First time to watch the us open: any tips?

Question

i'm a big tennis fan for years now and this is the first time that i'll be going to the us open (just got here in the us last oct 2007). i'll be watching the us open sept 1 and i want to maximize my time there. i want to see as many players as i can. wouldnt hurt if i get to see nadal up close!

i'd appreciate tips on how to survive and make the most out of this day - what to bring, where to go get autographs, how to stalk nadal, how early i should be there, how late i should leave, what souvenirs to buy, etc, etc

any advice on the us open is welcome.

Answer 1

One thing is for sure, you will have a great time. I've been the US Open three times and it's a blast.

My recommendations:

Don't bring a bag to avoid the huge bag check line.

Leave plenty of the time to spare to get there if you are taking the subway, it's a lengthy ride from Manhattan.

I liked to get there about 1 hour before the ticket time.

If you have to choose between the day or night session, choose day.

Spend all your time at the outside courts unless one of your favorite players is on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

You can hang out at the practice courts to get autographs at times.

Practice courts would probably be best Nadal stalking ground as well.

I don't leave until the last match has been completed, which was about 3 a.m. last year!

I think the best souvenir to buy is a shirt that says U.S. Open and the year on it.

And last but not least, PRAY that is doesn't rain the day you go. They won't give refunds. If you're lucky you can trade in for tickets another day in the tournament, but if you're like me, you will have to trade in your tickets for tickets next year...

Anyways, just have fun and make sure you know who's playing where by printing out the schedule or buying one there so you can plan your time out well.

Answer 2

Well the grounds dont open until 10 oclock to the public, so I would arrive aa 10.  Depending on your tickets, I believe the day pass is over at 6 oclock, but not really sure.  Check out the practice courts.  The courts on the west side of Arthur Ashe are pretty protected and unless they are in the closest court, you can get a good look, but there is so little standing room because you wont be the only one there.  The courts to the side of the practice courts there are bleachers, where you can climb up and get a good look at the back courts of the practicer area where Sharapova, and other big names usually are.  Autographs are hard during the event, because the players on a time schedule and sometimes dont stop to sign things.  You just have to be at the right place at the right time when it comes to that.

Take a camera, water (because they ran out of that last year), money, credit cards.  Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, the grounds are humungous!!!  Wear and hat and some sun block, because while you're running around looking for your favorite players, you forget about yourself, so dont get burnt!

Sometimes you can luck out and find a big name player on other practice courts by the east enterance......Nadal if not scheduled for practice and if he wants to practice will just go to whatever court is empty or will double up with hisBRO Carlos and other spainards.

Good Luck, I  know you will totally enjoy it.

Answer 3

aries thanks for your questions.  Ill be going and watching us open first time also...i will consider his advise also. thanks