveling light usually makes security faster and easier.
Are there things to do near the venue before a match?
Yes. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Unisphere, the Queens Museum, Citi Field, and downtown Flushing restaurants are all nearby. Flushing is especially good for a pre-match or post-match meal.
Final tips for planning your US Open trip
Book hotels early if you want to stay in Queens. Compare the convenience of Flushing against the sightseeing value of Manhattan. Buy tickets through official channels when possible, and keep match-day plans flexible.
The best US Open trips combine tennis with the city around it. Watch a five-set match, eat dumplings in Flushing, ride the 7 train with other fans, and leave space for one New York moment you did not plan. That mix is what makes the tournament feel bigger than a sporting event.
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