2012 U.S. Open Guide
The U.S. Open is arguably one of the most exciting sports events of the year, featuring five battles for the title of champion in tennis in the categories of men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles. The U.S. Open is among the oldest sports competitions in the United States with the first tournament taking place in August of 1881, in Newport Casino, Newport, R.I.
US Open 2012
Arthur Ashe Stadium
11101 Corona Avenue
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY
www.usopen.org/
Aug. 27 to Sept. 9
Click here for schedule
Click here for tickets
Getting There
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The U.S. Open is held in Flushing, Queens, N.Y., at Arthur Ashe Stadium, accessible by roadway, subway or the Long Island Railroad. Click here for more information including subway information, train information, driving directions and parking information.
Each match in the U.S. Open is exciting in its own right, but some of the most popular events are the Quarter Finals, the Semi Finals and of course, the Finals. In addition to earning the title of U.S. Open champion, cash prizes are awarded to the winners. In 2011, single's winners won $1,800,000; double's winners won $420,00; and mixed double's winners took home $150,000.Players worth watching this year include Kim Clijsters, who plans to retire from tennis after this year's open; and Juan Martin del Potro who has been plagued by injuries but may make a comeback for the big event. Of course, fan favorites such as Roger Federer will be playing at this year's U.S. Open as well.
Please note that every person, including children, will need to pass through a security check point to ensure everyone's safety. Each person is limited to one bag each, and all bags are subject to searches. Bags may not exceed a foot wide or tall, and 16 inches long. For a full list of what you can bring with you and security measures at the U.S. Open, click here.
Related: 5 Best Places to Play Tennis in NYC
Dining
Aces and Champions Bar & Grill
(credit: usta.usopen.org)
Between Gates 3 & 4
Located between Gates 3 and 4 Courtside Box and Luxury Suite, guests may access both restaurants by using the elevators on the east side of the stadium. Aces offers standard American cuisine and a full-service bar. Passes are required and may be purchase by calling the Billy Jean King National Ticket Center at (718) 760-6363.
Heineken Red Star Cafe
Located next to the South Plaza Fountains you'll find the Heineken Red Star Cafe. Guests may enjoy the wonderful views from the two-story building, keep track of what is happening on the courts and enjoy something off the café's menu all at the same time. On the ground level of this structure you will find the new U.S. Open Collection Store, which features a complete assortment of 2012 U.S. Open merchandise plus a limited selection of Heineken-branded items.
Moet & Chandon Terrace
Imbibe in a glass of bubbly at the Moet & Chandon Terrace, which offers guests an outdoor lounge area. Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne is featured here along with full-service bar options.
US Open Food Village (Food Court)
Click here for full list
Click here for purchase passes
If you want a quick bite to eat such as ice cream or a hot dog or just a drink, then visit the U.S. Open Food Village. This food court features Classic Burger, Stonyfield Cafe, Cuppa Spotta, Grey Goose Bar, Franks and Fries, New Delhi Spice, pizza, pasta, Southern barbecue, Carnegie Deli, Fresca Mexicana, Fulton Seafood, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop, Glatt Kosher Cart, and Sweet & Savory Crepes.
Travel Packages
Arthur Ashe Stadium (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)
Steve Furgal's International Tennis Tours
1350 Columbia St., Suite 501
San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 675-3555
www.tours4tennis.com/
If you're traveling from out of town — or even if you are a local — you might find it easier to book a pre-packaged trip available through Steve Furgal's International Tennis Tours, Inc., which covers the bulk of your U.S. Open needs from hotel to transfers to tickets. An official partner of the USTA and U.S. Open, the company has been in business for more than 35 years providing world class tennis tour travel packages.
T.R. Threston is a travel writer and historic non-fiction writer currently living in New York City. She worked as a travel agent for a number of years before turning to a career in writing for magazines, newspapers, online media and guidebooks. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
