Tennis is undeniably one of the most expensive sports in the world, but U.S. Open Fan Week is returning to Flushing Meadows in 2023, giving tennis fans the opportunity to experience the action for free.
The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s fan week attendees will get to experience sights and sounds special to the prestigious Grand Slam and spend time at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
One of the exciting events includes watching the men's and women's U.S. Open qualifying up close. In 2021, we saw British tennis player Emma Raducanu start in qualifying before going on to win the entire tournament.
Ahead of the 2023 U.S. Open, here’s everything you need to know about the fun-filled fan week:
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
When and where is U.S. Open Fan Week?
The weeklong event will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the U.S. Open, in Queens, N.Y., from Tuesday, Aug. 22, to Sunday, Aug. 27.
How much does U.S. Open Fan Week cost to attend?
Tennis
U.S. Open Fan Week is entirely free of charge and is open to attendees of all ages.
What events are available during U.S. Open Fan Week?
U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament
The qualifying rounds will feature 128 men and 128 women competing for 16 main draw spots in each bracket. The matches will take place from Tuesday, Aug. 22, to Friday, Aug. 25.
Wilson Junior Racquet Giveaway
Here's your chance to win a Wilson junior racquet.
The popular tennis brand is partnering with U.S. Open Fan Week and giving away 10,000 junior racquets.
To enter, adults must register for a free Fan Access Pass and select a time to pick them up on-site with their kids.
Legends Match
If you're an avid tennis fan, boy will this be exciting for you!
Fans get the chance to see six-time Grand Slam Champion Kim Clijsters and tennis legend Michael Chang teaming up with Caroline Wozniacki and James Blake. The exhibition match is on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. ET.
Please note the match will be held at Louis Armstrong Stadium and is first come, first served.
Stars of the Open
The evening event on Wednesday, Aug. 23, will feature an exciting tennis exhibition for a good cause.
Elina Svitolina, Carlos Alcaraz, John McEnroe, and Chris Eubanks among many other notable players will be highlighting the event.
All ticket proceeds will be headed to the Ukraine crisis relief fund with tickets for the two-hour tennis experience priced at $25 and $50.
Featured Player Practices
This is an exciting opportunity for fans to see top competitors partake in featured practices on Grandstand between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET throughout U.S. Open Fan Week.
The practices will provide music and entertainment for fans in attendance.
To sign up for the experience, you must get a Fan Access Pass ahead of time. The practice schedule will be up to date at USOpen.org.
Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience
Some lucky fans throughout the week will get the opportunity to enter Arthur Ashe Stadium to view practices between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET and get an inside look into the world's largest tennis stadium.
To sign up for the experience, you must get a Fan Access Pass ahead of time.
U.S. Open Media Day
Last year, fans got to experience media day and hear directly from the tournament's best players for the first time ever.
Those in attendance will witness players answering questions from the media on Friday, Aug. 25 at 12 p.m. ET.
This year's participants include Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, and more to be announced.
To sign up for the experience, you must get a Fan Access Pass ahead of time.
Arthur Ashe Kids Day
Arguably the most exciting event of fan week, Arthur Ashe Kids Day is the perfect Saturday outing for families.
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26 and is inclusive to people of all ages. Activities go beyond tennis and include face painting, hair beading and braiding, and balloon artists, among many other workshops.
This year's special appearances include 2022 US Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Ben Shelton. Tickets are not required for this year's event.
A full breakdown of Arthur Ashe Kids Day can be found on USOpen.org.
Flavors of the Open presented by Dobel Tequila
This newer event gives food lovers the chance to taste a wide range of culinary options that the U.S. Open has to offer.
At Louis Armstrong Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. ET, the culinary experience also gives attendees exclusive access to an evening practice.
Flavors of the Open requires a ticket purchase, and attendees must be at least 21 years old.
Sounds of the Open
If you enjoy music and dancing, here's your chance to enjoy these activities while watching tennis.
This open-air, free concert will be held in the South Plaza outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, Aug. 25 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Talent and ticket info will be released shortly.
Heineken Happy Hour
For the first time ever, fan week will host a happy hour experience during U.S. Open Fan Week.
Held from Tuesday, Aug. 22- Friday, Aug. 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (ET), bring your coworkers or friends to enjoy some music, tennis and drink specials.
Fan Week Center Stage
The Fan Week Center Stage will be bringing the heat all week long.
Located each day in the South Plaza from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET, there will be surprise player appearances, coaches Q&As, autograph signing and much more.
The complete listing of events can be found on the U.S. Open site.
